The Japanese Touring Bike That Deserves More Attention In 2025
There is no shortage of touring bikes on the market today. And with all that crowd, there are sadly some machines that simply fly under the radar. One of these examples comes in 2025 from Japanese giant Kawasaki. It bears the ‘Versys’ name and offers a do-it-all touring experience like no other option from Japan. Here’s why you need to give the Kawasaki Versys 1100 more attention this year.
Ample Power To Keep You Entertained
The Versys 1100 LT SE is one of the few true-blue inline-four touring bikes available today. It has a 1,099 cubic centimeters, which ensures an output of 133 horsepower and 82.3 pound-feet. Unlike usual I-4 mills, all the power comes in under 10,000 RPM (the torque is at just 7,600 RPM). In addition, the fifth and sixth gears have been retuned for 2025 to boost touring abilities.
| Capacity | 1,099cc |
| Layout | Inline-four |
| Power | 133 HP @ 9,000 RPM |
| Torque | 82.3 LB-FT @ 7,600 RPM |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
Top-Spec Underpinnings With Electronic Suspension
Not many bikes offer electronic suspension in this segment. So this is a big plus for the Versys 1100 LT SE. The 43 mm USD forks and monoshock come from Showa and feature Kawasaki Electronically Controlled Suspension technology (KECS). That means you can do a few things, such as change rebound and compression electronically and choose from three pre-set preload settings (rider only, rider with luggage, and rider with passenger and luggage). In addition, the KECS draws info from the IMU and ECU every 10 milliseconds to fine-tune how you feel on the Versys.
All The Modern Features You’ll Ever Need
Being the flagship Versys, Kawasaki has left no stone unturned to make the 1100 LT SE as modern as possible. A large semi-digital instrument cluster is present, which lets you enjoy smartphone connectivity, two power modes, three modes of traction control, ABS, and a two-way quickshifter. Creature comforts like heated grips, cruise control, cornering lights (mounted on the fairing), and hard saddlebags are standard inclusions, too.
Kawasaki Versys 1100 LT SE Key Features
- Cornering ABS
- Traction control
- Ride modes
- Power modes
- Quickshifter
- Cornering lights
- Heated grips
- Cruise control
- Lockable saddlebags
- USB port
