Upright Riding Position: Spacious, upright riding position offers a high level of machine control in various conditions while contributing to rider comfort. Excellent Fuel Consumption: Complementing its 21-litre fuel-tank, advanced ECU programming contributes to the Versys 1100’s high fuel efficiency.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100 ABS: GO THE LONG WAY.
Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100 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 1100 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
AVAILABLE COLOURS
Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Diablo Black
Versys 1100 new season colours unveiled
Fresh from its central role in the Tour de France as official motorcycle of the event, the new colourways for the Versys 1100 in the 2026 motorcycle range have been announced.
A fleet of Versys 1100 machines were supplied to ASO – the organisers of the world famous cycling event – to assist in road closures and allied safety aspects plus use as fast response medical bikes and to aid and assist the peloton as it covered twenty one demanding stages and over 3300kms of French roads.
Kawasaki fans will not have to travel quite that far to see the models available in showrooms in 2026 with the Versys 1100 retaining its current livery while the S and SE each enjoy two updated colour schemes.
Equipped as standard with Showa electronically damped suspension front and rear, the range leading Versys 1100 SE will appear in showrooms in the two options of Metallic Deep Blue/Metallic Diablo Black or Emerald Blazed Green/ Metallic Diablo Black.
For the S model which offers many of the advanced features as the SE such as an up/down quick shifter, electronic cruise control and Smartphone connectivity with a voice command feature, there are also two new liveries comprising the same Metallic Deep Blue/Metallic Diablo Black or Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black approach.
Riding to the local café or supporting the worlds most famous cycling event over thousands of kilometers, the Versys 1100 is ready to go the distance. Now, with new colour options for 2026, the views are set to remain fresh and spectacular.
2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
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 emphasizes the functional beauty of the bike’s individual parts and the sculpted bodywork shaped with rider comfort in mind.
Comfortable Seating
Both rider and passenger seats offer thick urethane cushioning to provide the comfort to enable long hours in the saddle.
Adjustable Windscreen
Complementing the wind protection offered by the Versys 1100’s front cowl and wide shrouds, a stepless adjustable windscreen can be tailored to rider preference, contributing to comfortable highway cruising. Windscreen height can be easily adjusted from the rider’s seat.
Touring Comfort and Advantage 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.
Fun to Ride: Versatile Performance for A Wide Range of Riding Situations
Both the Versys 1100’s engine and chassis were designed to maximize 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, and offering a high level of rider confidence in numerous street riding situations.
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.
Handlebar-Mounted USB-C Outlet
A USB Type-C socket mounted on the left handlebar offers riders a convenient power source.
Wide Array of Rider Support Technology: IMU-Enhanced Electronics Package
The Versys 1100 features a host of rider support technology to add to rider confidence in a wide range of riding situations while helping riders enjoy their machine’s sport riding performance to the fullest.
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.
All-LED Lighting
From the twin headlamps and compact LED turn signals to the LED taillight and LED license plate lamp, the Versys 1100 offers an all-LED lighting package.
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.
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.
Upright Riding Position
Spacious, upright riding position offers a high level of machine control in various conditions while contributing to rider comfort.
Excellent Fuel Consumption
Complementing its 21-litre fuel-tank, advanced ECU programming contributes to the Versys 1100’s high fuel efficiency.
Long-Travel Suspension and Sporty 17” Wheels
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.
KCMF – Kawasaki Cornering Management Function
KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function) monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner.
IMU – Inertial Measurement Unit
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.
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.
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.
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.
Power Modes
Power Mode selection allows engine power delivery to be changed to suit the riding situation.
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.
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.
Electronic Throttle Valves
Electronic Throttle Valves allow the ECU to deliver the ideal amount of fuel and air to the engine.
ERGO-FIT
ERGO-FIT is an interface system that allows a wide range of riders to feel at one with their machine.
Economical Riding Indicator
The Economical Riding Indicator is a mark appearing on the instrument panel to indicate favourable fuel consumption, encouraging fuel efficient riding.
ABS
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ensures stable braking performance by preventing wheel lock during braking.
2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100 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 1100 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Kawasaki Versys 1100 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line four |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 |
| Valve system | DOHC, 16 valves |
| Bore x stroke | 77.0 x 59.0 mm |
| Displacement | 1,099 cm³ |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection: 38 mm x 4 |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Ignition system | Digital |
Performance & Transmission
| Maximum power | 99.0 kW {135 PS} / 9,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 112.0 N•m {11.4 kgf•m} / 7,600 rpm |
| CO2 emission | 128 g/km |
| Fuel consumption | 5.6 l/100km |
| CO2 emission 85 kW kit | 128.0 g/km |
| Fuel consumption 85 kW kit | 5.6 l/100km |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
| Clutch | Wet, multi disc |
| Primary reduction ratio | 1.528 (81/53) |
| 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 drive | Sealed chain |
| Final reduction ratio | 2.800 (42/15) |
Frame & Dimensions
| Frame type | Twin-tube aluminium |
| Trail | 106 mm |
| Wheel travel front | 150 mm |
| Wheel travel rear | 152 mm |
| Tyre, front | 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) |
| Tyre, rear | 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) |
| L x W x H | 2,270 x 895 x 1,400 mm (1,465 mm high position screen) |
| Steering angle L/R | 34° / 34° |
| Wheel base | 1,520 mm |
| Ground clearance | 150 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 21.0 litres |
| Seat height | 840 mm |
| Curb mass* | 255 kg |
| | *Curb mass includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied). |
| Estimated dry weight** | 233 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). |
Brakes & Suspension
| Front brake type | Dual semi-floating discs |
| Front brake diameter | Ø 310 mm |
| Front brake caliper type | Radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston |
| Rear brake type | Single disc |
| Rear brake diameter | Ø 260 mm |
| Rear brake caliper type | Single-piston |
| Front suspension type | Inverted fork with adjustable rebound damping, and spring preload adjustability |
| Front suspension diameter | Ø 43 mm |
| Rear suspension type | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock, rebound damping, and remote spring preload adjustability |
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
Posted on August 19, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
