New Kawasaki Versys 1100 revealed for 2025

Kawasaki’s Versys 1000 has been with us in its current form since 2019, and in fact, the 1043cc powerplant has hardly changed since the model was introduced back in 2012.

However, what we once described as being at the ‘fast-and-furious end of the adventure bike spectrum’ has since been overtaken by rivals from Ducati, BMW, KTM, and Suzuki when it comes to sporty thrills in a comfortable package.

That’s not to say the current Versys 1000 is a bad bike, far from it. I just spent two weeks on one riding 5000 miles around Europe, two-up and fully loaded, and it was one of the most comfortable riding experiences I’ve ever had.

The seat and ergos are plush, the engine is ridiculously smooth, and the electronic suspension (on the SE version) worked to maintain an excellent ride quality.

So, in my mind not much needs to change with the Versys, although an extra hit of power wouldn’t hurt . It’s a heavy bike, and with luggage and pillion, it does start to run out of breath.

And apparently Kawasaki agrees, because that’s exactly what the new Versys 1100 is all about.

This is what’s new.

Larger capacity, more power

One of the most important changes is the fact the number that follows the name Versys is now bigger, which naturally means it’s better. The reason for this name change is the boost in capacity from 1043cc to 1099cc, thanks to a 3mm longer stroke.

This sees peak power clock in at 133.1bhp compared to the previous 118.3bhp, with Kawasaki saying that it’s focused the increased power on usability in the mid-range, which should make those overtakes easier two-up.

This goes for the torque figures too, with revised intake ports and funnels, new connector pipes between the exhaust headers, lower lift cams, and revised ECU settings bringing the peak torque from 102Nm to 112Nm, and again Kawasaki says most of the improvement will be found in the mid-range.

In addition, Kawasaki has installed a heavier flywheel and a secondary balancer to reduce excess vibrations although, with the current Versys 1000 being one of the least vibey bikes on the market, it’s hard to imagine it being any smoother.

Other changes

Alongside these engine tweaks is… not a whole lot else, really. An oil cooler has been added to keep the temperatures low, the quickshifter now functions from 1,500rpm, and there are revised upper gear ratios for easier cruising.

The rear brake disc also grows from 250mm to 260mm, and there’s now a USB-C port as standard.

Versys 1100 availability

The Kawasaki Versys 1100 will be available in dealers from December 2024. Prices start at £11,899 for the base model, rising to £15,649 for the Showa semi-active electronic suspension-equipped Versys 1100 SE.

Colours include the combos of Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Diablo Black, Metallic Graphite Gray / Metallic Diablo Black, or Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Gray / Metallic Diablo Black.

You can read our review of the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 by clicking here.