Last week, we reported that Kawasaki UK (and later USA) had teased the arrival of a new Versys, the brand’s adventure tourer series. We had also postulated that it’s likely to be based on the sport-naked, the Z900. Kawasaki has just revealed the Versys 900 and 900 SE and it is based on the Z900, with a few touring-centric additions.
- Shares the Z900’s 948cc in-line four, but with slightly lower 123hp and 97.3Nm
- Major distinguishing feature is the ADAS – termed ARAS – functionality
- Versys 900 SE gets accessories like heated grips and radiator guard as standard
The most feature-loaded Versys yet
The Kawsaki Versys 900 currently has two variants in the UK, Standard and the SE. They share their 948cc, in-line four, liquid-cooled engine with the Z900, but with slightly lower output figures, 122hp and 97.3Nm compared to 124hp and 97.4Nm. The engine is housed within an all-new trellis frame which is said to enable a high-level of front end feel and achieve a near 50:50 weight distribution to the front and back. Suspension comprises a USD fork and a linkage monoshock, and standard seat height is 825mm, with the option to increase it to 845mm.
What sets the Versys 900 apart is the addition of Kawasaki’s Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) – the front and rear radar system that enables adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, and emergency stop signal as standard. While Kawasaki hasn’t revealed full specifications, we do know the Versys 900 will run on 17-inch wheels at both ends, like the Z900. It also borrows the latter’s electronics suite with ride-by-wire, power modes, traction control, a slip-and-assist clutch, a bi-directional quickshifter. The 6-axis IMU and 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity are also shared.
The Versys 900 SE variant adds LED fog lamps, hand guards, heated grips, a radiator guard, frame protection sliders, a lower cowl and centre stand as standard fitment. Kawasaki also teases edition models like Tourer and Grand Tourer in the future. The Standard Versys 900 gets two colours, Black and White for GBP 10,899 (Rs 13.74 lakh). The Versys 900 SE gets two entirely different colour options, Lime Green/Black – a Kawasaki special – and Red/Grey for GBP 11,799 (Rs 14.87 lakh). Both will be available from April 2027.
India currently gets the other three Versys motorcycles, X 300, 650, and the 1100 so it’s reasonable to expect the 900 to also get here, likely in the first half of 2027. For context, the Versys 650 costs Rs 8.63 lakh and the 1100 takes that up to Rs 13.89 lakh, so we’d expect the 900 to slot between the two; just like the other Kawasaki SE models, the Versys 900 SE will likely be skipped for India.
All prices mentioned are ex-showroom. GBP-to-INR conversions are based on exchange rates at the time of writing.
