Kawasaki revamped its flagship adventure-touring model, the 2025 Versys 1100 SE LT, with a larger engine, improved electronics, and increased comfort. Kawasaki offers three adventure-touring models Stateside: the lightweight Versys-X 300, the middleweight Versys 650, and the top-tier Versys 1100. The 1100 SE LT receives premium features including electronically adjustable suspension, heated grips, cornering lights, hand guards, and a USB-C charging port. Kawasaki only offers the up-spec Versys 1100 SE LT in the American market for 2025. In Europe, lower-spec Versys 1100 and Versys 1100 S models are available.

In the past, we have labeled the Versys platform as a jack-of-all-trades; it is where the name comes from: a portmanteau of the words “versatile” and “system.” The new 1100 has increased comfort and performance and now offers desirable add-ons as standard. But the SE LT’s premium features come at a premium cost of $19,499. At that price, the 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT has stiff competition in the adventure-touring segment. Nearly every major manufacturer offers a luxury tourer including the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+, Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES, Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, BMW S 1000 XR, Ducati Multistrada, and Triumph Tiger 1200. The SE LT’s MSRP falls right in the middle of these.EngineThe jewel of the Versys 1100 is the now larger, 1099cc DOHC liquid-cooled inline-four engine with a claimed 133 hp. Bore and stroke measurements are 77.0 x 59.0mm. The larger displacement was achieved by increasing the stroke by 3mm. But Kawasaki didn’t stop there. The piston shape has been revised to match the longer stroke, and Kawasaki claims the new design also increases durability. A new oil cooler located at the front of the bike improves cooling performance, and the engine is 3.3mm (0.1 inch) taller overall due to the increased displacement.

Power gains were not solely achieved through displacement creep. Kawasaki made many internal revisions to suit the larger engine, increase performance, and improve total power output. Narrower intake ports have been optimized for the new 38mm throttle bodies and larger engine displacement. New cam profiles have lower valve lift than before to increase low and midrange torque, and new valve springs have been revised to match the new valve lift. Updated ECU settings were optimized for the new engine.ElectronicsA major highlight of the 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT is the electronics package. A TFT/LCD display provides access to three preset ride modes (Sport, Road, Rain), one customizable ride mode (Rider), three levels of traction control, two power modes (Full, Low), and electronically adjustable suspension. Additional rider aids include Kawasaki Cornering Management Function, nonswitchable ABS, cruise control, and heated grips. A Bosch IMU works in conjunction with Kawasaki Original Software as an additional layer of precision to the Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) and Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS).

The Versys 1100 features Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF). The system utilizes programming and hardware to provide the ECU with real-time engine and chassis dynamics that are monitored throughout a corner. KCMF utilizes data from the KTRC, KECS (more on this system below), and KIBS systems to modulate brake force and engine power throughout a corner to “ensure smooth transitions and help riders maintain their intended line.”Additionally, the 2025 Versys 1100 SE LT features Kawasaki’s latest Rideology Bluetooth smartphone connectivity software. The newest version provides voice-command technology allowing riders to control the app hands-free. The Rideology app provides access to general vehicle information, maintenance schedule, GPS, phone notifications, and vehicle tuning, where riders can adjust power modes, ride modes, and suspension settings.ChassisThe 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT chassis consists of a highly rigid aluminum twin-tube frame, Showa suspension, four-piston Monoblock calipers, and 17-inch wheels. Kawasaki utilizes the engine as a stressed member on the Versys 1100. The five-piece cast aluminum frame consists of a steering stem, a left and right main frame, and two crosspieces. Four engine mounts are used; three are rigid while the upper rear crankcase mount is rubber. A centerstand is standard equipment on the 2025 Versys 1100 SE LT, expediting maintenance and roadside repairs.

Suspension components include a fully adjustable 43mm Showa cartridge fork and a horizontal back-link Showa BFRC shock with Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) technology. Wheel travel is 5.9 inches at both ends. On the fork, rebound and compression damping are adjusted electronically. Preload can be adjusted at the bottom of the left fork leg. On the shock, all adjustments are done electronically.

Stopping the Versys1100 is a pair of four-piston Monoblock calipers with 310mm discs. The rear brake system now features a larger 260mm disc with a single-piston caliper. Both brake systems feature nonadjustable ABS and Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS). The KIBS is a multi-sensing system that monitors wheel speed, front caliper hydraulic pressure, throttle position, engine speed, clutch actuation, and gear position; reducing rear-wheel lift and monitoring back torque. A pair of 17-inch six-spoke cast wheels are fitted with Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T31 tires.

The rider triangle is upright and spacious, making the Versys 1100 comfortable in all riding conditions. A large, step-shaped seat provides plenty of support and comfort when going the distance. Seat height is 33.1 inches. The cockpit is equipped with touring amenities such as heated grips, cruise control, an adjustable windscreen, and two power outlets. A 5.5-gallon fuel tank remains for 2025, and provides adequate range for long-distance touring.

Aggressive Kawasaki Sugomi styling is a staple on the Versys, the 1100 looks nearly identical to the 1000. Wide fairings and a large cowl provide great wind protection for the rider. The Versys 1100 features full LED lighting and cornering lights come standard. A pair of 28-liter saddlebags feature a one-key system and provide enough storage for two overnight bags (one on each side) but lack the space to fit my Airoh Commander 2 adventure bike helmet.The 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT is available in Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Diablo Black for $19,499.

Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension With Skyhook ControlKawasaki Electronic Control Suspension provides electronically adjustable preload, rebound, and compression. Three payload modes are available; Rider only, Rider with luggage, Rider with passenger and luggage. KECS electronically adjusts damping according to suspension stroke speed and vehicle speed with a one millisecond reaction time. Stroke sensors on the suspension components provide compression data and real-time stroke speed allowing the system to make micro damping adjustments depending on the mode and road surface via solenoids that control each circuit. In the shock, adjustments are generated in an external Damping Force Chamber. Compression and rebound adjustments are made independently, allowing the main piston to work like a pump as it pushes oil toward the valves and eliminates pressure balance fluctuations and cavitation.What Is the Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT Like to Ride?We spent two days riding the Versys 1100 SE LT on long stretches of highway, twisty mountain passes, city streets, and even a dirt road. After loading up the 28-liter saddlebags with an overnight pack, we departed from Kawasaki HQ in Southern California to Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico. Our journey began with a long stint down the 5 freeway as we headed south toward the USA-Mexico border. It was a perfect opportunity to test the Versys 1100′s highway performance and rider comfort. Two areas Kawasaki focused on when designing the new 1100.

A manually adjustable windscreen with 40mm of range provides adequate protection, but requires two hands to adjust. Where is the VERSatility in that? And the range of adjustment leaves the windscreen in an undesirable spot for my 5-foot-8 stature. When all the way up, the top edge of the windscreen was at eye level, and when all the way down for sport riding, it was not low enough to provide a clean line of sight over the front of the bike.Kawasaki increased the gear ratios for fifth and sixth, reducing rpm by approximately 7% when traveling at 62 mph in top gear, according to Kawasaki, giving the Versys longer legs at highway speed. This means at 60 mph in sixth gear, the inline-four hums along at a leisurely 4000 rpm. Electronic cruise control, heated grips, electronically adjustable suspension, and a bidirectional quickshifter made the grinding miles quickly tick away. Turn on the broilers, dial in the suspension setting, and set cruise control; before long, we were crossing the border.

Traversing through Tijuana, the roads were battered with potholes and split concrete but the Versys 1100 easily absorbed the imperfections. Having the ability to quickly change suspension settings on the fly makes Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension a desirable amenity. The fully adjustable components can be tailored to suit your preferences and riding conditions with the touch of a button. On the fly, we switched from Sport to Road mode in favor of the softer suspension setting.

For 2025 Kawasaki updated the Versys 1100 quickshifter to work as low as 1500 rpm. Traveling through the city, we prefer short-shifting to top gear for a more relaxed ride. The updated KQS on the Versys 1100 is one of the best quickshifter systems we’ve experienced, easily and precisely switching gears up and down regardless of rpm. Full throttle, mid-throttle, it doesn’t matter, the system continuously provided positive feedback at the lever and we never experienced any mis-shifts or notchiness. At one point riding through border traffic, we shifted up to sixth and back down to first all under 40 mph and without the clutch.The flywheel is 3% heavier for 2025 to match the larger engine displacement. The combination of a heavier flywheel and slipper/assist clutch, allows the Versys 1100 to effortlessly pull away from a stop. The clutch pull is light, the engagement point is large, and the assist function adds rpm to elevate the potential of stalling. Many times in border traffic, I opted to stay in second gear when briefly coming to a stop before pulling away again. The Versys 1100 never struggles to leave the line.

Exiting the coast in Rosarito, we headed east on a twisty canyon road in search of Baja wine country. The 1099cc inline-four engine offers a wide spread of power throughout the entire rpm range. In a tight set of corners, the Versys has plenty of torque to get out of the hole and the engine continues to pull hard to the rev limiter. Power delivery is so linear from the 1100, it’s like an electric motor. The engine is buttery smooth with minimal vibrations and the rider is treated with induction noise and exhaust notes of a screamin’ inline-four.

After conquering the mountain, we worked our way to our destination, the Banyan Tree Veya in Valle de Guadalupe, for a night of gourmet food and sweet wine. Unloading gear from the saddlebags is simple with a one-key system. We grabbed our stuff and headed to the room with our hands full. Stashing my helmet in the bike would have freed up a hand, but my ADV lid would not fit in either pannier.

The next morning, we enjoyed a quick breakfast before loading our gear back into the saddlebags and aiming our bikes north towards the US-Mexico border. A mile-long dirt road exits the property. The Versys 1100 is not an off-road adventure bike, but long-travel suspension and an upright riding position allowed us to confidently navigate the terrain. Traversing onto Highway 3, we were in for a slog as we rode back to Southern California. A brisk morning was nothing to fret about: Heated grips and a large windscreen kept us comfortable the entire way.

Our route home featured fast sweepers, presenting an opportunity to test the Versys 1100′s cornering ability. The Versys 1100 is quick to steer at any speed. Its agile chassis and wide handlebar allow the bike to easily transfer onto the side of the tire. The majority of the time riding home was spent in the customizable Rider mode. Due to my light weight of 125 pounds, I opted for the Soft suspension setting while retaining full power and disabling traction control.The softer setting allowed me to load the suspension more and ride deeper in the stroke, improving feedback and increasing mechanical grip. But the electronically adjusting suspension never felt quite right. The electronic suspension damping felt discombobulated as it makes micro adjustments midcorner. We have experienced this before with electronically adjusting suspension. While cornering, the electronically controlled adjustments are reciprocated through the bike and interfere with our sense of the road conditions. Other systems found on competitors’ bikes allow the rider to disable the “dynamic” suspension adjustments and behave like traditional suspension. The Versys 1100 does not have that option.Our route did not present many hard braking zones, but the few times it did, the components provided strong, progressive stopping power. After crossing the border, we jumped on to Highway 94 and enjoyed the route’s final set of twisty corners before heading back to Kawasaki on Interstate 5.Final ThoughtsAdventure-touring bikes are the SUVs of motorcycling. Kawasaki’s Versys 1100 in particular is a sport-SUV. The refined inline-four engine offers performance, flexibility, and comfort while an electronics suite and rider aids package provides adjustability. Saddlebags offer utility and the neutral rider triangle provides versatility. Whether you’re commuting through the city, carving up a mountain pass, or crossing state lines, the 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT meets the demands of those looking for an upright tourer with a touch of sportiness and ADV style.

2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT ABS Claimed Specs