The 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 S ups the ante with more power, new electronics and class-leading comfort, delivering true all-round ability... Test: Jeff Ware Photography: HMC Photography
Kawasaki’s updated 2025 Versys 1100 S promises to combine more power, refinement and comfort with the versatility and value that made the previous 1000 so popular. It’s one of the most complete sports-touring motorcycles on the market. We put it to the test…
The Versys 1100 S, the excellent Versys 1000 plus 10kW, broader grunt and electronic upgrades… Pic: Kawasaki.
Kawasaki’s Versys has always been a bike that punches well above its price in the real world, and for 2025 they’ve made it even harder to ignore. By stretching the stroke, bumping compression up and taking capacity from 1043cc out to 1099cc, the new Versys 1100 S arrives with more muscle, more refinement, and more polish than ever. What was already one of the best sports-tourers you could buy has now become one of the most complete motorcycles on the road, as we recently found out.
First impressions count, and the 1100 S is a stunning machine to walk around. The fit and finish are superb, as previously. The paint and decals are deep and flawless, the fasteners and plastics all feel high quality, and the whole bike has a solid, premium presence.
At 1530mm tall, with a seat height of 840mm and 2270mm long, the 1100 S is a big bike and takes experience to move.
It’s a big motorcycle, tall and wide, with a lot of presence, and once you add panniers it looks even more imposing. At 187cm I fit it perfectly, but swinging a leg over with the panniers fitted is tricky. I often found myself using the centrestand and hopping on via the footpegs while holding the front brake, then Heather could hop on the back.
“Silky smooth inline-four, refined and powerful in every gear.”
Once aboard, the Versys immediately impresses with its comfort. The riding position is upright and relaxed, the seat is wide and supportive, and everything falls naturally to hand. It’s an all-day machine – I could knock out 1000km days on this bike without a second thought. The ‘bars are just right, the ‘pegs low enough, and the broad seat is among the most comfortable I’ve sampled. It’s touring ergonomics done properly, and yet there’s still that faint hint of Ninja nakedbike aggression that tells you the Versys is more than just a comfy mile eater. Maybe it’s just the green highlights!
The 2025 model has more power and upgraded electronics but that familiar Versys styling and finish quality.
The heart of the update is the longer-stroke inline-four. Kawasaki’s engineers have somehow created one of the smoothest and most refined four-cylinder engines on the market. It’s silky – so much so that it almost feels electric at times, with zero vibration anywhere in the rev range. Power is up to 135PS and torque peaks at 112Nm, but the numbers don’t capture how good this engine feels.
There’s torque everywhere, so you can short shift and ride the wave, or spin it up near the 10,000rpm redline and enjoy a proper rush. The intake howl at high revs is addictive, yet it’s just as happy trickling through town at 2000rpm. Fuel use was excellent too – I averaged 17.9km/L, which with the 21L tank means over 370km between fills is easy, and 400km is on the cards if riding frugally.’
Our press bike had the genuine accessory panniers and top box fitted. They are good quality kit and easy to remove.
The gearbox is equally slick. The new two-way quick-shifter is excellent, with seamless, reliable changes both up and down. Kawasaki have refined the system so it works from 1500rpm rather than 2500rpm on the previous SE version, which makes it smooth even in town.
Combined with the slipper clutch, it means you can rip downshifts on corner entry with total confidence. The gearing itself is spot on – long enough for relaxed highway cruising, short enough to make the most of the engine’s punch, and top gear is an overdrive now. At 110km/h, it still has mega grunt on tap for instant acceleration.
The Versys 1100 S handles well, I added some extra support and control to both ends and it made a world of difference.
Electronics are comprehensive. You get Kawasaki’s full suite: KTRC traction control, KCMF cornering management, KIBS cornering ABS, multiple ride modes and power modes, all controlled through a crisp full-colour TFT and integrated with the Rideology app. I played with all of the modes but kept coming back to Road, which felt perfectly balanced.
Comfort for touring and still fun in the twisties, with the luggage loaded up and a pillion, the suspension does need firming up quite a lot.
Sport sharpens everything, Rain is reassuring in the wet, and Rider lets you customise, but Road was where I left it 80 per cent of the time. The TFT also gives you fun extras like lean angle – I managed a staggering 50º left and 48º right, which is sportsbike territory. My sportsbike mates couldn’t believe the pace I could carry on the Versys.
The Versys 1100 S has the large screen (adjustable), hand guards and heated grips. Ours had the LED spotlights too.
Handling is where the Versys really shocks people. It’s a heavy, tall bike at 257kg wet, and it feels top-heavy pushing it around the garage or paddling at walking pace. But once moving, the balance is superb. On flowing backroads it holds a line with the stability of a freight train, yet it flicks side to side eagerly. The Bridgestone T31 tyres, although replaced by two versions now the T33 are out, are fantastic, with loads of feel and edge grip, and the long-travel suspension soaks up bumps that would unsettle most bikes.
Out of the crate I found the rear shock too loose on rebound, which made the bike feel a little wobbly and vague mid-corner. A few clicks of rebound at the rear and preload plus rebound at the forks completely transformed it. Suddenly the Versys went from slightly wayward to rock solid, soaking up everything and holding perfect lines. Small changes made a huge difference, and once dialled in the suspension quality impressed me massively.
“The TFT also gives you fun extras like lean angle – I managed a staggering 50º left and 48º right”…
The Versys has so much clearance and composure that you can ride it like a big sports naked, and the electronics give you the confidence to push harder. Being chased by a big, upright tourer through the hills had my mates in fits of laughter, but they couldn’t drop me. I could hit all of the bumps, was not having to hang off or waste energy and was in comfort.
Touring comfort is equally impressive. The adjustable screen is brilliant, now step-less and easily tweaked from the seat, although not possible while moving unfortunately. The handguards are a godsend in winter. The seat is plush, the cruise control is flawless, and the whole bike settles into an effortless rhythm at 110km/h.
I did a 200km highway run with the screen up, cruise control on, and came away fresher than I started. At night, the LED cornering headlights are superb, throwing a wide, even beam. Add in heated grips if you want them as we did and you’ve got genuine all-season luxury.
It’s an imposing machine from any angle, but once on the move the Versys 1100 S is well balanced and easy going.
There are a few quirks. The handlebar-mounted USB-C charger is useful but oversized and looks a bit like an afterthought. The panniers are excellent for long trips, but around town I preferred running just the top box, which keeps the bike slimmer and easier to mount.
The panniers are really quick and easy to take on and off, though, and the locks are great, too. The mirrors are good, the switchgear is intuitive, and I personally like the styling. Value is strong too, something I rarely comment on.
Super upright riding position, a wide seat, plenty of legroom and a range of screen height means the Versys can be comfortable for very long trips, or just up to the shops or work.
Two-up comfort is good once moving, though the pillion sits very high, which some passengers may find unnerving. Heather said the seat and ‘pegs were comfortable, but she always felt perched above me. Handling two-up is fine if you stiffen the shock, but stock it can feel overwhelmed. For touring couples it’s still a strong option, but a flatter pillion seat design would improve confidence.
The ultimate sports tourer? It can’t be far off it. The Versys 1100 S is a pleasure to do big hours on…
Dirt roads? Absolutely fine. On smooth gravel the Versys 1100 S is stable and comfortable, with the suspension soaking up corrugations and the upright stance giving you control. I wouldn’t take it into proper off-road, but for exploring Aussie backroads it’s ideal – fast, composed, and confidence inspiring. Even standing up is pretty comfy for a while, but bar risers would help. Anyway, it’s not an adventure bike to start with, but for a road bike it does very well…
“Comfort, value, performance – Kawasaki’s Versys 1100 S delivers all.”
Every ride I did on the Versys left me smiling. Whether it was a blast through my local twisties, a long highway slog, or a sunny winter run from Gosford up to Newcastle and back for lunch, the 1100 S delivered. It’s smooth, comfortable, fast, fun, and full of character. By the end of my test I didn’t want to hand it back to Kawasaki. We’d made memories together, the Versys and me… Ha!
A memorable warm winter’s Sunday ride on the Versys 1100 S for lunch at Newcastle. A great day out on an even greater motorcycle… That’s what life is all about. Long miles, freedom, fun and all in maximum comfort…
The 2021-2024 Versys 1000 S was already a gem. The 2025 Versys 1100 S takes that platform, adds more torque, more power, and more refinement, and keeps everything that made the old one special. It’s one of the most versatile bikes I’ve ever ridden. For commuting, weekend scratching, long-distance touring, or two-up exploring, it simply does it all. Kawasaki have nailed the upgrade, and at this price point, it’s one of the best value big tourers on the market.
An excellent two-up machine, but taller pillions may not like the stepped seat, as the pillion seat is taller. Pic: Kawasaki.
Read our previous Kawasaki Verys tests here…
2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 S Specifications
Price: $21,499 + ORC (Click here and enter your postcode for R/A pricing)
Warranty: Two-year, unlimited kilometre
Colours: Metallic Graphite Grey/Metallic Black Diablo
Claimed Power: 135hp@9000rpm
Claimed Torque: 112Nm@7600rpm
Dry weight: 234kg (wet 257kg)
Fuel capacity: 21L
Fuel Consumption (tested) 5.5L/100km
Fuel Range (tested): 380km
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-cylinder inline, four-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve, 1099cc, 77 x 59mm bore x stroke, 11.8:1 compression, 38mm throttle-bodies, RbW, Assist & Slipper Clutch, Six-speed gearbox with overdrive top, quick-shifter, positive neutral finder, four-into-one exhaust, 15/43 gearing.
Chassis: Aluminium twin-tube frame.
Rake: 27.0 degrees Trail: 106mm
Suspension: 43 mm inverted forks, semi adjustable (rebound and preload), 150mm travel. Rear Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock, with rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability, 152mm travel
Brakes: Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS Cornering ABS), dual 310mm front petal discs, four-piston radial-mount monobloc calipers, radial master-cylinder, 250mm rear petal rotor, single-piston caliper
Wheels & tyres: ‘Lightweight 17in wheels’, 120/70 – ZR17, 180/55 – ZR17, Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T31
Dimensions:
Seat height: 840mm
Wheelbase: 1520mm
Overall length: 2270mm
Overall height: 1530mm
Overall width: 950mm
Ground clearance: 150mm
Instruments & Electronics: TFT LCD screen, two display modes, black or white background options, auto brightness, Kawasaki Quick Shift (KQS), LED Cornering Lights, Electronic Cruise Control, Ride Modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Rider), KTRC Traction Control, KCMF Kawasaki Cornering Management System, Hand Guards, Highly Durable Paint, Large Adjustable windscreen, USB-C charge point, Smartphone Connectivity (syncs to Rideology the App), Luggage rack, Comfort seats, Centrestand.
Our press bike was fitted with optional genuine Panniers ($294 RRP) and Top Box ($399.99 RRP), LED light Bar ($704.19 RRP), Wheel Rim Tape ($46.31 RRP), Tank Pad ($69.45 RRP) and heated grips ($369.56 RRP)… Check out the KMA Shop here…
Ratings | Bike Review | 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 S Road Test
Brilliant!
The 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 S ups the ante with more power, new electronics and class-leading comfort, delivering true all-round ability… Test: Jeff Ware Photography: HMC Photography
The Author
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August 20, 2025
Great review. I have the 2023 1000 S and absolutely love it, so the 1100 must be awesome. The new torque figure is 112Nm, 102Nm is for the 1000. I thought about buying the Ninja, but the Versys is so much better for taller dudes.
Thanks
August 21, 2025
Thanks Tony, great bike. I will amend that now – good spot! Jeff.