In brief. The Kawasaki Versys 900 2027, unveiled on October 13, 2026, is the road-focused crossover missing from the gap between the Versys 650 and the Versys 1100. In Italy it costs 12,890 euros, while the SE costs 13,790; the 70 kW versions are the same price. It features the Z900's 948 cm³ inline-four, here producing 122 hp at 9,500 rpm and 97.3 Nm at 8,000 rpm, a new trellis frame, 17-inch wheels and a 20-liter tank. It's the first Versys with ARAS radar systems: adaptive cruise control in Lite form, forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring.
The weight has not yet been announced, nor has the arrival date in Italy: Germany is said to get it in April 2027. There is one detail to bear in mind when equipping the bike: no certified aftermarket accessories are currently available for this chassis, and the SE already comes with seven genuine accessories as standard. Here you'll find the verified specifications, what's different between the versions, and what makes sense to buy now.
Starting at 12,890 euros: the Versys 900 fills the gap between the 650 and the 1100
Kawasaki announced Italian pricing alongside the launch. Four options, two prices: reduced power does not lower the price.
| Version | Price in Italy | 2027 colors | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Versys 900 | 12.890 € | Metallic Spark Black, Pearl Robotic White | Base equipment with ARAS, quickshifter and TFT |
| Versys 900 (70 kW) | 12.890 € | As above | Power limited to 70 kW, approximately 95 hp |
| Versys 900 SE | 13.790 € | Plasma Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black, Firecracker Red/Metallic Carbon Gray | Seven genuine accessories included as standard (see below) |
| Versys 900 SE (70 kW) | 13.790 € | Same as the SE | Power limited to 70 kW |
To put its position in perspective: according to the price list cited by InSella, the Versys 1100 S starts at 15,490 euros with 135 hp and 257 kg curb weight, while the Versys 650 remains a 67 hp twin. The 900 sits between them in price and power, with electronics its bigger sister lacks.
The four-cylinder engine is from the Z900; the frame is new
Specifications announced by Kawasaki and reported consistently by the Italian and international press. For each item, we indicate where we verified it.
| Specification | 2027 Kawasaki Versys 900 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Inline 4-cylinder, 948 cm³, liquid-cooled, 16 valves | Kawasaki, paultan.org |
| Bore × stroke | 73,4 × 56,0 mm | TopSpeed |
| Power | 122 hp (89.6 kW) at 9,500 rpm | Kawasaki, InSella |
| Torque | 97.3 Nm at 8,000 rpm | Kawasaki, InSella |
| Transmission | 6-speed, KQS quickshifter for upshifts and downshifts standard | MotorBox, TopSpeed |
| Frame | Newly designed steel trellis frame, weight distribution close to 50:50 | Kawasaki |
| Geometry | 1,550 mm wheelbase, 24.5° rake, 106 mm trail | MotorBox |
| Suspension | 43 mm inverted fork, Horizontal Back-link rear shock; preload and rebound adjustable on both, rear preload with remote adjuster | Objectif Moto |
| Travel | 150 mm front, 159 mm rear | Motorrad |
| Brakes | Dual 310 mm front discs, 4-piston monobloc radial calipers, radial master cylinder | Objectif Moto |
| Wheels and tires | 17-inch front and rear, Metzeler Roadtec 01 | Kawasaki, InSella |
| Seat | 825 or 845 mm, adjustable without tools, separate from the passenger seat | Kawasaki, Moto.it |
| Windshield | Manually adjustable to 7 positions | Kawasaki |
| Fuel tank | 20 liters | Motorrad |
| Instrumentation | 5-inch color TFT display with two layouts, joystick on the left-hand switchgear, connectivity with the Rideology app | MotorBox, TopSpeed |
| Electronics | Inertial measurement unit with KCMF, KTRC traction control, and ABS that also work when leaned over, power modes, Sport, Road, Rain, and Rider riding modes, ESS emergency stop signal | Visordown, TopSpeed |
| Also standard | Adjustable levers, rear luggage rack | Motorrad |
| Weight | Not announced | Kawasaki, Moto.it |
What’s changed compared with the Z900
The engine is the same unit as the naked bike’s, revised for the Versys: the claimed power output is practically unchanged, but the frame, long-travel suspension, upright riding position, and aerodynamic protection are all new. On paper, the result is a bike that retains a four-cylinder engine’s ability to rev freely, with a touring setup. Kawasaki describes it as the sportiest Versys ever made.
Radar comes to the Versys, but ACC Lite doesn’t brake
Two millimetre-wave radars, one at the front and one at the rear, power three functions. This is the motorcycle’s most important new feature, and also the one to understand best before buying.
| Function | What it does | Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| ACC Lite (Adaptive Cruise Control Lite) | Maintains the set speed and reduces it if the vehicle ahead gets closer, working only through engine management | Three distances: near, medium, far |
| FCW (Forward Collision Warning) | Warns the rider if the risk of a rear-end collision increases | Early, medium, late, or off |
| BSD (Blind-Spot Detection) | Lights an LED in the mirror on the side where a vehicle enters the blind spot; the LED flashes if you signal to move into that lane | No adjustment specified |
ACC Lite vs. ACC: the difference that matters
Kawasaki states this clearly on the model page: the Lite version does not control the braking system and only slows the bike by closing the throttle. In practice, it handles gentle deceleration on an open highway well, but if the vehicle ahead brakes hard, the rider has to intervene. Full adaptive cruise control systems, available on some touring motorcycles from other manufacturers, can also use the brakes.
It’s not a defect: it’s a different level of assistance, one you should understand before relying on it. You’ll find a more comprehensive guide to electronics for touring motorcycles on the blog.
The SE costs 900 euros more and comes with seven accessories as standard
The engine, chassis and electronics are the same. The SE adds factory-fitted equipment that you can buy as genuine accessories for the base model.
| Equipment | Versys 900 | Versys 900 SE |
|---|---|---|
| LED fog lights | Accessory | Standard equipment |
| Handguards | Accessory | Standard equipment |
| Heated grips | Accessory | Standard equipment |
| Radiator guard | Accessory | Standard equipment |
| Frame sliders | Accessory | Standard equipment |
| Engine belly pan | Accessory | Standard equipment |
| Centre stand | Accessory | Standard equipment |
| ARAS radar, quickshifter, TFT, luggage rack | Standard equipment | Standard equipment |
- also tour in winter or at dawn: you’d actually use heated grips and fog lights;
- want a center stand for maintaining the chain and tires without having to install one later;
- prefer original protective features integrated into the design.
- mostly ride the motorcycle in good weather and in the city;
- want to choose your own hand guards and auxiliary lights, perhaps more durable or more powerful ones;
- you’re only interested in the radar and engine, which are identical.
Kawasaki also offers Tourer and Grand Tourer trims, fitted with genuine accessories; the official luggage system consists of a 47-liter top case and two 32-liter side cases. Prices for these kits in Italy have not yet been published.
It’s a road-focused crossover, not an enduro
17-inch wheels with road tires, 150 mm of suspension travel, and a four-cylinder that performs best at high rpm: the Versys 900 is a raised sport tourer.
- tour two-up on paved roads and want protection, a comfortable seat, and luggage;
- love the character of a four-cylinder, with power building up to 9,500 rpm;
- do a lot of highway riding and want adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring;
- you’re coming from a naked bike or a 650 and want more engine without the weight of an 1100.
- off-road riding: no 21-inch wheel, no mixed-use tires as original equipment;
- automatic braking: ACC Lite only slows the motorcycle using the engine;
- ride with an A2 license, not even in the 70 kW version;
- weight comparisons: the figure isn’t available yet, so it’s best to wait before judging.
| Versys family | Engine | Power | Radar | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versys 650 | 649 cc parallel twin | 67 hp | No | €8,190 (InSella) |
| Versys 900 2027 | 948 cc 4-cylinder | 122 hp | Yes, ARAS | 12.890 € |
| Versys 1100 S | 1,099 cc 4-cylinder | 135 hp | No | €15,490 (InSella) |
Outside the Kawasaki lineup, its natural rivals are mid-to-large-displacement road-focused crossovers such as the Yamaha Tracer 9 and BMW F 900 XR. A meaningful comparison will only be possible once Kawasaki announces the weight and fuel consumption. In the meantime, if equipment for touring is your deciding factor, our overview of the best-equipped motorcycles for touring in 2026 may help.
Accessories: nothing specific is available for the Versys 900 yet
It’s a new motorcycle with a new frame. Accessories designed for the Versys 650 and Versys 1000 shouldn’t be assumed to fit, and aftermarket manufacturers don’t have the motorcycle yet.
| Accessory | What it depends on | Current status of the Versys 900 |
|---|---|---|
| Pannier frames and top case plates | Rear subframe, luggage rack, and mounting points | Only the original Kawasaki system is available (47 + 32 + 32 L) |
| Crash bars and skid plate | Frame and engine mounts | New frame: no compatible aftermarket crash bars listed |
| Handguards | Handlebars, levers, and bar-end weights | Standard on the SE; no aftermarket kit listed for the base model |
| Tank bag | Tank shape and filler cap ring | No ring listed for this model |
| Auxiliary lights | Mounts and wiring | Standard on the SE; the base model requires specific mounts, which are not yet available |
| USB sockets, smartphone mounts, strap-on bags, cover | Not model-specific, or only partially so | Can be installed, subject to the checks listed below |
If you have a Versys 650 or 1000 today, the situation is different: find accessories in the Kawasaki Versys 650 accessories, Kawasaki Versys 1000 accessories, and general Kawasaki accessories collections. Several items are currently out of stock: the collection always shows real-time availability.
Three model-independent accessories that are useful from your first ride
- Outputs
- Two USB-C ports, 130 W total
- Features
- Bidirectional, with voltmeter
- Why on the Versys 900
- Keep your GPS, phone, and intercom charged on the go
- To be verified
- Handlebar mounting point and connection to the electrical system
- Versions
- With or without wireless charging
- Why you need it
- A four-cylinder engine vibrates at high revs: your phone needs vibration damping, not just a secure hold
- To be verified
- Available handlebar mount and position relative to the TFT
- Capacity
- 50 liters
- Attachment
- Strap it to the passenger seat or luggage rack
- Why on the Versys 900
- The luggage rack is standard: carry your load without waiting for a luggage frame
- To be verified
- Make sure the bag doesn't cover the rear radar or license plate light
For storage, the Endurrad 210D waterproof motorcycle cover is not model-specific. Other mounts are in the motorcycle phone mounts collection, and bags are in the rear bags collection.
What to do now, in four steps
A simple way to avoid buying based on incomplete information.
- Wait for the official weight figure. It's the last important detail still missing, and it affects the comparison with rivals.
- Choose between the base model and SE based on how you'll use it. If you need heated grips, fog lights, and a center stand, the SE already includes them.
- Don't order model-specific accessories before you get the bike. Frames, crash bars, and mounts depend on measurements that manufacturers have not yet taken.
- Tell us when you've ordered it. Let us know the version and year, and we'll tell you what's compatible as soon as manufacturers confirm it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the 2027 Kawasaki Versys 900 cost in Italy?
How much horsepower does the Kawasaki Versys 900 have?
How much does the Versys 900 weigh?
When will the Versys 900 arrive at dealerships?
What's the difference between the Versys 900 and Versys 900 SE?
What is the Versys 900's ARAS system?
Does the Versys 900's ACC Lite brake on its own?
Is the Versys 900 suitable for off-road riding?
Can you ride the Versys 900 with an A2 license?
How high is the Versys 900’s seat?
How many liters is the Versys 900’s tank?
Will Versys 650 or 1000 accessories fit the Versys 900?
What luggage is available for the Versys 900?
Have you ordered a Versys 900?
Tell us your bike’s model and year: we’ll let you know about compatible accessories as soon as manufacturers announce them. If you already own a Kawasaki, you can find everything currently available on the dedicated page.
Sources. Kawasaki Europe, official Versys 900 2027 page (kawasaki.eu): ARAS, ACC Lite, BSD, KQS quickshifter. Moto.it, “Here’s the Versys 900” (October 2026): Italian prices, SE equipment, seat, radar. InSella and MotorBox (October 2026): power, torque, geometry, colors, prices; InSella also for the price lists of the Versys 650 and 1100 S. Motorrad (motorradonline.de, 13/10/2026): suspension travel, tank, standard equipment, availability in Germany. Objectif Moto: suspension and brakes. TopSpeed: bore and stroke, ARAS settings, riding modes. Paultan.org and Visordown: genuine luggage system, electronics, ESS. Il Sole 24 Ore reported on the unveiling. Photos: Kawasaki. Endurrad product pages for the accessories mentioned. Prices and availability checked on 16/10/2026.
