From our Old Bike Archives – Issue 123 – first published in 2025.
Ride impressions: Jim Scaysbrook • Photos: Mat Clancy, Kawasaki Australia
When we tested the Versys 1000 SE back in 2019, it had already been around for seven years. And in 1100 form it’s still going – stronger than ever.
In that 2019 test, I analysed the Verseys’ personality as “James Bond. Utterly efficient, resourceful, handsome, and somewhat inscrutable.” The current version embodies all that, and quite a bit more. Worldwide, three versions of the Versys 1100 are marketed – the standard version, the S and the SE. Here in Oz, we get just the S model, so we’ll concentrate on that.
The Versys is primarily a big tourer – at home on the road (all sorts of roads), comfortable, reliable, with that wonderful four-cylinder engine, bumped up from 1043cc to 1099cc via a 3mm longer stroke, delivering a greater serving of mid-to-high range torque and poking out 135 PS instead of 120 PS. There’s also an updated quick-shifter for the six-speed gearbox which has revised gear ratios, all designed to happily accommodate extra carrying capacity.
At the heart of the matter is an aluminium twin-tube frame using the engine as a stressed member, mounted to the frame in four places. The frame is actually made up of five cast aluminium sections; the steering head, left and right main frames, and two cross members. Connecting all this to the road is long-travel suspension at both ends. Up front is a 43mm inverted cartridge-type fork with 150mm of travel, adjustable for rebound damping and preload, both of which can be set on the right-side fork top. The rear shock and linkage is positioned above the swinging arm, also delivering 150mm travel and adjustable rebound damping. A remote pre-load adjuster means changes for different loads can be made easily by hand.
310mm front discs are coupled to opposed 4-piston radially-mounted monobloc calipers which have different diameter pistons; 32mm in the upper and 30mm in the lower set. The rear brake disc has been increased by 10mm to 260mm to match the increased engine performance. As well as standard ABS, both brakes are equipped with Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-lock Brake System (KIBS).
The windshield has a centrally-located vent to reduce buffeting, and the height can be adjusted by the rider using two knobs inside the screen. The fairing itself has been designed for comfort, performance and good looks, with particular attention paid to strategically directing air flow into the right places.
Two seats are available. The High (840mm) Seat has thicker urethane cushioning and provides taller riders with a more relaxed knee bend, while the Low Seat is 20mm closer to the ground. A lightweight resin-construction rear carrier is standard equipment and can carry the accessory 47 litre top case which is large enough to hold two full-face helmets. The Versys 1100 S is able to accommodate both an accessory top case and panniers simultaneously, both of which are lockable with the ignition key. Other practical touches include LED fog lamps, hand shields and heated grips, a radiator protector and frame sliders and engine protection covers.
LED lighting is fitted front and rear, with cornering lights built into the fairing. In terms of rider features, a USB-C outlet is standard, with a DC socket located in the cockpit to power electronic devices. A practical centre-stand is also standard. An analogue-style tachometer is complemented by a high-grade full colour TFT LCD screen. Handlebar switches put all mode selection and display options at the rider’s fingertips. There is also Smartphone connectivity with Voice Command.
A rather unique feature is what Kawasaki call Highly Durable Paint which is used on the fuel tank, left and right side cowls, and both side covers. This allows certain types of scratches to repair themselves, which in some cases, can take up to one week.
Once out on the road, the pleasure of that initial ride six years ago came quickly back. The Versys engine is a gift, and the transmission likewise. The Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) really is outstanding, and in the 1100 version, has been updated to function at engine speeds as low as 1500rpm, which is about idle speed. This means incredibly smooth, seamless shifts up and down, giving both rider and passenger a much easier time, especially in traffic and when fully loaded. It takes no time at all to get used to it, and once you do, the clutch lever receives very little use.
All in all, the Versys 1100 S is a stylish and sophisticated machine that will take you almost anywhere in sublime comfort. The fact that it has only required subtle improvements in over thirteen years of production is testament to the soundness of the original design.
2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 S – Specifications
Engine: 4 cylinder DOHC, 16-vales liquid cooled.
Displacement: 1099cc
Compression ratio: 11.8:1
Fuel supply: EFI, 4 x 38mm.
Lubrication: Wet sump
Ignition: Digital
Max power: 99.0 kW (135 PS) at 9,000 rpm
Max torque: 112.0 Nm at 7,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed, chain final drive
Frame: Aluminium twin-tube.
Suspension: Front: 43mm inverted forks 150mm travel.
Rear: Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged. 152mm travel.
Tyres: Front: 120/70ZR 17; Rear: 180/55ZR 17.
Brakes: Front: 2 x semi-floating 310mm discs, radial-mount 4-piston calipers.
Rear: 1 x 260mm disc, single-piston caliper.
Seat height: 840mm
Wet weight: 257kg
Wheelbase: 1520mm
Colours: Metallic Graphite Gray/ Metallic Diablo Black.
Price (AU): $23,970.00* Ride Away (2025).
Versys 1100 S Genuine Accessory list
Tank Pad: $10.10
KQR 28 litre pannier set: $294.00
KQR 28 litre pannier fitting kit: $205.67
KQR 47 litre Top Case Base Plate: $125.99
KQR 47 litre Top Case: $399.99
Ergo-fit Reduced Reach Seat: $577.78
*All prices quoted are as of July 2025.
