Summary of "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.