Kawasaki’s Versys 1100 SE LT is a fully equipped large-displacement sport-tourer with smartphone connectivity, multiple power modes, traction control, cruise control, electronically controlled suspension, and a quickshifter. Standard equipment also includes two 28-liter saddlebags, hand guards, and heated grips; making the Versys 1100 SE LT a suitable option for traveling and weekend getaways.
Powering the Versys 1100 SE LT is a new 1,099cc liquid-cooled inline-four with a 16-valve head and a slipper/assist clutch. Kawasaki increased the stroke by 3mm over the previous 1,043cc mill. Additionally it introduced a new piston shape with a higher compression ratio, a new intake funnel, a new intake port shape, and a new cam profile to produce 13 hp more than 2024. An electronic throttle system allows riders to select between two power modes: Full and Low power. Riders also have the choice between three levels of traction control and the ability to disable KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control). Additional rider aids include KIBS, or Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System. According to Kawasaki, the Versys 1100 SE LT receives a “supersport-grade” high-precision brake pressure control system which modulates brake pressure in smaller increments compared to standard ABS systems. Mechanically, the brake system utilizes a pair of four-piston radial-mount Monoblock calipers and 310mm rotors up front plus a single-piston caliper with a 250mm rotor at the rear. Wheel and tire sizes are 120/70-17F and 180/55-17R.
The chassis consists of a twin-tube aluminum frame, a 43mm inverted fork with electronically controlled compression and rebound damping, manual preload adjustment, and offers 5.9 inches of travel. The horizontal-back-link Showa BFRC gas-charged shock provides electronically controlled compression, rebound, and preload adjustment, offering 5.96 inches of suspension travel. Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) adjusts suspension damping to riding conditions in real time.
Additional features include a USB-C outlet, cornering lights, an adjustable windscreen, and the latest version of the smartphone connectivity Kawasaki Rideology app. The 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT offers good performance and desirable electronics, but in a category that is constantly innovating and evolving, the large-displacement ADV sport-tourer falls short of the premium offerings from rival manufacturers.
The 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT is available in one variant for $19,499.
