The Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE sits at the very top of the Versys 1100 range, Kawasaki’s fullest specification on this sport touring platform for riders who want nothing left unresolved. It brings together the performance of the S trim with a higher standard of equipment throughout, built on the same wider, 950mm bar and screen stance.
The 1,099cc liquid-cooled inline-four, DOHC 16-valve, with a 77 x 59mm bore and stroke and 11.8:1 compression, produces 135PS at 9,000rpm and 112Nm of torque at 7,600rpm through four 38mm throttle bodies, with power climbing keenly from low revs through to the top of the range. A six-speed return gearbox, wet multi-disc manual clutch, digital ignition, electric start and chain final drive make the most of that delivery, whether cruising the A38 or attacking a Dartmoor road, with forced lubrication through a wet sump keeping temperatures stable throughout.
A twin-tube aluminium frame carries a 43mm inverted fork with rebound damping and preload adjustment, and a Horizontal Back-link gas-charged rear shock with remote preload adjustment, tuned for the SE’s more complete specification, offering 150mm of travel up front and 152mm at the rear. Dual 310mm semi-floating petal discs with radial-mount monobloc four-piston calipers, stiffer under load than a simpler axial mount, grip 120/70 front and 180/55 rear tyres hard, hauling speed off confidently even when carrying a passenger. At 259kg, a little heavier than the standard bike, with an 840mm seat, a 1,520mm wheelbase and 150mm of ground clearance, it still handles with genuine composure.
Flowing, sporty bodywork shared with the rest of the Versys 1100 range shields rider and passenger from windblast at speed. Practicality is not forgotten either, with the 21-litre tank keeping it usable for daily riding as well as longer trips away, cruise control taking the strain out of motorway stretches, and the SE’s fuller equipment list adding real day to day comfort over the standard bike. It is built for the rider who wants the most complete version of the Versys 1100 experience without yet adding the largest luggage. Available now at GT Motorcycles, Plymouth’s Kawasaki dealer, with finance and test rides on offer across Devon and Cornwall.
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