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The Ninja 1000SX and Versys 1000 have been adding touring riders to Kawasaki’s ranks for more than a decade. To stay competitive, Team Green regularly refreshed the liter-class models and that trend continues in 2025 with an engine upgrade, meaning they're now the Ninja 1100SX, Ninja 1100SX SE, and Versys 1100 SE LT.
Driving force
At the heart of each 1100 is a 16-valve, 1,099 cc inline-four. Whereas the previous-generation mill totaled 1,043 cc in volume, a three-millimeter bore increase (from 56 mm to 59 mm) justifies the name change. Both tourers benefit from the capacity bump, but the Versys’ higher compression ratio, revised intake, and new cam profile draw it closer to the Ninja’s performance.
While the 1100SX produces 134 horsepower (at 9,000 rpm) and 83.2 foot-pounds of torque (at 7,600 rpm), the 1100 SE LT peaks at 133 horsepower (at 9,000 rpm) and 82.5 foot-pounds of torque (at 7,600 rpm). A new and improved quickshifter doesn’t just help users take advantage of all that power but also now functions at lower rpm, as well.
Kawasaki also claims that the gear ratios on the Versys are capable of "sport riding, highway cruising or riding fully loaded with a passenger and luggage.” When it comes to the Ninja, Team Green updated the gearing for better throttle response in fifth, all while promoting comfort on the open highway by reducing engine speed in sixth. From there, the two platforms only depart further.
Go, Ninja, go
The base model 1100SX remains capable with a fully adjustable 41 mm Showa fork and dual-disc front braking system. Its rebound-adjustable shock features a remote adjuster knob for on-the-go preload changes. From there, the SE variant ups the ante with an Öhlins S46 rear shock, Brembo M4.32 brake calipers, a Brembo master cylinder, Brembo discs, and braided lines.
Styling also sets the two Ninja trims apart. While the standard model arrives in a subdued gray-and-black color scheme, the SE turns heads with Emerald Blazed Green paint and gold accents. The up-spec option also comes with heated grips, a luxury the standard SX doesn’t offer. The pricing reflects those differences, as the 1100SX starts at $13,699 and the SE retails for $15,399.
Versys everything
If the 1000SX is the classic sport-touring motorcycle, the Versys falls better into the category of street-focused adventure-tourers that are often called crossovers these days. In other words, if long-haul travel is your schtick but you still want sporty performance, the Versys is probably the better choice here. Not only does it come with 28-liter hard saddlebags (an accessory option on the 1000SX), but its relaxed ergos and an adjustable windscreen also make the SE LT road-trip-ready right out of the box. The model’s electronically controlled 43 mm Showa cartridge fork and Showa BFRC lite rear shock, which it received in the previous update several years ago, adapts to the ever-changing conditions (and loads) that come with touring.
Kawasaki further enhances the SE LT’s travel prowess by updating its Rideology app with voice commands. When paired to a smartphone, the feature enables the user to control the app hands-free.
With its new engine and quickshifter added to its electronic suspension, rider aids, cruise control and other features, Team Green is pitting its Versys, priced at $19,499, against some formidable and even pricier rivals.
| 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX | 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE | 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $13,699 | $15,399 | $19,499 |
| Engine | 1,099 cc, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, inline-four | ||
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, chain | ||
| Claimed horsepower | 134 @ 9,000 rpm | 133 @ 9,000 rpm | |
| Claimed torque | 83.2 foot-pounds @ 7,600 rpm | 82.5 foot-pounds @ 7,600 rpm | |
| Frame | Twin-tube aluminum | ||
| Front suspension | Showa 41 mm fork, adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 4.7 inches of travel | Showa 43 mm fork, electronically adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 5.9 inches of travel | |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 5.6 inches of travel | Öhlins S46 monoshock, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 5.6 inches of travel | Showa BFRC Lite monoshock, electronically adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 5.9 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Dual four-piston calipers, 300 mm discs with ABS | Dual Brembo M4.32 four-piston calipers, 300 mm discs with ABS | Dual four-piston calipers, 310 mm discs with ABS |
| Rear brake | Single-piston caliper, 260 mm disc with ABS | ||
| Rake, trail | 24.0 degrees, 3.9 inches | 27.0 degrees, 4.0 inches | |
| Wheelbase | 56.7 inches | 59.8 inches | |
| Seat height | 32.3 inches | 33.1 inches | |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 gallons | 5.5 gallons | |
| Tires | Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23, 120/70R17 front, 190/50R17 rear | 120/70R17 front, 180/55R17 rear | |
| Claimed weight | 518.2 pounds | 516 pounds | 571.1 pounds |
| Available | Winter 2025 | ||
| Warranty | 12 months | ||
| More info | kawasaki.com | kawasaki.com | kawasaki.com |
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