Fresh from making its first global unveiling is the new 2027 Kawasaki Versys 900—an all-new sport-touring motorcycle from Japanese motorcycle maker Kawasaki.
The Versys 900 slots between the current Versys 650 and Versys 1100 as the brand’s new middleweight-to-heavyweight sport tourer, combining the sheer performance of the Z-derived inline-four engine with touring practicality.
Z-Derived Inline-Four Power Plant
The Z-derived engine in question is a 948 cc liquid-cooled, 16-valve inline-four engine rated at 122 PS at 9,500 RPm and 97.3 Nm of twist at 8,000 RPM.
Unlike in the Z900, this engine has been optimised to deliver a strong low- and mid-range response to the new Versys 900 while retaining the free-revving character of an inline-four engine at higher engine speeds.
To go with this engine, Kawasaki has also developed an all-new trellis frame for the Versys 900, where it is designed to balance rigidity and front-end feel—the latter is important considering that this bike features a touring-oriented, long-travel front suspension setup.
The result is a near-50:50 weight distribution for this sport tourer, complemented with its 17-inch wheels for better cornering stability.
Other standard equipment featured here includes dual front disc brakes with enhanced ABS, the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), the Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), the Kawasaki Quick Shifter for its six-speed manual transmission, a 20-litre fuel tank, and many more.
Sportier Design with Modern Amenities
Visually, the new Versys 900 carries the same sporty touring bodystyle as its bigger and smaller siblings while featuring Kawasaki’s new Aero Edge styling that gives it a sportier, less bulky appearance.
The most prominent one is its front face, which features sharper dual LED headlights that mimic the smaller KLE500. Also primed here are LED fog lamps and a power-adjustable windscreen, with the SE version getting a larger unit alongside hand guards, heated grips, and a centre stand.
Speaking of accessories, the new Versys 900 is also offered with an optional touring luggage system comprising a 57-litre top box and two 32-litre side panniers, and four colour options are available for this sport tourer—Metallic Spark Black or Pearl Robotic White for the standard Versys 900, and Plasma Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black or Firecracker Red/Metallic Carbon Gray for the top-spec Versys 900 SE.
On board, the new Versys 900 comes with a 5-inch TFT screen that supports turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology The App Motorcycle mobile app. Charging your personal devices is made possible by the single USB-C charging port, and riders can adjust the seat height between 825 mm and 845 mm, depending on their preferences.
First Versys Model with ARAS Functions
A first for the Versys 900 and the rest of its family is the advanced rider assistance systems (ARAS), which includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).
These additions are made possible thanks to the integrated radar unit at the front and the rear end of this bike, putting it on par with other radar-equipped sport tourers, including the new Yamaha Tracer 9 GT.
While the 900 is the first Versys model to receive the ARAS tech as standard, this rider assistance system can already be found on the brand’s supercharged flagship supersport tourer, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE.
