By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Sport Tourer
Kawasaki Versys 1100 (MY2025-SE) vs Ninja 1100SX (ZX1100H)
Kawasaki Versys 1100 vs Ninja 1100SX: long days, loaded bags, one choice to make.
Climbing off the Kawasaki Versys 1100, the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX's high bars set you in a slight forward lean that doesn't load your wrists. It tips in light and holds fast sweepers steady.
So which one do you buy?
The Ninja 1100SX has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Nose ahead: Ninja 1100SX
On a winding road, the Ninja 1100SX comes out a touch ahead. The difference is a sportier chassis and more feel through the bars. You wouldn't bet much on a gap like that.
Which one's the smarter buy
More for your money: Ninja 1100SX
The Ninja 1100SX is the better buy at these used prices. You get more bike for the money with the Ninja 1100SX.
What makes each one tick
Versys 1100
There's real pull from the Versys 1100's inline-four well down the rev range, and the engine stays silky as highway miles pile up. It brings all 569 lb (258 kg) to every corner entry. Out of the turn, the four doesn't need a downshift to pull again. Sixth gear hums the vibration away.
Ninja 1100SX
At highway speed, there's a calm pocket of air behind the Ninja 1100SX's fairing and screen. A roll of the throttle has the four pulling cleanly from low revs. Passes don't need the top end. The twin-spar frame shrugs off a full load.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Ninja 1100SX has the lower wet weight: 516 lb (234 kg) vs 569 lb (258 kg).
- The Versys 1100 has the larger fuel tank: 5.5 US gal (21 L) vs 5.0 US gal (19 L).
- Electronic Suspension: standard on the Versys 1100, not offered on the Ninja 1100SX.
Which one for the way you ride
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Not their thing
Both of these ask too much of a rookie. Spend your first year on something lighter.
Don't look for a gap on commuting, long days, and running costs: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Versys 1100
What owners say
Strengths
- Velvet-smooth, torquey engine character
Ninja 1100SX
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth and flexible engine with a strong midrange
- Agile handling that belies its weight
- Comfortable, all-day riding position
- Excellent wind protection and refined electronics
What they cost used
These prices compare a 1-year-old Versys 1100 with a 1-year-old Ninja 1100SX.
- Versys 1100
- about $18,000
- Ninja 1100SX
- about $11,800
At one year old, the Kawasaki Versys 1100 sits around $18,000 while the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX lands near $11,800. That's a $6,200 gap in the US market. These are estimates from earlier records, not live listings.
What they share
- Displacement
- 1099 cc
- Engine
- Inline-four
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Peak power at
- 9,000 rpm
- Peak torque at
- 7,600 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Versys 1100 | Ninja 1100SX | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.1 in (840 mm) | 32.9 in (835 mm) |
| Wet weight | 569 lb (258 kg) | 516 lb (234 kg) |
| Versys 1100 | Ninja 1100SX | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 135 hp (99 kW) | 136 hp (100 kW) |
| Torque | 83 lb-ft (112 Nm) | 83 lb-ft (113 Nm) |
| Versys 1100 | Ninja 1100SX | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 US gal (21 L) | 5.0 US gal (19 L) |
| Versys 1100 | Ninja 1100SX | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 | 190/50-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Versys 1100 | Ninja 1100SX | |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
| Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
| Navigation | Option | Not offered |
| Heated Grips | Standard | Option |
| Luggage System | Standard | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
