First Look: 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100

Kawasaki gives litre adventure tourer bigger-capacity engine and 15bhp more for 2025

2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 was a great adventure tourer, with a strong road bias, and a loyal following amongst British bikers. It was a smooth, well-equipped, handsome-looking machine, based on the acclaimed Z1000 SX engine and chassis foundations, and has been a strong seller for the firm.

One criticism that was levelled at the big Versys was the peak power output though.

2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100

Just under 120bhp is nice power for a road bike, but for a 1,000cc inline-four, it felt a bit mean, especially compared with the 160bhp+ competition from BMW’s S1000 XR and the Ducati Multistrada V4. Indeed, the Versys 1000 was less powerful than even BMW’s R1250 GS Boxer twin engine.

For 2025 though, that’s set to change, with a new, bigger, more powerful 1100 engine. Kawasaki has increased its displacement from 1,043cc to 1,099cc, thanks to a 3mm longer stroke.

2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100

This capacity increase, along with other subtle adjustments, increases maximum power from 120 PS to 135 PS. And the firm claims that there’s even more mid- and high-rpm torque, making an already great riding experience even more enjoyable.

In terms of detail engine mods, there are centre intake funnels which are 45 mm longer than the outer intake funnels adding to better torque between 4,000 and 7,000 rpm.

2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100

The intake ports were optimised to suit a throttle body change and are now narrower in relation to the bike’s increased displacement, meaning a higher intake flow velocity in the low- to mid-rpm range which benefits low-mid range torque.

Additionally, new ECU settings optimised for the higher engine displacement have the throttle valve opening characteristics revised across the rev range while cam profiles with a lower valve lift also contribute to increased low-mid rpm range torque.

Increased rideability is also thanks to a heavier flywheel mass and a secondary balancer reduces excess vibration while large connector pipes join exhaust headers 1-4 and 2-3, contributing to better performance at all rpms. And to keep things under control, there’s a new oil cooler for improved peak performance in hotter conditions.

2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100

The new Versys range (there are Standard, S and SE plus Edition models, plus luggage options) also receive several upgrades aimed at improving touring potential. The updated Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) feature now functions from a lower minimum shift point of 1,500rpm, while new upper gear ratios enhance touring comfort partnered with electronic cruise control.

2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100

A USB-C port is standard and in terms of electronic rider aids, the Kawasaki Versys 1100 owner gets a raft of new or updated functions including KTRC traction control, cornering management, power mode and riding mode selections and – for SE owners – Showa electronically damped suspension. Braking is revised too with the rear disc increasing in diameter from 250mm to 260mm.

The 2025 Kawasaki Versys will be available from December 2024 in the following colours and prices:

Versys 1100 – £11,899

Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Gray / Metallic Diablo Black

Versys 1100 S – £13,649

Metallic Graphite Gray / Metallic Diablo Black

Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Diablo Black