2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT ABS First Look [8 Fast Facts]

January 2, 2025

Kawasaki’s long-legged sport-tourer is back with significant updates. The 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT ABS gets a displacement boost, electronics enhancements, and additional equipment. Returning is the long-travel (nearly six inches at each wheel) Showa suspension with Kawasaki’s semi-active suspension software and hardware, which makes for a smooth ride in a broad range of conditions. So, let’s see what’s new with the street-only, ADV-styled sport tourer.

The stroke of the 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100’s DOHC inline-four has been increased by 3mm. The result is a motor that displaces 1099cc, which is what you expect from an engine described as an 1100.

The motor has been retuned, focusing on increasing power and throttle response from idle to midrange. Updates working on that goal include two 1.7-inch-longer airbox intake funnels, a narrower intake port, new cam profiles, updated EFI settings, and a heavier flywheel. There are also new Keihin throttle bodies that are lighter than last year, while retaining the 38mm diameter.

The 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100’s gear ratios have been juggled for stronger acceleration and lower cruising rpm. Cogs 1 through 4 benefit from lower overall gearing. 5th and 6th speeds are longer internally and overall, so the motor is more relaxed on the open road.

The quickshifter engine speed operating range has been increased. The quickshifter now works at engine speeds as low as 1500 rpm, a drop of 1000 rpm from last year.

With a bit more speed comes a braking boost. The rear disc on the 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 is now a 260mm platter, up 10mm from last year.

The cockpit gets a USB-C outlet. That means more power to whatever device is connected.

Rideology The App gets an update. You can now use voice commands for the app that connects your smartphone to the dash via Bluetooth.

The price of the 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT ABS has been kept below $20k. The list price is $19,499, and it is available in one colorway—Metallic Graphite Gray / Metallic Diablo Black.

We have tested the Kawasaki Versys 1000.

2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT ABS Specs

ENGINE

Type: Inline-4
Displacement: 1099cc
Bore x stroke 77.0 x 59.0mm
Maximum torque: 75 ft-lbs @ 7500 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.8:1
Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 vpc
Fuel management: EFI w/ four Keihin 38mm throttle bodies
Transmission: 6-speed
Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ slip and assist functions
Final drive: Sealed chain

CHASSIS

Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable semi-active inverted 43mm cartridge fork; 5.9 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted, fully adjustable semi-active shock; 5.9 inches
Tires: Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T31
Front tire: 120/70 x 17
Rear tire: 190/50 x 17
Front brake: 310mm semi-floating discs w/ radially mounted monobloc calipers and radial-pump master cylinder
Rear brake: 260mm disc w/ single-piston caliper
ABS: Kawasaki Intelligent ABS

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES