Essai Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE – Mieux qu’une BMW GS ?

Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE — overview and verdict

A very comfortable, well‑equipped, road‑oriented large adventure/travel bike with a noticeably more powerful engine than the outgoing Versys 1000. Great value for riders who want long‑distance comfort, modern electronics and luggage capability without BMW prices. Downsides: heavy, no automatic gearbox (DCT), no heated seat and some small ergonomic annoyances.

Main specs & numbers

• Engine
  • Liquid‑cooled inline‑4, 1,099 cc (↑56 cc vs previous)
  • Power: 135 hp (↑15 hp); Torque: 112 Nm (↑10 Nm)
• Transmission
  • 6‑speed manual, multi‑disc wet clutch
  • Bidirectional quickshifter (up/down), usable from 1,500 rpm
• Fuel & range
  • Tank: 21 L
  • Kawasaki claim: 5.6 L/100 km (mixed) → theoretical ≈ 370 km; reviewer real world ≈ 300–350 km per tank
• Weight & dimensions
  • Measured weight: 259 kg
  • Ground clearance: 15 cm
  • Saddle height: 84 cm (82 cm low)
• Suspension
  • 43 mm inverted fork (manual preload; electronic control for compression/rebound)
  • BFRC rear shock (Backlink, horizontal; rebound & preload manual, compression electronically controlled)
  • KECS (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension) with IMU and 3 firmness settings
• Brakes & wheels
  • Twin 310 mm semi‑floating front discs, radially mounted 4‑piston monobloc calipers
  • Single 260 mm rear disc
  • KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent ABS)
  • Bridgestone T31 tires on 17” wheels
• Electronics & safety
  • 4.3” color TFT with Kawasaki Rideology smartphone connectivity (2025 voice control update)
  • Cruise control; heated grips (standard on SE)
  • KTRC traction control (4 levels + off); KCMF cornering management; 6‑axis IMU
• Luggage (Grand Tour pack)
  • 2 × 28 L quick‑release panniers + 47 L top case → ≈103 L standard
  • Option to add a waterproof bag (~+60 L) → nearly 150 L total
• Ergonomics & comfort
  • Wide comfortable seat (urethane padding), high/wide bars; good wind protection when properly set
• Price & warranty
  • Base Versys 1100 S ≈ €15,699; S version reported €17,799
  • Grand Tour/SE pack ≈ €2,049–€2,250 extra
  • 4‑year warranty

What the reviewer emphasized (pros)

• Engine/driveability
  • Noticeable increase in power and torque versus the previous Versys 1000
  • Flexible, responsive across the rev range; smooth manual gearbox aided by quickshifter and light clutch
• Comfort
  • Excellent seat comfort and ergonomics; not tiring over long distances
  • Electronic suspension adapts well to solo/passenger/luggage and varied road conditions
• Touring capability
  • Large tank and extensive luggage options make it genuinely usable for multi‑day trips
• Safety & electronics
  • Comprehensive rider aids (KTRC, KCMF, KIBS, IMU) and cornering lights increase confidence in wet conditions and at night
  • Cruise control and connectivity add convenience
• Handling & brakes
  • Good mass centralization makes the bike feel lighter and manageable despite 259 kg
  • Strong, confidence‑inspiring braking even at full load
• Value
  • Competitive equipment and electronics for the price compared with premium rivals

Cons, limitations and criticisms

• No automatic gearbox (DCT) option and no keyless start (some competitors offer these)
• No heated seat (only heated grips provided)
• Manually adjustable windscreen — must stop to change height (annoyance)
• Design evolution from the 1000 is minimal; aesthetics subjective
• Heavier than many rivals; real‑world fuel consumption can exceed Kawasaki’s claim
• Less peak power than some competitors (e.g., Suzuki GSX‑S1000GX, BMW GS1300)
• Not intended for serious off‑road use — primarily optimised for tarmac/adventure touring

Comparisons with rivals (highlights)

• Suzuki GSX‑S1000GX: more power (152 hp); higher price (~€18,099)
• BMW GS1300: more power (145 hp); much more expensive (~€21,300 base; easily €25k+ with options); strong brand presence
• Honda NT1100: less power (102 hp), cheaper (~€14,749) and lighter
• Yamaha Tracer 9: 119 hp (3‑cyl), lighter and cheaper at base; to match Versys SE equipment you may need higher Tracer GT trims (~€15,699+)
• Overall position: strong price/equipment balance — heavy but comfortable and technologically competitive; unlikely to displace BMW at the very top but could place highly in the segment

Unique points / notable features (concise)

• +15 hp and +10 Nm vs Versys 1000; 1,099 cc displacement
• Mechanical 6‑speed manual with bidirectional quickshifter (min rpm 1,500)
• KECS electronic suspension with load‑responsive preload and 3 firmness levels
• KTRC (4 levels + off) and KCMF cornering management
• KIBS integrated ABS/ECU system that monitors multiple inputs to optimise braking
• Full LED lighting with triple‑lens dynamic cornering lights activated by lean angle
• Grand Tour pack (2×28 L panniers + 47 L top case) and protective accessories (crankcase protector, tank pad)
• Heated grips, USB‑C and 12V outlet standard (on SE)
• 43 mm inverted fork and BFRC rear shock with electronically controlled compression
• 4.3” TFT with Kawasaki Rideology + 2025 voice control update
• No keyless start, no heated seat, manual windscreen

User experience notes (riding impressions)

• Extremely comfortable for long distances; seat and suspension praised
• Windscreen effective when set, but manual adjustment is a minor irritation
• Confident in wet and on twisty tarmac thanks to electronics and brakes
• Smooth, linear power delivery and clear improvement over previous model
• Feels lighter and easier to ride than the measured weight suggests due to good mass centralization

Recommendation

• Strong choice for riders who prioritise comfort, long‑distance touring capability, modern electronics and generous luggage without paying BMW prices.
• If your priorities are lowest possible weight, absolute peak power, or automatic gearbox/keyless convenience, consider specific rivals (Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda or BMW depending on needs and budget).

Speaker / viewpoint

• All impressions and conclusions come from a single reviewer (“the car salesman”) who provided technical description, road test impressions, pros/cons and market comparisons.