Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki VERSYS 1100 S 2027 Controlled inflation

Kawasaki has never embarked on the hyper-trail craze. Rather than offering fire-powered "baroudeurs" or ultra-accomplished difficulty tightrope walkers, the brand has long preferred a trail-GT with reasonable power (but still plenty of it), an assumed Touring orientation and a price tag that's less of a sledgehammer.

Nevertheless, the big Versys is legitimately hungry for power when it sees 150, 170 and even 200-hp machines on the other side of the river. Without going or even wanting to tickle them, she demanded watts! And she got them. By becoming an 1100, Mrs Versys is getting stronger without touching her fundamentals.

Let's announce it without further ado: the Versys IV now develops 135 hp. A very respectable value in absolute terms. That's a gain of 15 hp since the 1000. Without having to rev higher than with the previous block. Torque is just as good, with 1 mkg more, for a total of 11.4 mkg. Good, lively, vigorous, without tipping over into the unreasonable.

How did this boost come about? With a good bit of mechanical work. First, the ventricles were resized. With a 3 mm increase in stroke, cylinder volume climbed from 1043 to 1099 cm3. But that's not the whole story. Torque availability has been prioritized with narrower throttle bodies, optimized and differentiated intake ducts (those in the center are 45 mm longer, and intake flow is faster). The ECU has been redesigned accordingly. Additional junctions between the manifold tubes also enhance performance. Kawa takes advantage of the operating room to reduce vibrations with a second balancer, increase engine inertia for a little more smoothness, extend reliability with a second oil cooler and reprogram the shifter so that it's active from 1500 rpm.

Those who like a change of style will be in for a treat. The 1100's face hasn't changed a bit. Apart from the new colors, the shape of the brake discs (no longer petal-shaped), the black-painted engine and the slight alterations to the exhaust system, there's nothing to distinguish the "ten" from the "11". So much the worse for the "novelty aspect"; so much the better for the wallet: no new files at the design office, no new molds, fewer processes - that should keep costs down, and the final price down.

The chassis follows the same trend. Everything, from the wheels to the taillight, comes from the previous version without modification. Except for one: the rear brake disc has been enlarged by 10 mm. This big trail bike still benefits from an assembly derived from the old Z 1000 roadster and closely related to the Ninja 1000 / 1100 SX. All the electronic aids are the same, with 4 riding modes, several power modes, traction control, KCMF cornering optimization, cruise control, intelligent ABS, and adaptive cornering lights.

The 1100 Versys also (especially?) on board, such as handguards, an adjustable windscreen, heated grips, Smartphone connectivity, a USB-C socket, discreet attachments for suitcases, a dashboard with TFT screen and needle-type rev counter, a package holder, a center stand, generously-sized saddles and a remote adjustment knob for the rear shock absorber.

The new Versys will also be marketed as an SE model, distinguished mainly by its semi-active Showa suspension.

M.B - Manufacturer's media