Kawasaki previews Versys 1100
Kawasaki have revealed that their largest Versys touring model is going larger for 2025, with an increase in engine capacity and other tweaks added. These changes only apply to the litre-class Versys 1000, with the smaller Versys-X 300 and Versys 650 unchanged for 2025 at this stage.
From 1000 to 1100
Introduced in 2012 as the Versys 1000, the road-focussed adventure tourer’s rebrand as Versys 1100 reflects its change in engine capacity. The existing 1043cc DOHC inline four has been upsized to 1099cc, but whether this has been achieved through bore, stroke or a combination of the two has yet to be officially revealed (specs and further details are still to come). However, some sources are stating the capacity increase has been achieved with a longer stroke.
Additionally, those same sources say compression has increased from 10.3:1 to 11.8:1, although Kawasaki don’t mention this in their press release.
The increased capacity improves peak power from 88.2kW to a claimed 99.2kW (118hp to 133hp), with Kawasaki adding that the engine now delivers stronger mid-rpm performance and increased power at high rpm, providing increased comfort on the highway.
Beyond a mention of “strong torque” at all rev levels, Kawasaki don’t put a number on the increase in peak torque with the 56cc increase in engine capacity, but third-party sources list it at 112Nm. This compares to the Versys 1000’s maximum of 102Nm.
Fuel capacity remains at 21 litres, although advanced ECU programming is said to make the larger engine more efficient.
Revised gearing, improved KQS
An assist & slip clutch carries over from the Versys 1000, but gearing in the six-speed transmission has been revised to suit the 1099cc engine. Additionally, the ‘KQS’ Kawasaki up-and-down quickshifter has been recalibrated to now operate from as low as 1500pm (previously 2500pm). Kawasaki say this change better suits slow speed riding when in traffic or on poor quality roads.
To suit long-haul riding, the Versys 1100 comes with a suite of electronic rider aids, which carry over from the Versys 1000, but with a few tweaks to suit the engine changes.
Operating off a six-axis IMU, these aids include KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function) and KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-Lock Braking System). Electronic cruise control, traction control and electronic throttle valve operation are also part of this package.
Of all these, KIBS is perhaps the most impressive, modulating brake pressure to deliver much smoother braking and reduced pitching compared to traditional ABS systems. KCMF optimises the engine power through KTRC and brake pressure through KIBS to enable riders to hold a smooth, consistent line when cornering. KTRC can be deactivated, too.
Yet to be confirmed for Australian-release versions of the Versys 1100 is KECS (Kawasaki Electronically Controlled Suspension) that’s based on Showa’s ‘Skyhook’ technology. This system automatically adjusts suspension travel to suit the road surface and riding conditions.
On the current Versys 1000, the “long travel” suspension is made up of a 43mm USD front end with rebound and preload adjustability, offering 150mm of travel, and a back-link monoshock rear, also with rebound and preload adjustability, offering 152mm travel. This combination is likely to carry over to the Versys 1100. Seventeen-inch wheels carry over from the Versys 1000, too.
While the information released so far makes no mention of the Versys 1100's front brake package (the Versys 1000 has dual 310mm discs with 4-piston calipers), it confirms the rear brake disc has been increased from 250mm to 260mm, with a single-piston caliper.
Adjustability to suit
Early information suggests the four selectable riding modes from the Versys 1000 – Sport, Road, Rain and Rider – will remain for the 1100, as will selectable high and low power mode options. Most of these modes are self-explanatory, but ‘Rider’ allows individual control of KTRC and KIBS intervention.
Modes are adjustable - and viewable with other key data, like gear position, fuel level, etc. - via a colour TFT screen that has had a makeover in terms of how information is displayed, compared to the Versys 1000. This screen is combined with an analogue revcounter and the usual array of warning lights.
A USB-C port on the left-hand handlebar replaces the Versys 1000’s DC outlet, allowing phones or standalone GPS devices to be more easily added.
LED lighting is used throughout and includes the innovative cornering lights. Made up of three lights on each side of the fairing, these increase illumination (from one to two to three) as lean angle increases, thus better illuminating a rider’s path through the corner.
Smartphone connectivity remains, via Kawasaki’s Rideology the App, allowing bike information and riding logs to be viewed on your phone. For the Versys 1100, voice command functionality for the app is listed, but whether it’ll be available for the Australian market is TBC.
Coming in 2025
With the Versys 1000 currently sold here in a single ‘S’ specification (an ‘SE’ version is offered in other markets), this will presumably be unchanged for the Versys 1100. Standard items on the Versys 1000 S include the KQS quickshifter, LED cornering lights, riding modes and integrated smartphone connectivity, along with handguards and a manually adjustable windscreen. Panniers, a topbox and other touring accessories are optional.
With the Versys 1000 currently priced from $21,000 (approx.), the Versys 1100, with its increased engine capacity and other changes, should add a small premium to this. Pricing, full specs and further details for the new model will be revealed closer to local release.
