By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Enduro vs Adventure
Honda CRF250 Rally (Gen1) vs Kawasaki Versys-X 300 (MY2017)
Honda CRF250 Rally vs Kawasaki Versys-X 300: where they split, and which one to buy.
Out of the saddle for a long stretch, the Honda CRF250 Rally's pegs sit right under you and your body doesn't fight them. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300's tall stance has you standing naturally.
So which one do you buy?
The Versys-X 300 has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Slight edge: Versys-X 300
For the money you spend after the purchase, the Versys-X 300 nudges ahead. The gap is too small to plan a budget around.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: Versys-X 300
On a winding road, the Versys-X 300 comes out a touch ahead. The reason: a sportier chassis. You wouldn't bet much on a gap like that.
Which one's the smarter buy
Two different jobs
The CRF250 Rally and the Versys-X 300 do different jobs, so neither is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
CRF250 Rally
The CRF250 Rally feels light and eager the second it's off its stand. The fairing's a real wind wall. A walking-pace crawl across the lot pulls a grin.
Nils rode the CRF250 Rally in 2017 (NastyNils Testride).
Versys-X 300
Once the pavement ends, the Versys-X 300's tall, upright riding position makes standing on the pegs feel natural. On gravel roads and mild trails, there's compliant suspension under it to soak up each bump. Near the redline, the twin's pull finally comes alive.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Versys-X 300 has the lower seat: 32.1 in (815 mm) vs 35.2 in (895 mm).
- The CRF250 Rally has the lower wet weight: 346 lb (157 kg) vs 386 lb (175 kg).
- The Versys-X 300 makes more peak power: 39 hp (29 kW) vs 25 hp (18 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Real off-road capability
Off its turf: Versys-X 300
The Versys-X 300 belongs on pavement. Don't plan real off-road miles on it.
Don't look for a gap on commuting and a first bike: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
CRF250 Rally
Strengths
- Fun from walking pace
- Big wind protection, small bike
- Tiny turning circle in town
- Throttle you can meter
- Rear ABS off for dirt
Trade-offs
- Engine wants revs, not lugging
- Vague chassis feedback
- Suspension runs out on rough ground
- Cheap bar, imprecise clutch lever
- Underpowered for highway use
Versys-X 300
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth, Rev-Happy Parallel-Twin Engine
- Surprisingly Capable Off-Road for a Small ADV
Trade-offs
- Lack of Low-End Torque
- Short Gearing Requires Frequent Shifting
Known problems to check before you buy
CRF250 Rally
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
Versys-X 300
- Tail/Brake Light Socket Defect (Recall) Recall 17V465000 The tail/brake light socket can fail, causing the light to stop working. A safety recall (NHTSA 17V465000) affected 1,888 units in the US; dealers replaced the socket free of charge.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 6-year-old CRF250 Rally with a 6-year-old Versys-X 300.
- CRF250 Rally
- about $4,300
- Versys-X 300
- about $3,500
At six years old, the Honda CRF250 Rally sits around $4,300 while the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 lands near $3,500. That's an $800 gap in the Versys-X 300's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
Where the spec sheets split
| CRF250 Rally | Versys-X 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 35.2 in (895 mm) | 32.1 in (815 mm) |
| Wet weight | 346 lb (157 kg) | 386 lb (175 kg) |
| CRF250 Rally | Versys-X 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 249 cc | 296 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder | Parallel twin |
| Power | 25 hp (18 kW) | 39 hp (29 kW) |
| Torque | 17 lb-ft (22 Nm) | 19 lb-ft (26 Nm) |
| CRF250 Rally | Versys-X 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 2.7 US gal (10.1 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| CRF250 Rally | Versys-X 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 3.00-21 | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 120/80-18 | 130/80-17 |
| Ground clearance | 10.6 in (270 mm) | 7.1 in (180 mm) |
| Front travel | 11.0 in (279 mm) | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
| Rear travel | 10.3 in (262 mm) | 5.8 in (148 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| CRF250 Rally | Versys-X 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Slipper Clutch | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
