The latest images published in the German media Motorrad Online leave no room for doubt: a Versys 900 is about to be presented to the world. A logical commercial move by Kawasaki taking into account the current frames that its most direct competition has. In addition, it would be the perfect stepping stone that currently exists between the Versys 650 range and its older sister the Versys 1100.
Versys 900: the first details of the model
After the arrival of the Versys 1100 last season, it seems that Akashi has been working on a 900 variant for some time to make its current range of models even more complete. This is the idea behind the publication of some images on the aforementioned German website. As they themselves have explained, it was two of their readers who hunted two copies of the supposed model in Montenegrin lands:
“As a souvenir from their summer vacation in Montenegro, MOTORRAD readers Kathleen and Benjamin brought us some photos. They show a Kawasaki video crew on the edge of a winding country road, with two motorcycles that are still kept secret, although only partially covered”they explain.
Sticking to the visible details of both test units we can elucidate that we would indeed be looking at a new generation Versys 900. Following the philosophy of the model, it stands out for including, among others, 17″ alloy wheels on both axles, with 120/70-17 road tires on the front and 180/55-17 on the rear axle. Also a silhouette of clear crossover inspiration where the ride comfort and the well-known versatility of these acronyms are clearly manifested in its design language.
The technical part revealed
Regarding the engine used in this Versys 900, it is inevitable to think that Kawasaki has opted for the well-known four-cylinder in-line and 948 cc 4-stroke that in the Z900 declares a power of 124 HP at 9,500 rpm and has a torque of 97.4 Nm at 7,700 revolutions. Akashi’s new sports-tourer will almost certainly end up replicating these same figures. In addition, it is expected that it will end up mounting a KTRC traction control system, adjustable power modes and integrated driving modes.
Regarding the chassis, keeping the aluminum swingarm unchanged, the Versys 900 stands out in this sense for mounting a completely new tubular chassis. On the contrary, both the suspension system (with about 150 of travel between stops on both axles) and the braking equipment seem to be inherited from the 1100 variant of the everlasting model.
Motorrad colleagues also advocate the arrival, later, of an SE version with improved premium equipment. Also because this Versys 900 has a seat height of around 840 mm. Likewise, there is talk of a running weight of about 230 kilograms, a figure that would be quite far from the more than 250 kilos declared by the Versys 1100.
The Versys 900 could be presented next fall
Finally, it is inevitable to think about two essential aspects regarding the development and marketing of the future Versys 900. The first of them is the exact moment in which Kawasaki will present it to the public. Answering this question, it is very likely that do it this fall (EICMA 2026 could be the chosen place), to end up launching the model in the early stages of 2027.
On the other hand, there is the final price of a model of this type. Here the Germans are less clear, estimating the purchase of the new Versys 900 in the range of 12,000 euros. Having said all this, at the moment, it is only speculation and speculation surrounding the new Japanese frame, so we have to wait for the brand itself to decide to offer us the exact data of its future member.
