Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2027 Kawasaki Versys 900 SE LT ABS: DESTINATION: ADRENALINE.
Introducing the 2027 Kawasaki Versys 900 SE LT ABS…
The new 2027 Kawasaki VERSYS® 900 SE LT ABS motorcycle combines the excitement of a 948cc in-line four engine with the versatility and long-distance comfort of the VERSYS® family. An all-new steel trellis frame, upright riding position, long-travel suspension and 17-inch wheels create a platform equally suited to daily commuting, meandering back roads and extended touring.
The liquid-cooled 948cc engine delivers strong, manageable low- and midrange torque and a free-revving top end. Balanced front-to-rear weight distribution contributes to light, responsive handling, while a rigid rear frame supports passenger and touring luggage. A height-adjustable seat and seven-position windshield help riders tailor the fit and wind protection.
The VERSYS 900 SE LT ABS also introduces Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) to the VERSYS family. Radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control Lite (ACC Lite), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Blind-Spot Detection (BSD) support everyday riding and long-distance travel. A new 5-inch TFT color display offers smartphone connectivity, with available voice command and turn-by-turn navigation†. New aero edge styling gives the motorcycle a slim, flowing profile that reflects its sporty character.
2027 Kawasaki Versys 900 SE LT ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
● 948cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve in-line four engine
● All-new steel trellis frame with near 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution
● 43mm inverted front fork and horizontal back-link rear suspension
● 17-inch wheels with radial-mount monobloc front brake calipers
● IMU-equipped rider support, Kawasaki TRaction Control and integrated riding modes
● Kawasaki Quick Shifter for clutchless upshifts and downshifts
● Adaptive Cruise Control Lite, Forward Collision Warning and Blind-Spot Detection
● 5-inch TFT color instrumentation with two selectable display layouts
● Smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE*
● Upright riding position, two-position seat height and seven-position windshield
● Standard SHAD side cases with a one-key system
● Standard LED fog lamps, hand guards, heated grips, radiator screen, frame sliders, lower cowl and center stand
● New aero edge styling with compact LED lighting
KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE OF 2027 STREET MOTORCYCLES
Kawasaki’s 2027 street motorcycle lineup returns this fall with models spanning sport, supersport, naked, retro, cruiser and touring categories. From compact motorcycles for everyday riding to supercharged performance machines and touring models equipped for longer journeys, the lineup offers a wide range of riding experiences. Returning models feature distinctive color and graphics options, giving riders more ways to “Let the Good Times Roll.”
2027 Kawasaki Versys 900 SE LT ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE
The VERSYS 900 SE LT ABS features a 948cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve in-line four engine tuned to deliver sporty performance with the controllability needed for everyday riding and touring. A short-stroke configuration, with a bore and stroke of 73.4 x 56.0mm, contributes to its free-revving character. Strong, smooth torque at low and medium engine speeds supports relaxed urban riding, while direct response at higher rpm adds excitement when accelerating through a series of corners.
Intake and exhaust settings were developed for both everyday riding and sport performance. Long, slim intake funnels support low- and midrange torque, while downdraft throttle bodies provide a short, direct intake path. A low-resistance air cleaner supports high-rpm response. Electronic Throttle Valves let the ECU manage fuel delivery and airflow for smooth, linear acceleration. The 36mm throttle bores and cam profile further support usable low- and midrange torque.
A lightweight crankshaft contributes to quick engine response, while a secondary balancer helps smooth the engine’s operation. Lightweight cast pistons and connecting passageways between the cylinders help reduce reciprocating mass and pumping losses. Long final gearing makes use of the engine’s broad torque delivery to reduce cruising rpm and the need for frequent gear changes during everyday travel.
The compact exhaust system uses a four-into-one layout with an integrated header and pre-chamber assembly. A dual-chamber silencer supports controllable low- and midrange torque while producing an exhaust note suited to long-distance riding. Its compact shape helps centralize mass, and stainless-steel details complement the motorcycle’s sporty appearance.
Assist & Slipper Clutch
The Assist & Slipper Clutch provides a light lever pull and helps limit excessive engine braking. Under acceleration, the assist cam draws the clutch hub and operating plate together, reducing the spring force needed to hold the clutch plates. During rapid downshifts, the slipper cam relieves pressure on the plates to help reduce rear-wheel hop and skidding.
CHASSIS
A specially designed steel trellis frame balances agile sport handling with the stability and comfort needed for touring. Kawasaki engineers used advanced analysis of the VERSYS® 1100’s aluminum twin-tube frame to develop the new frame’s rigidity balance and front-end feel. The steel structure’s controlled flexibility communicates road-surface conditions to the rider while helping minimize high-frequency vibration.
The engine is rigidly mounted at five points and serves as a stressed member, helping reduce frame and chassis weight. A rigid trellis rear frame draws on the Z900 and Ninja® H2 SX models, with lower tubes extending to the swingarm pivot for stability when carrying a passenger and luggage. The chassis supports a total payload of approximately 485 lbs. An aluminum swingarm with extruded arms balances sporty handling with stability under touring loads.
A forward rider position and swingarm pivot location help achieve near 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. This arrangement helps the rider load the front wheel for a planted feel and direct steering response. A 24.5-degree rake, approximately 4.2 inches of trail and a 61.0-inch wheelbase balance cornering agility with touring stability.
SUSPENSION
Long-travel suspension helps the VERSYS 900 SE LT ABS remain composed across the changing surfaces encountered on city streets, meandering roads and highways. A 43mm inverted cartridge fork provides 5.9 inches of travel, with rebound damping and spring preload adjustment accessible at the top of the right fork leg. Carefully selected fork dimensions contribute to front-end rigidity and clear feedback during sporty riding.
At the rear, horizontal back-link suspension positions the shock and linkage above the swingarm, helping centralize mass and keeping the shock away from exhaust heat. The rear wheel offers approximately 6.3 inches of travel, with spring and linkage settings selected for bump absorption and stable chassis behavior. Rebound damping adjustment and a remote, hand-operated preload adjuster make it easier to accommodate a passenger or luggage.
BRAKES & WHEELS
Twin 310mm semi-floating front brake discs are paired with opposed four-piston, radial-mount monobloc calipers. A radial-pump front master cylinder helps deliver a linear increase in braking force as the lever is squeezed, giving the rider precise control. At the rear, a 260mm disc and single-piston caliper provide balanced braking performance.
Sporty 17-inch wheels at both ends feature a five-spoke design based on the Z900. Large-diameter hubs and bearings support the loads associated with touring, while increased front-disc mounting rigidity helps maintain consistent braking feel. Metzeler SPORTEC™ 01 tires complement the motorcycle’s combination of sport handling and on-road versatility.
IMU feedback adds corner braking management to the ABS system by incorporating chassis lean information in addition to wheel speed. The system modulates brake pressure to help manage wheel slip when braking through a corner. During straight-line deceleration, pitching management helps suppress rear-wheel lift as weight transfers forward.
ERGONOMICS & TOURING COMFORT
The upright riding position of the VERSYS 900 SE LT ABS balances long-distance comfort with the freedom of movement needed for active sport riding. A wide, rubber-mounted handlebar provides a natural grip and helps reduce vibration, while rubber-mounted footpeg brackets and hollow rubber footpeg pads further isolate the rider from vibration. Six-position brake and five-position clutch levers allow adjustment to suit different hand sizes.
The rider’s seat offers two tool-free height settings of approximately 32.5 and 33.3 inches. A flat seat shape, carefully selected urethane padding and a narrow front section support extended riding comfort while helping the rider reach the ground. The separate passenger seat uses thick padding, and the seat-cover construction allows the seating surface to conform naturally as the rider moves.
A manually adjustable windshield offers seven height positions across an adjustment range of approximately 1.9 inches. Developed through more than 100 wind-tunnel tests, the windshield balances wind protection with a compact, sporty profile. Layered bodywork helps manage airflow around the rider, while the slim contact areas of the fuel tank cover provide a secure knee grip and further assist reach to the ground.
A 5.3-gallon fuel tank supports long-distance travel, with its internal shape positioning fuel toward the front of the motorcycle to complement the chassis balance. A USB Type-C outlet near the instrument panel powers compatible devices, while a high-output generator supports electrical accessories. Passenger grab handles, luggage hooks in the passenger footpeg brackets and a standard helmet lock add everyday convenience.
ADVANCED RIDER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS
The VERSYS 900 SE LT ABS is the first model in the VERSYS family to feature Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS). Front- and rear-facing radar sensors support Adaptive Cruise Control Lite, Forward Collision Warning and Blind-Spot Detection, helping provide information and assistance during everyday riding and longer trips.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL LITE (ACC LITE)
ACC Lite uses front-facing radar to help match the speed of a vehicle ahead, up to the rider’s selected cruising speed. When the following gap narrows, the ECU reduces throttle opening to slow the motorcycle. As the gap opens, the system gradually increases throttle to follow traffic or return to the set speed when the lane ahead is clear. Opening the throttle temporarily overrides the system, giving the rider control of acceleration. Riders can choose Near, Medium or Far following-distance settings, with system status shown on the TFT display.
ACC Lite does not apply the brakes. The rider must brake when stronger deceleration is needed or traffic slows substantially below the selected speed. Braking cancels cruise control; the RES switch resumes operation.
FORWARD COLLISION WARNING (FCW)
FCW uses the front radar to monitor the distance and speed of the vehicle ahead. If the system detects a risk of collision at the motorcycle’s current speed, it displays a warning on the TFT screen. Riders can select Early, Medium or Late alert timing, or turn the function off.
BLIND-SPOT DETECTION (BSD)
Rear-facing radar monitors approaching vehicles in adjacent lanes. When a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, an LED in the corresponding rearview mirror illuminates. If the rider activates the turn signal toward that side, the LED flashes to provide an additional alert. BSD does not alert the rider to vehicles directly behind the motorcycle or moving away from it, and the function can be switched off.
ELECTRONIC RIDING SUPPORT
KAWASAKI CORNERING MANAGEMENT FUNCTION (KCMF)
KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout a corner to help smooth the transition between acceleration and braking. On the VERSYS 900 SE LT ABS, it oversees KTRC and ABS, including pitch and corner braking management. A six-degree-of-freedom Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) measures acceleration and rotation to track chassis orientation, giving the ABS more precise information.
KAWASAKI TRACTION CONTROL (KTRC)
Three KTRC modes offer progressively greater intervention to suit riding conditions. Mode 1 prioritizes sport riding with the least intervention, Mode 2 balances sport performance and rider support, and Mode 3 reduces engine output more readily when wheelspin is detected on low-traction surfaces. Riders may also turn traction control off.
POWER MODES & INTEGRATED RIDING MODES
Integrated riding modes link KTRC settings and Power Modes, allowing riders to tailor traction control and power delivery to riding conditions and preferences. Full Power and Low Power settings let riders select engine output. Low Power limits output to approximately 75 percent of Full Power, depending on rpm and throttle position. Sport mode pairs Full Power with KTRC Mode 1, Road pairs Full Power with Mode 2, and Rain pairs Low Power with Mode 3. Rider mode allows independent selection of power and traction-control settings. Modes can be changed using the right-handlebar Mode button when the throttle is closed and cruise control is not in use.
KAWASAKI QUICK SHIFTER (KQS)
KQS allows clutchless upshifts under acceleration and downshifts during deceleration. A contactless shift sensor signals the ECU to momentarily interrupt ignition for an upshift or adjust engine speed for a downshift. Operation from as low as 1,500 rpm helps make the system useful during everyday riding as well as on meandering roads.
TFT COLOR INSTRUMENTATION
An all-new 5-inch TFT color instrument panel offers two selectable layouts. Type 1 emphasizes sport riding, with a distinctive triple-bar tachometer in the black display theme that highlights rising engine speed. Type 2 prioritizes touring information and displays navigation and ACC Lite or FCW notifications more prominently.
Glass-bonded construction and IPS LCD technology provide a clear display and wide viewing angle. The background switches between white and black as ambient light changes, or riders can select either manually. Screen brightness adjusts automatically, with two rider-selectable brightness levels. A joystick controller on the left handlebar simplifies menu navigation.
The display includes speed, rpm, gear position, fuel level, range, fuel consumption, temperatures, battery voltage and service reminders. Lean-angle data, rider-support status and smartphone notifications are also available. The touring layout can additionally show throttle position and acceleration and deceleration.
SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY
RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE* connects a compatible smartphone wirelessly to the motorcycle. Vehicle Info lets riders view fuel level, odometer readings and maintenance log information on their phone. Riding Log records GPS routes and vehicle running information for later review, while call and email notifications appear on the instrument display.
General Settings allow riders to adjust instrument display settings, including shift-up indicator timing, display pattern and date, through the app. Kawasaki Riding Management lets riders set Road, Sport, Rain or Rider mode and selected riding-support settings, such as KTRC, in advance on their phone, then upload them when near the motorcycle.
Turn-by-turn navigation† appears directly on the TFT panel, with lane guidance, distance to the destination and estimated arrival time shown in the touring layout. Riders can also view route information on their phone, search for places and stores, add waypoints and reorder stops. Available voice commands† allow hands-free operation of supported app functions.
STYLING
The new aero edge design combines layered bodywork, open space and flowing lines to emphasize the VERSYS 900 SE LT ABS’s sporty character. A compact front cowl draws inspiration from Kawasaki’s Supernaked Z models. Vented shrouds and sculpted side covers create a floating appearance, while the partially exposed engine and frame reinforce the motorcycle’s slim profile.
A compact triple-LED headlight arrangement uses two upper low beams and a lower high beam. LED turn signals, a sharply styled LED taillight and a compact LED license-plate lamp complete the lighting package. An upswept silencer, short tail cowl and open space above the rear wheel continue the design’s light appearance. The standard side cases follow the same styling theme for an integrated look.
SPECIAL EDITION (SE) EQUIPMENT
The VERSYS 900 SE LT ABS comes standard with touring equipment designed to enhance comfort and convenience over longer distances. Hand guards add wind protection and general protection for the rider’s hands, while grip heaters fully enclose the grips to provide warmth on cold days. Compact LED fog lamps are mounted directly to the frame, adding functionality while complementing the motorcycle’s styling.
A radiator screen helps reduce the impact of stones and debris encountered while riding. Resin frame sliders help disperse impact forces by allowing the motorcycle to slide in the event of a tip-over, helping minimize damage to the frame and engine.
A vented lower cowl adds visual definition to the motorcycle’s lower section and reinforces its light, sporty character. A standard center stand adds utility and makes maintenance easier. Standard side cases complete the LT package.
LUGGAGE & KAWASAKI GENUINE ACCESSORIES
Kawasaki developed a new SHAD side case system alongside the motorcycle to balance carrying capacity, handling and appearance. The side cases come standard on the VERSYS 900 SE LT ABS. Dynamic damping elements in the mounting systems help absorb vibration and chassis movement, while side cases positioned close to the motorcycle’s center of mass help preserve balanced handling. Each side case provides approximately 8.5 gallons of storage with a maximum load capacity of approximately 11 lbs. A one-key system allows the cases to be unlocked and removed with the ignition key.
A 12.4-gallon SHAD top case is available as a Kawasaki Genuine Accessory and can be fitted simultaneously with the side case system. The top case can hold two full-face helmets. Accessory inner bags let riders carry their belongings without removing the cases.
Touring accessories include a windshield approximately 3.9 inches taller than standard, an ERGO-FIT rider seat approximately 0.8 inch higher and a passenger comfort seat. Engine cover rings, a GPS bracket, tank and knee-grip pads, wheel rim tape and instrument protection film provide further customization.
*Please refer to the RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE App Info for more detailed function information.
2027 Kawasaki Versys 900 SE LT ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $13,599 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
TBA
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
