From its introduction in 2012, the litre class Versys has evolved year on year gaining widespread praise for its any-roads versatility, day long riding comfort and rider friendly attitude – a true motorcyclist’s machine befitting its Destination Everywhere tagline.

For 2025 that carefully considered evolution takes its next step and chief among the “under the surface” changes are an increase in cylinder capacity and also an increase in peak power. Developed by Kawasaki specifically for any road’s excitement from perfectly surfaced highways to poorly maintained country roads, the Versys’ In-Line Four engine receives an increase in displacement from 1,043 cm3 to 1,099 cm3 for the 2025 season thanks to a 3mm longer stroke. This capacity increase, along with other subtle adjustments, increases maximum power from 120 PS to 135 PS. 

Additionally, increased mid-high rpm torque makes an already great riding experience even more enjoyable.  The new models (Standard, S and SE plus Edition machines and luggage options) also receive several upgrades aimed at improving touring potential. 

The updated Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) feature now functions from a lower minimum shift point of 1500rpm, while new upper gear ratios enhance touring comfort partnered with electronic cruise control. In terms of engine changes, selected headlines include centre intake funnels now 45 mm longer than the outer intake funnels adding to better torque between 4,000 and 7,000 rpm. 

The intake ports were optimised to suit a throttle body change and are now narrower in relation to the bike’s increased displacement.  The resulting higher intake flow velocity in the low- to mid-rpm range benefits low-mid range torque. Additionally, new ECU settings optimised for the higher engine displacement have the throttle valve opening characteristics revised across the rev range while cam profiles with a lower valve lift also contribute to increased low-mid rpm range torque. 

Increased rideability is also thanks to a heavier flywheel mass and a secondary balancer reduces excess vibration while large connector pipes join exhaust headers 1-4 and 2-3, contributing to better performance at all rpms. And to keep things under control, an oil cooler has been added in 2025 for improved cooling performance. Braking is revised too with the rear disc increasing from ø250 mm > ø260 mm. 

A USB-C port is standard and in terms of electronic rider aids, the Versys 1100 owner will be well served with a raft of items including KTRC traction control, cornering management, power mode and riding mode selections and – for SE owners – Showa electronically damped suspension. Boasting the convenience of Kawasaki’s unique Rideology smartphone App (which is now voice command function ready), you have the ideal planet exploring platform. Versys 1100 – Destination: Everywhere. 

The 2025 Versys will be available from December 2024 in the following colours:

Versys 1100 – £11,899
Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Gray / Metallic Diablo Black 

Versys 1100 S – £13,649
Metallic Graphite Gray / Metallic Diablo Black
Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Diablo Black 

Versys 1100 SE – £15,649
Metallic Graphite Gray / Metallic Diablo Black
Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Diablo Black

With the countdown toMotorcycle Live on, Kawasaki UK is delighted to announce the latest part of its2024 plans with the launch of the FUCHS Silkolene Green Adventure. The excitingnew element will provide an opportunity for youngsters between 7 and 12 thechance to get their first ride on two wheels.

With the all-new Festival Zone set to transform Motorcycle Live, Kawasaki is excited to join the lineup, partnering with Jonny Davies, AKA JD Stunts. After a meeting at the show in 2023, Kawasaki and Jonny set their sights on breaking the 25-year-old Guinness World Record for the fastest speed being dragged behind a motorcycle. That record was achieved this August when he set a new top speed of 159.52mph skiing behind a specially modified Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX.

Now, Jonny will be using a variety of Kawasaki machinery, including his stunt-modified Ninja ZX-6R to perform a thrilling stunt show in the Motorcycle Live Festival Zone. The UK Stunt Champion will undoubtedly enthral fans with his daily high-energy, adrenaline-filled shows.

Alongside bringing the latest 2025 models, Kawasaki has many more exciting plans to be announced ahead of the annual two-wheel extravaganza.

A long-standing presence in the Road Racing paddock, most notably with Dean Harrison, DAO Racing Kawasaki was one of the most successful teams in the sport. With multiple podiums in every class at the Isle of Man TT, the highlight was undoubtedly the memorable Senior TT victory in 2019. The team has also represented Kawasaki well in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, regularly scoring points in the highly competitive series.

The successful relationship between Kawasaki UK and DAO Racing will end after the final round at Brands Hatch, with the team having decided to move on to other ventures. Kawasaki would like to thank the entire team for their hard work and success and wish them the best for whatever the future may hold.

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department:
“The DAO Racing team have been an important and successful part of the Kawasaki and Team Green family for a number of years achieving some fantastic results along the way, including most notably a Senior TT win at the Isle of Man with Dean Harrison. It’s a shame to see them move away from the Kawasaki brand but I would personally like to wish them all the best for their next steps.”

At the end of this season, British Superbike paddock stalwarts Gearlink Kawasaki will take their final chequered flag as Team Owner Michael de Bidaph enjoys a well-deserved retirement. Having been competing for nearly two decades, the iconic green and orange machines have powered multiple riders to victories and podiums, and Kawasaki UK would like to thank Michael, Norma, and the entire team for their dedication and commitment.

First starting out in racing back in 2004 as a sponsor of a young James Hillier, Gearlink was officially formed the following year as Michael, his wife Norma, James and his dad entered the Supersport Cup. Claiming several Cup podiums that year, James and the team remained together for several more seasons enjoying strong success. 

In 2008, Gearlink became the official Kawasaki UK British Supersport team, where they would go on to achieve incredible results for Team Green. While they never quite managed to secure the elusive title, the team came close on several occasions, most notably in 2011 when Ben Wilson missed out on being crowned Champion by just one point. The team also finished runner-up in 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2023, cementing their success with multiple riders. Even earlier this season, Gearlink showed just how highly regarded they are when World Supersport rider Can Öncü rode for them at Donington Park, taking victory and second place. 

Of course, it wasn’t just in the Supersport class where Gearlink shone. The team were regular points scorers in the prestige British Superbike class during their tenure in the premier class, while wins and podiums came aplenty at the North West 200. The most notable of these came in 2016 when the Gearlink Ninja ZX-6R powered Alastair Seeley to victory in the Supersport class, seeing him named the most successful rider around the ‘Triangle’ in the process. 

As the team prepares for its final few races, Kawasaki UK would like to say a massive congratulations and heartfelt thank you for everything the Gearlink Kawasaki team has achieved.  

Michael de Bidaph, Gearlink Kawasaki Team Owner
“It would be fitting to say that this is the end of an era that started in 2004. My darling Norma and I part sponsored James Hillier that year and at the end of that season decided to set up our own team. In 2005 we competed in the Supersport cup series with James, his dad, a Transit van and a small camper for the two of us. Throughout the past twenty years we have had highs and lows with many race wins by different riders and have thoroughly enjoyed life in the paddock making many friends along the way. 

I must admit that we never set out to achieve such success ending up with an Arctic, a forty-foot Motorhome, several race bikes and numerous race equipment but I think our deep passion for this wonderful sport has been a contributing factor towards this feat. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dear friends Ben & Louise Wilson for doing such a great job in running the team over the past few years, Ross Burridge at Kawasaki UK, Stuart Higgs and the MSVR staff and all of our sponsors especially product suppliers as without them none of this would have been possible” 

Ben Wilson, Gearlink Kawasaki Team Manager
“Gearlink Kawasaki has been a massive part of my life and really has moulded me into the person I am today. I've had some big highs and equally some big lows, chased championships and had the privilege of standing on the podium many times in the iconic green and orange livery. The past few years of running the team have been an honour and a privilege, and we have enjoyed much success along the way. We never quite managed a Championship title, but we came pretty close! This is the end of an era now, and it will leave a huge hole in mine and my family's life, but the time feels right now to make this Gearlink’s last season” 

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department:
“Wow, what can I say? This truly is an end of an era with Kawasaki UK working with Gearlink for so many years. Michael, Norma, Ben and Lou have always been some of the most professional, enthusiastic and dedicated people we have had the pleasure of working with and they will be sorely missed from the paddock. That green and orange livery is synonymous with the Supersport class and visions of Michael and Norma hanging over the pit wall celebrating their many race wins will stay with us forever. It’s criminal that they never won that elusive Supersport title, but we all collectively had a lot of fun trying to achieve it along the way. We wish them all the very best.”