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 also postulated that it would likely be based on the Z900 sport-naked. Kawasaki has just revealed the Versys 900 and 900 SE, based on the Z900, with a few touring-centric additions.
- Shares the Z900’s 948cc inline-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
Kawasaki Versys 900: What you need to know
The most feature-loaded Versys yet
The Kawasaki Versys 900 currently has two variants in the UK: Standard and SE. They are powered by the same 948cc inline-four liquid-cooled engine as the Z900 but offer slightly lower output: 122hp and 97.3Nm versus 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 between the front and back. Suspension comprises a USD fork and a linkage monoshock, and the 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 and 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 a centre stand as standard fitment. Kawasaki has also teased edition models like Tourer and Grand Tourer in the future. The Standard Versys 900 is available in two colours, Black and White, for GBP 10,899 (Rs 13.74 lakh). The Versys 900 SE comes in 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 1100, so it’s reasonable to expect the 900 to arrive here, likely in the first half of 2027. For context, the Versys 650 costs Rs 8.63 lakh and the 1100 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 are ex-showroom. GBP-to-INR conversions are based on exchange rates at the time of writing.
Suraj Sreekumar
Vishal Venugopal
Dinshaw Magol
