Love my '21 SE. Not much I would change on it. I did replace the stock seat with a Corbin, which has made this a comfortable place to sit for over 500 miles per day. I wish Kawasaki would change the design of the saddlebags from concave to convex, ala Concours 14. They would still be attractive without loosing valuable space. Also, a windshield that you can change height on with a single hand while riding.
A Kawasaki continua muito conservadora. É praticamente a mesma moto de 2020. Poderiam ter colocado uma chave presencial, assistente de partida em rampa, aquecimento no banco, espelhamento de gps no painel, etc.... São itens que não alterariam muito seu custo x benefício e a deixariam mais próxima, tecnologicamente falando, das suas concorrentes. Falo isso, pois tenho uma V1000 SE -2022, e não fiquei nem um pouco tentado a migrar para a nova 1.100; e sim passei a considerar a mudar de marca.
Seat height adjustment, windscreen adjustment on the fly maybe electronically, bigger tank , lower weight of the bike, blind spot, radar tech not required but to count, bigger or newer more accomodative luggage boxes, apple car play and android auto, touch screen display, shaft drive, phone mounting space, keyless ride.
They are way over priced in Australia new $23,500 rideaway …for 2024 version . But on used market you can pickup a 2020 SE model complete with panniers 15000kms for $13000. For an ultra reliable bike they devalue heavily .
Thanks for the review. Now I know that the Versys is not for me. I like the feeling of being stable at all speeds where I don't hesitate on doing anything
I have a problem with a fuel consumption with this motorcycle. Also, side cases are to small for this bike, giving the fact of its size and max load. Other then that, perfect motorcycle.
Thanks for the test and honest information. I plan to trade the V-Strom 650 for a Versys. I'm wondering if the bike upgrades make sense to wait and buy a Versys 1100 or buy a Versys 1000 where I expect special prices and discounts from sellers. What do you think? Thanks.
I've owned a V1000SE for 4 years and will certainly trade it for a V1100 when time has come. However, If it could save me some money I'd definitely buy a V1000SE all over again: I have ZERO need for more power (120ps already makes it a rocketship vs most vehicles on the road and keeping my license is a challenge). The main selling point of the new model IMO: the improved quickshifter (mainly for downshifts). All in all it's an absolutely brilliant bike.
Coming from a Vstrom 650, the jump to the V1000 will be a quantum leap without going to the 1100. I'd recommend go for an electronic suspension version with a tft screen. Anything from 2020 onwards...S or SE version. Super bikes at really affordable prices now. I think you'll love the smoothness, power and versatility 👍
What do you mean by much lighter ? The nt1100 is actually lighter and the 1100se and rt1200 have the same weight , refer below 1100se 259kg wet Nt1100 238kg wet Rt1200 259kg wet
Do you want a twin or a 4? The Boxer + shaft + telelever is a thing onto itself. You either like or not. The Honda is very bottom oriented. Almost as if they wanted to mimic the feel of a giant thumper for the Atwin. It has plenty enough power, and can rev if prodded, but 5K+ is not where it charms. Off the bottom, it has some of that thumper, or even Harley, magic going though. The Kawi I4 is brilliant in the 4-9K range. It's not a super bike, but is still really exciting to rev out, where twins just drone up high (The V Vstroms excepted). The special thing about this Kawi I4, is that it's also in its element down low. You can lug it way down without issue. The twins are a decent bit more frugal, though. So unless you care about the visceral feel of a more sporty engine, they provide better autonomy at typical touring speeds. The bags on both the RT and NT are also larger. The RT has even better wind, and rain, protection. It's arguably too good, if you ride in hot weather. The RT also has radar cruise option, and every other option known to man. It ends up costing an arm and a leg with every option checked, however. One thing you may want to check, depending on needs, is turning circle. I'm not sure about the NT, but the similar frame and headstock Atwin turns a lot tighter than the Versys 1000 (as well as any other tourer I'm aware of). That makes it more suitable as a tight city bike, than most other big tourers.
@kugangles9860 But need more maintenance and become more dirty very easily as compared to shaft drive. Modern shaft drive system is also becoming lighter day by day.
That USB port in this and the new Ninja 1100 is absolutely ridiculous. We praise Japanese bikes and products in general for attention to detail and that just seems like a massive own goal in the name of saving a few ￥.
I'd rather have lower compression and better manners than stress a long distance tour bike for another 15 hp. Now you'll get 100k or more out of the engine instead of 60k
I owned a 2015 and the low gearing from factory was terrible. so many vibrations just to travel at 55mph. I had to change both front and back sprockets to make it rideable, the bike was a disappointment compared to suzuki vstrom 1000
Funny you should mention that. I get more compliments from women. Personally think it's a lot more attractive then many Harleys with bulbous fairings that looks like dash from small car and too much chrome.
I've always felt the Versys 1k was a hidden gem in the segment, at least here in the US. Hope some of these updates trickle down to the Ninja.
They did Ninja 1100 was confirmed for US
Love my '21 SE. Not much I would change on it. I did replace the stock seat with a Corbin, which has made this a comfortable place to sit for over 500 miles per day. I wish Kawasaki would change the design of the saddlebags from concave to convex, ala Concours 14. They would still be attractive without loosing valuable space. Also, a windshield that you can change height on with a single hand while riding.
Spot on , very bad OEM seat and impossible to adjust windshield while driving
An excellent review - thanks !
A Kawasaki continua muito conservadora. É praticamente a mesma moto de 2020. Poderiam ter colocado uma chave presencial, assistente de partida em rampa, aquecimento no banco, espelhamento de gps no painel, etc.... São itens que não alterariam muito seu custo x benefício e a deixariam mais próxima, tecnologicamente falando, das suas concorrentes. Falo isso, pois tenho uma V1000 SE -2022, e não fiquei nem um pouco tentado a migrar para a nova 1.100; e sim passei a considerar a mudar de marca.
Awesome review
How much payload weight can this electronic suspension bike carry?
Kawasaki has a winner with this Versys. I think the minor refinements you mentioned will make this bike outstanding
Good job!
Seat height adjustment, windscreen adjustment on the fly maybe electronically, bigger tank , lower weight of the bike, blind spot, radar tech not required but to count, bigger or newer more accomodative luggage boxes, apple car play and android auto, touch screen display, shaft drive, phone mounting space, keyless ride.
I think you should get a Lincoln Navigator .
Nice review
They are way over priced in Australia new $23,500 rideaway …for 2024 version .
But on used market you can pickup a 2020 SE model complete with panniers 15000kms for $13000.
For an ultra reliable bike they devalue heavily .
Where is the bridge from the video?
Thanks for the review. Now I know that the Versys is not for me. I like the feeling of being stable at all speeds where I don't hesitate on doing anything
Excellent review. I'm intrigued, enough to check one out.👍
Would you rather daily this or the 650.
I have a problem with a fuel consumption with this motorcycle. Also, side cases are to small for this bike, giving the fact of its size and max load. Other then that, perfect motorcycle.
Thanks for the test and honest information. I plan to trade the V-Strom 650 for a Versys. I'm wondering if the bike upgrades make sense to wait and buy a Versys 1100 or buy a Versys 1000 where I expect special prices and discounts from sellers. What do you think? Thanks.
I've owned a V1000SE for 4 years and will certainly trade it for a V1100 when time has come. However, If it could save me some money I'd definitely buy a V1000SE all over again: I have ZERO need for more power (120ps already makes it a rocketship vs most vehicles on the road and keeping my license is a challenge).
The main selling point of the new model IMO: the improved quickshifter (mainly for downshifts).
All in all it's an absolutely brilliant bike.
Coming from a Vstrom 650, the jump to the V1000 will be a quantum leap without going to the 1100. I'd recommend go for an electronic suspension version with a tft screen. Anything from 2020 onwards...S or SE version. Super bikes at really affordable prices now. I think you'll love the smoothness, power and versatility 👍
How would you compare it to the honda nt1100 and to the rt1200. Would you rate it higher or lower than those 2 others bikes
Better than both obviously, due to power and being much lighter
What do you mean by much lighter ? The nt1100 is actually lighter and the 1100se and rt1200 have the same weight , refer below
1100se 259kg wet
Nt1100 238kg wet
Rt1200 259kg wet
Do you want a twin or a 4?
The Boxer + shaft + telelever is a thing onto itself. You either like or not. The Honda is very bottom oriented. Almost as if they wanted to mimic the feel of a giant thumper for the Atwin. It has plenty enough power, and can rev if prodded, but 5K+ is not where it charms. Off the bottom, it has some of that thumper, or even Harley, magic going though.
The Kawi I4 is brilliant in the 4-9K range. It's not a super bike, but is still really exciting to rev out, where twins just drone up high (The V Vstroms excepted). The special thing about this Kawi I4, is that it's also in its element down low. You can lug it way down without issue. The twins are a decent bit more frugal, though. So unless you care about the visceral feel of a more sporty engine, they provide better autonomy at typical touring speeds. The bags on both the RT and NT are also larger. The RT has even better wind, and rain, protection. It's arguably too good, if you ride in hot weather. The RT also has radar cruise option, and every other option known to man. It ends up costing an arm and a leg with every option checked, however.
One thing you may want to check, depending on needs, is turning circle. I'm not sure about the NT, but the similar frame and headstock Atwin turns a lot tighter than the Versys 1000 (as well as any other tourer I'm aware of). That makes it more suitable as a tight city bike, than most other big tourers.
Kawasaki Versys 1100 needs to be equipped with shaft drive system for better ADV reliability...🇮🇳🇮🇳
Chain drive is very easy to maintain/adjust especially with a center stand. They're also much lighter and maintain more power to the rear wheel.
@kugangles9860 But need more maintenance and become more dirty very easily as compared to shaft drive. Modern shaft drive system is also becoming lighter day by day.
That USB port in this and the new Ninja 1100 is absolutely ridiculous. We praise Japanese bikes and products in general for attention to detail and that just seems like a massive own goal in the name of saving a few ￥.
Seat hight adjustment and lowered weight to 235kg, or at least 155ks
Ready for dakkar
I'd rather have lower compression and better manners than stress a long distance tour bike for another 15 hp. Now you'll get 100k or more out of the engine instead of 60k
I owned a 2015 and the low gearing from factory was terrible. so many vibrations just to travel at 55mph. I had to change both front and back sprockets to make it rideable, the bike was a disappointment compared to suzuki vstrom 1000
Good workhorse but Kawasaki is getting LAZY AS F***
güzel motor
I am sure it's mother loves it but motorcycle has been hit with a big ugly stick. LOL
Your mother loves it 😛
Funny you should mention that. I get more compliments from women. Personally think it's a lot more attractive then many Harleys with bulbous fairings that looks like dash from small car and too much chrome.
The sound is not in sync of the presenter... cringe editing