In the litre-class road touring segment, Kawasaki offers you two distinct versions of its 1100 models to choose from in the Ninja 1100SX and the Versys 1100. Here, we’ll break down all the differences between the two Kawasaki 1100s.
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Kawasaki Ninja 1100 vs Versys 1100: design and ergonomics
Ninja is a textbook sports tourer, Versys is a tall-rounder
There’s no greater difference between the big Ninja and Versys than their designs. On one hand, the Ninja 1100SX has a textbook sports tourer stance with a fully-faired design and an all-day comfortable yet engaging riding position. To the untrained eye, the Ninja might even look like a full-blown supersport.
In stark contrast is the Versys 1100 which prioritises function over form. Its design is meant to shield the rider from the elements and thereby, maximise comfort. It has a fully upright riding position like a standard tourer, unlike its sportier sibling.
Kawasaki Ninja 1100 vs Versys 1100: chassis and weight
Versys is a good deal heavier, has longer-travel suspension
While both bikes share the same aluminium twin-spar main frame there are some differences in the rest of the chassis. For starters, the Versys’ subframe and its single-piece seat are much more substantial than the Ninja’s relatively skinnier subframe and split seats. At 257kg, the rather portly Versys is 22 kilos more than the Ninja, although at 21 litres it does hold 2 more litres of petrol. Measuring 310mm, the Versys’ twin front discs are also 10mm larger than the Ninja, likely compensating for its higher kerb weight.
The taller Kawasaki 1100 also has longer-travel suspension as well as more ground clearance than the Ninja, which makes it more adept at traversing our unpredictable roads.
Kawasaki Ninja 1100 vs Versys 1100: features
Ninja has a TFT display and bidirectional quickshifter
On the Ninja 1100SX, a 4.3-in colour TFT display faces the rider, whereas the Versys uses a simpler digi-analogue dash. While the suite of rider aids is largely the same between the two, the Ninja’s is a little more advanced in comparison. It comes standard with a bidirectional quickshifter and also has four riding modes. While the former can be equipped as an optional extra on the Versys, riding modes are omitted entirely from its suite of electronic aids.
Kawasaki Ninja 1100 vs Versys 1100: price
Versys is more affordable to purchase than the Ninja
All of those features and the more expansive bodywork on the Ninja does come at a price. At Rs 14.42 lakh, the big Ninja is Rs 63,000 dearer than the big Versys. Both are rather unique in the sort of riding experience they provide and have no direct rivals.
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
