Kawasaki is adding a new Versys 900 to its 2027 range, placing the bike between the Versys 650 and Versys 1100 in the mid-size tall-rounder class. Prices start at £11,999, compared with £8,049 for the Versys 650 and £13,849 for the Versys 1100. Power comes from the liquid-cooled 948 cc inline-four already used by the Z900. It produces 120.3 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 71.8 lb.ft of torque at 8,000 rpm. Kawasaki describes the new motorcycle as the sportiest Versys it has built.

The major talking point is Bosch ARAS radar assistance, fitted to both trim levels rather than reserved for the SE. One radar unit is positioned at the front and another at the rear, enabling adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warnings and blind-spot detection. The rear brake light also flashes during hard acceleration to make the bike more noticeable to following traffic. This is the first Versys to use front-and-rear radar, although the technology is already used on the Ninja H2 SX SE.

A new chassis around a familiar engine

The engine sits beneath a half fairing in a new trellis chassis with a long, fixed rear subframe. The rear shock is mounted horizontally and left visible on the right side of the motorcycle. Its remote adjuster sits beside the right pillion footpeg. The swingarm appears to be shared with the Z900, as does the short single exhaust that partly shrouds it. Five-spoke 17-inch wheels are fitted with Metzeler Roadtec 01 tyres, signalling a road-first layout rather than an off-road adventure brief.

Seat height is adjustable between 825 mm and 845 mm. A seven-position clear screen sits above twin LED headlights, while the fuel tank is shaped to help riders reach the ground and maintain a secure knee grip. Kawasaki has also paid attention to two-up travel, with a defined rider-passenger divide, gently positioned pillion footpegs and substantial grab handles. Luggage options include a 47-litre top case and two 32-litre side panniers.

Radar is only part of the equipment package

The cockpit uses a five-inch full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. Two screen layouts are available: one places more emphasis on spirited riding, while the other gives navigation greater prominence when exploring unfamiliar roads. Standard electronics include lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, multiple riding modes, front and rear LED lighting and a quickshifter. The SE is additionally distinguished by its handguards.

Both versions are due to appear at Motorcycle Live at Birmingham’s NEC from November 21 to 29. The standard bike will be offered in Metallic Spark Black or Pearl Robotic White. The SE colour choices are Plasma Lime Green / Metallic Spark Black and Firecracker Red / Metallic Carbon Gray.

A crowded field of road-focused rivals

The Versys 900 enters a competitive segment. Triumph’s Tiger Sport 800 starts at £11,095, Yamaha’s Tracer 9 family from £9,508 and BMW’s F900XR from £10,950. The radar-equipped Tracer 9 GT+ is listed at £16,608, while the KTM 890 SMT and Suzuki V-Strom 800RE provide more distinctive alternatives. Kawasaki’s proposition is therefore a 948 cc inline-four combined with a new chassis, touring equipment and radar at both ends, while remaining below the price of Yamaha’s most expensive option in this comparison.