By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Sport Tourer
Kawasaki Versys 1100 (MY2025) vs Versys 1000 (LZT00C)
Kawasaki Versys 1100 vs Versys 1000: which one you'd rather spend the big miles on.
Low in the revs, the Kawasaki Versys 1100's four pulls clean and creamy, and it's still silky as the needle climbs. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 pulls too, with less shove.
So which one do you buy?
Which one's the smarter buy
Even on value
The price gap is too small to drive the decision. Neither bike is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
Versys 1100
With a passenger aboard, the Versys 1100 settles in, and there's seat and legroom for both of you to stretch out. Vibration barely reaches the pegs. A bump on broken pavement doesn't make it to the seat, since the semi-active Showa suspension keeps resetting its damping and soaks the hit up. Through bends, the fork keeps its line over ripples.
Nils rode the Versys 1100 in Croatia/Dalmatia in 2025 (NastyNils Testride).
Versys 1000
Wide bars and an upright perch seat you on the Versys 1000 like an adventure bike, and its long-travel suspension keeps the ride plush. The chassis doesn't get unsettled when the brake lever slows the bike. There's room for a passenger, too. The screen holds the highway blast off your chest.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Versys 1100 makes more peak power: 135 hp (99 kW) vs 120 hp (88 kW).
- The Versys 1100 makes more peak torque: 83 lb-ft (112 Nm) vs 75 lb-ft (102 Nm).
- The Versys 1100 has the larger engine: 1099 cc vs 1043 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Not their thing
A first bike should forgive mistakes, and these two don't do that well enough. Come back to them later.
These two run dead level on commuting, twisty roads, long days, and running costs. Sit on both in the showroom and trust what your body says.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Versys 1100
What owners say
Strengths
- Creamy, torque-rich engine
- Exceptional two-up comfort
- Plush electronic suspension (SE)
Versys 1000
What owners say
Strengths
- Great value for money
What they cost used
These prices compare a 1-year-old Versys 1100 with a 1-year-old Versys 1000.
- Versys 1100
- about $18,000
- Versys 1000
- about $18,100
What they share
- Seat height
- 33.1 in (840 mm)
- Engine
- Inline-four
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 5.5 US gal (21 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Versys 1100 | Versys 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 562 lb (255 kg) | 558 lb (253 kg) |
| Versys 1100 | Versys 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1099 cc | 1043 cc |
| Power | 135 hp (99 kW) | 120 hp (88 kW) |
| Torque | 83 lb-ft (112 Nm) | 75 lb-ft (102 Nm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Versys 1100 | Versys 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
| Quickshifter | Standard | Option |
| TFT Display | Standard | Not offered |
| USB Charging Port | Standard | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Standard | Option |
| Cornering Lights | Standard | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
