An increase in displacement from 1,043cc to 1,099cc gives the Versys 1100’s engine a boost in power. The more robust mid-range and increased high-rpm power contribute to increased comfort when cruising on the highway, facilitating long-distance touring. The climb from low through high rpm is even more exhilarating, while superb throttle response, strong torque at all rpm, and a seductive intake howl further contribute to riding excitement.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100S ABS: FEEL FREE TO EXPAND.
Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100S ABS…
Go the distance with your ultimate travel companion. The new Versys 1100 brings long-range comfort, any-road versatility, and increased in-line 4-cylinder power to every ride—whether touring the countryside or crossing the city. Solo or with a passenger, prepare to extend your horizons with flexible luggage solutions plus advanced rider aids. Climb aboard the Versys 1100 and set your horizons to Destination Everywhere.
2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100S ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
AVAILABLE COLOURS
Metallic Deep Blue / Metallic Spark Black
Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black
ERGO-FIT
ERGO-FIT is an interface system that allows a wide range of riders to feel at one with their machine. Genuine Kawasaki Accessories may need to be purchased for certain Ergo Fit adjustments.
KIBS
KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System) is a high-precision brake system designed specifically for supersport models, offering highly efficient braking while maintaining natural feel.
ABS
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ensures stable braking performance by preventing wheel lock during braking.
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension arranges its shock unit horizontally, greatly contributing to efficient use of space and mass centralisation.
Cornering Lights
Cornering lights provide supplemental illumination when cornering, creating a wider illuminated path in the direction the bike is heading.
Electronic Throttle Valves
Electronic Throttle Valves allow the ECU to deliver the ideal amount of fuel and air to the engine.
KQS – Kawasaki Quick Shifter
KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) enables clutchless shifting.
IMU
Combined with Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modelling program, input from the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) enables even more precise chassis orientation awareness, the key to bringing Kawasaki’s electronics to the next level.
KCMF
KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function) monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner.
Assist & Slipper Clutch
Based on racing technology, the Assist & Slipper Clutch acts as both a back-torque limiter and a self-servo mechanism that enables a lighter clutch lever pull.
KTRC (3-mode)
3-Mode KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control), Kawasaki’s most advanced traction control system, offers a selection of modes to suit a variety of riding situations, from sport riding to touring.
Power Modes
Power Mode selection allows engine power delivery to be changed to suit the riding situation.
Electronic Cruise Control
Electronic Cruise Control allows vehicle speed to be fixed. Rider support technology that helps reduce rider fatigue on long trips and contributes to increased touring comfort.
Economical Riding Indicator
The Economical Riding Indicator is a mark appearing on the instrument panel to indicate favourable fuel consumption, encouraging fuel efficient riding.
Smartphone Connectivity
Smartphone connectivity contributes to an enhanced motorcycling experience by enabling riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly.
2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100S ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Grip Heaters and Hand Covers
Grip heaters keep riders’ hands warm in cold weather, while hand covers offer increased wind protection, further contributing to comfort.
Wide Array of Rider Support Technology: IMU-Enhanced Electronics Package
The Versys 1100 features a host of rider support technology add to rider confidence in a wide range of riding situations while helping riders enjoy their machine’s sport riding performance to the fullest: KCMF KTRC KIBS Power Modes Integrated Riding Modes
Electronic Cruise Control
The electronic cruise control system allows a desired speed to be maintained with the simple press of a button. It reduces stress on the right hand when traveling long distances, enabling relaxed cruising and contributing to a high level of riding comfort.
All-LED Lighting
From the twin headlamps and compact LED turn signals to the LED taillight and LED licence plate lamp, the Versys 1100 offers an all-LED lighting package.
Long-Travel Suspension + Sporty 17” Wheels = Ride Comfort on a Variety of Streets/Conditions
The long-travel suspension’s ability to cope with less-than-perfect street conditions allows the Versys 1100 to remain composed on many kinds of roads. Lightweight 17” wheels front and rear contribute to quick, sporty handling.
LED Cornering Lights
Lights built into the shrouds help illuminate the road when cornering. Each of the three lights has a fixed direction and is activated based on lean angle.
Fun to Ride: Versatile Performance for a Wide Range of Riding Situations
Both the Versys 1100’s engine and chassis were designed to maximise rider enjoyment on the street. Whether in town, exploring backroads or heading for the horizon, its In-Line Four engine delivers a rewarding surge of acceleration with every twist of the throttle—even more so with its increased displacement. The increase in engine performance is paired with excellent chassis balance and long-travel suspension settings enabling superb control and feedback while offering a high level of rider confidence in numerous street riding situations.
Clean-Mount Pannier System
The mounting system for the accessory panniers allows them to be attached and removed very simply for increased convenience. The clean-mount system’s clutter-free design ensures the rear of the bike looks good with the panniers removed.
Comfortable Seating
Both rider and passenger seats offer thick urethane cushioning to provide the comfort to enable long hours in the saddle.
Touring Comfort and Performance to Ride Long and Far
Not only is the Versys 1100 exciting to ride, but it also offers the comfort and carrying capacity to allow riders to ride long and far. A highly comfortable seat and good wind protection complement the relaxed riding position, making it easier to spend a long time in the saddle. Passenger comfort is also superb, making it easy to share the fun. Long-travel suspension capably handles a wide range of road conditions, adding to rider confidence, while on the SE model, electronic suspension with Skyhook Technology further contributes to ride comfort for both rider and passenger. A high payload can accommodate panniers and a top case simultaneously, and numerous accessories add to comfort and convenience – especially welcome on multi-day trips.
In-Line Four Engine with Added Power
An increase in displacement from 1,043 cm3 to 1,099 cm3 gives the Versys 1100’s engine a boost in power from 120 PS to 135 PS. The more robust mid-range and increased high-rpm power contribute to increased comfort when cruising on the highway, facilitating long-distance touring. The climb from low through high rpm is even more exhilarating, while superb throttle response, strong torque at all rpm, and a seductive intake howl further contribute to riding excitement.
Sporty Design with Excellent Wind Protection
The Versys 1100’s bodywork has flowing lines that lend a sporty look while offering both rider and passenger excellent wind protection, contributing to long-distance ride comfort.
Excellent Fuel Consumption
Complementing its 21-litre fuel-tank, advanced ECU programming contributes to the Versys 1100’s high fuel efficiency.
Handlebar-Mounted USB-C Outlet
A USB Type-C socket mounted on the left handlebar offers riders a convenient power source.
Emotional, Well-Integrated Design
The Versys 1100’s emotional design beckons the rider invitingly. The flowing styling features a clear line of colour traceable from the front of the bike to the rear. A balanced use of colour and materials emphasises the functional beauty of the bike’s individual parts and the sculpted bodywork shaped with rider comfort in mind.
Smartphone Connectivity with Voice Command
In addition to existing features like the ability to record Ride Logs and share them with friends, the new “RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE” smartphone app now offers the ability for riders to control the app by voice commands*, which in turn allows them adjust motorcycle settings and more orally.
*Voice command feature availability varies by market.
Upright Riding Position
Spacious, upright riding position offers a high level of machine control in various conditions while contributing to rider comfort.
Adjustable Windshield
Complementing the wind protection offered by the Versys 1100’s front cowl and wide shrouds, a steplessly adjustable windshield can be tailored to rider preference, contributing to comfortable highway cruising. Windshield height can be easily adjusted from the rider’s seat.
TFT Full-Colour Instrumentation
Instrumentation with an advanced, high-tech design gives the cockpit a very high-class appearance. The analogue-style tachometer is complemented by a high-grade full colour TFT LCD screen.
Updated Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS)
Complementing the Versys 1100’s exhilarating engine character, KQS enables clutchless upshifts and downshifts for seamless acceleration and quick and easy deceleration. The improved KQS feature operates in a wider range of rpm, with the minimum changing from 2,500 min-1 to 1,500 min-1, giving riders smooth shifts even when in town or doing slower-speed riding for added riding comfort.
2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100S ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ TBA USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ TBA (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
TBA
2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100S ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100S ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four
Displacement
1,099 cm³
Bore x stroke
77 x 59 mm
Compression ratio
11.8:1
Valve system
DOHC, 16 valves
Fuel system
Fuel injection: Ø 38 mm x 4
Ignition
Digital
Starting System
Electric
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Performance & Transmission
Maximum power
99.0 kW {135 PS} / 9,000 rpm
Fuel consumption
5.6 l/100 km
Power down kit 85 kW
Available
CO2 emission
128 g/km
Maximum torque
112 N•m {11.4 kgf•m} / 7,600 rpm
Fuel consumption 85 kW kit
5.6 l/100 km
CO2 emission 85 kW kit
128 g/km
Transmission
6-speed, return
Final drive
Chain
Primary Reduction Ratio
1.528 (83/51)
Gear Ratios 1st
2.600 (39/15)
Gear Ratios 2nd
1.950 (39/20)
Gear Ratios 3rd
1.600 (24/15)
Gear Ratios 4th
1.389 (25/18)
Gear Ratios 5th
1.217 (28/23)
Gear Ratios 6th
1.069 (31/29)
Final reduction ratio
2.800 (42/15)
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Brakes & Suspension
Brakes, front
Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs. Caliper: Dual radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston
Brakes, rear
Single 250 mm petal disc. Caliper: Single-piston
Suspension, front
ø43 mm inverted fork with rebound damping (right-side) and spring preload adjustability
Suspension, rear
Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability
Frame & Dimensions
Frame type
Twin-tube, aluminium
Trail
106 mm
Wheel travel front
150 mm
Wheel travel rear
152 mm
Tyre, front
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyre, rear
180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
Steering angle, left / right
34° / 34°
L x W x H
2,270 x 950 x 1,490 (1,530 high position screen) mm
Wheelbase
1,520 mm
Ground clearance
150 mm
Fuel capacity
21 litres
Seat height
840 mm
Dry weight
234 kg | **Estimated Dry weight does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
Curb mass
257 kg
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
Posted on August 12, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
