Kawasaki 2025 Sport Touring Motorcycle Lineup

What better time than now to head to your local Kawasaki dealer for a closer look at their 2025 sport touring lineup? Kawasaki has been a leader in sport touring motorcycles well before introducing the iconic Concours (aka GTR1000) in 1986.  Drawing from a winning legacy of Grand Prix and MotoGP racing, Kawasaki continues to make high performance motorcycles accessible to the masses.  So much so, that today, with outstanding new models hitting showroom floors, you may well find yourself wishing for a bigger garage.  

Here’s a round-up of what Kawasaki has in store for sport touring riders this year.

The Essence of a Sport Touring Motorcycle

Before diving in, let’s take a minute to explain how we selected motorcycles in the sport touring category.  We started with the premise that sport touring riders enjoy chasing backroad adventures, leaning into twisties with confidence, and spending long days in the saddle.  For this discerning group of riders, the ideal sport touring motorcycle delivers a unique blend of performance, handling, and comfort, all stylishly designed and engineered to work in harmony.

So, while many motorcycles are customizable for sport touring, our focus on factory integrated design and engineering limits us to purpose-built models and models that can be optioned by the dealer using factory produced accessories.  That takes pure sport bikes off the table, and large touring models as well.

Ninja H2 SX SE ABS – Hypersport Touring

While Kawasaki discontinued the Concours14, the company remains committed to high-performance sport touring. To fill the gap, Kawasaki developed the H2 in several variants ranging from the H2R with MotoGP-level performance specs to the more refined H2 SX SE ABS, expressly designed for sport touring. The Ninja H2 SX SE ABS, or briefly the H2 SX, provides ample evidence that Kawasaki intends to remain the performance leader in sport touring.

In contrast to the Concours, the H2 SX packs more power from a significantly smaller-displacement engine managed by advanced electronics, while also weighing hundreds of pounds less. Its supercharged 998cc inline-4 engine delivers 207 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque across a broad powerband. Power is delivered through a smooth-shifting 6-speed transmission and sealed chain drive. To help tame the beast, Kawasaki equips the H2 SX with an impressive suite of rider aids, including cornering management, traction control, and intelligent ABS. Stopping power is equally impressive, thanks to dual 320mm semi-floating discs with dual radial-mount opposed 4-piston Brembo Stylema calipers. While heavier sport tourers often employ a 190/50 rear tire, the H2 SX, at only 591 pounds, rides on a 190/55 allowing it to turn in more quickly. A launch control system and quickshifter give the bike an aggressive edge and help riders control power delivery from takeoff to top gear.

Adding to its high-tech appeal, the H2 SX features an integrated front and rear radar system that supports blind spot detection, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. These advanced systems enhance safety and make highway stretches more relaxing.

The 6.5-inch TFT instrument panel brings everything together, offering a modern, customizable interface that connects wirelessly to the rider’s smartphone via Kawasaki’s RIDEOLOGY THE APP (yes, that’s the official app name). With the app, riders can check vehicle status, review ride logs, and send call and message notifications directly to the instrument panel. In addition, the app allows riders to adjust the electronic suspension and other ride settings.

The 2025 Ninja H2 SX SE ABS is a striking example of high-end motorcycle engineering designed to meet the performance and handling expectations of experienced sport touring riders. The H2 SX is available now, with an MSRP of $29,100. It is offered in Emerald Blazed Green with Metallic Diablo Black and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray accents.

Ninja 1100SX – Affordable Sport Touring Performance

The Ninja 1100SX is a pure sport touring motorcycle in every sense of the term. Kawasaki offers it in two trims: the Ninja 1100SX ABS and the Ninja 1100SX SE ABS. Mechanically, the bikes are nearly identical, with the SE ABS receiving a few key upgrades, namely a premium Öhlins S46 rear shock, Brembo front brake calipers and discs, stainless steel braided front brake lines, and heated grips. Both models deliver a compelling balance of sportbike performance and long-distance comfort in a sleek, Ninja-inspired package.

At the heart of both models is a 1099cc inline-four engine that produces a solid 134 horsepower and 83.2 lb-ft of torque. Power delivery, through a 6-speed transmission equipped with a quickshifter and sealed chain drive, is smooth and strong thanks to Kawasaki’s advanced engine management systems, making the 1100SX just as comfortable carving canyons as it is gobbling up highway miles.

In terms of geometry, the 1100SX leans heavily on its sportbike DNA. Rake and trail are set at 24 degrees and 3.9 inches, nearly identical to the BMW S1000RR, giving the bike precise, confident handling. Kawasaki crafted a new Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension system that positions the rear shock unit almost horizontally to centralize mass and create a lower center of gravity, improving stability and balance. The 1100SX 5-spoke alloy wheels are wrapped with Bridgestone’s BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 tires, a 190/50 ZR17 at the back, and a 120/70 ZR17 up front.

Both trims come equipped with a full suite of modern rider aids. ABS, traction control, and ride modes come standard, giving riders the tools they need to safely manage power and conditions on any road and in any weather.  Unfortunately, the 1100SX does not include an electronically adjustable suspension.

The electronics package includes a crisp 4.3-inch full-color TFT instrument panel. While not as large as the display on the flagship H2 SX, it provides a clean and customizable interface. The screen is compatible with the RIDEOLOGY THE APP.

From a touring standpoint, the Ninja 1100SX delivers on the essentials but leans firmly into the “sport” end of the sport touring genre. A 5.0-gallon fuel tank offers decent range, but riders planning remote trips should keep fuel stops in mind. At 518 pounds fully fueled, the bike is light for its class, though luggage and gear will naturally add to that. The low-profile windscreen and minimal fairings offer modest wind and weather protection, something riders who tour year-round should consider. Heated grips are standard on the SE model and available on the base trim for an additional $439. Side cases are not included and will add $823 to the final price.

MSRP for the 2025 Ninja 1100SX ABS starts at $13,699, while the upgraded SE ABS is priced at $15,399. Both trims are available in Metallic Carbon Gray with Metallic Diablo Black accents, giving the bike a sleek, aggressive look that fits its sport touring profile. For riders who value sharper handling and premium components, the SE is an easy decision, while the base model delivers all the core performance and comfort sport touring riders expect, with room to customize to match your riding style.

Ninja 1000SX ABS – Ideal for Newer Riders

Kawasaki has not yet announced a 2025 update for the Ninja 1000SX ABS, instead continuing last year’s model as a proven option for riders stepping into the sport touring segment. With its approachable price, balanced performance, and optional touring upgrades, the 1000SX strikes an ideal middle ground between daily usability and long-haul riding.

Power comes from a 1,043cc inline four-cylinder engine that offers smooth delivery across the rev range. There’s more than enough torque for effortless highway cruising and plenty of snap for spirited canyon runs. Power is delivered through a 6-speed transmission with a quickshifter and sealed chain drive, offering smooth gear changes along with low-maintenance reliability. Riders looking for an introduction to the sport touring lifestyle will find the 1000SX more than up to the task.

Adhering to the Ninja playbook, the 1000SX suspension geometry features rake and trail of 24 degrees and 3.9 inches respectively. Suspension tuning and chassis design strike a balance between comfort and performance, making the bike well-suited to the twisties and comfortable on the open road. It rides on a 190/50 ZR17 Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tire at the back and a 120/70 ZR17 up front. Rear suspension preload is manually adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune the setup for solo or two-up riding and varying load conditions.

Kawasaki doesn’t skimp on rider aids either. The 1000SX comes standard with ABS, traction control, ride modes, and all the expected electronic engine management tools. A 4.3-inch TFT display provides a crisp, modern interface, and supports smartphone connectivity through RIDEOLOGY THE APP.

Acknowledging the 1000SX’s sport touring potential, Kawasaki offers an accessory package, priced at $2,238, that sets it up for longer rides. The package includes saddlebags, a comfort-oriented Kawasaki ERGO-FIT extended reach seat, USB and DC power outlets, frame sliders, color-matched side case panels, and Kawasaki’s KQR™ one-key luggage mounting system. These upgrades transform the 1000SX into a legitimate long-distance machine without compromising its sportbike soul.

That said, like its larger sibling the 1100SX, the 1000SX carries a small 5.0-gallon fuel tank, which means careful planning is required for remote routes. The base curb weight is a manageable 514 pounds.

The Ninja 1000SX ABS is available in Metallic Matte Graphite Gray with Metallic Diablo Black accents and carries an MSRP of $13,699. With the optional sport touring package installed, the total MSRP comes to $15,936.95.

Versys 1100 SE LT ABS – Versatile Sport Touring  

Kawasaki rounds out their 2025 sport touring lineup with the Versys 1100 SE LT ABS, a popular crossover Kawasaki describes as the “ultimate travel companion,” an apt description given its blend of comfort, power, and versatility. From cross-country tours to everyday commuting, the Versys 1100 adapts to whatever ride you have in mind.

At its core, the Versys 1100 is a true sport touring machine, not an adventure bike masquerading as one. Upright ergonomics, standard luggage, an adjustable windscreen, and a roomy layout make it ideal for one-up or two-up touring. A slightly larger 5.5-gallon fuel tank gives it a longer range between fill-ups – an advantage on remote highways and a convenience during long weekend loops.

The Versys 1100 features a smooth running 1099cc inline four-cylinder engine that cranks out 133 horsepower and 82.5 lb-feet of torque with a strong midrange. Matched to a quickshifter-equipped 6-speed transmission and sealed chain drive, this bike is a joy to ride. Stopping power comes from dual 310mm petal discs with radial-mount 4-piston monobloc calipers up front and a large 260mm rear brake disc with a new caliper design.

Handling leans slightly more toward stability and comfort than razor-sharp agility, with a relaxed 27.0-degree rake and 4.0 inches of trail. That geometry gives the bike a composed, confident feel at highway speeds even when fully loaded with a passenger and luggage. The Versys is fitted with 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T31 tires mounted on stylish 17-inch 6-spoke cast aluminum wheels.

Touring-minded features abound, including grip heaters and hand guards, an adjustable windscreen, a USB Type-C outlet, and Kawasaki’s ERGO-FIT system for configurable rider comfort. All lighting is LED, with integrated cornering lights. A 4.3-inch full-color TFT display provides clean visuals and supports smartphone connectivity, including voice commands through Kawasaki’s RIDEOLOGY THE APP. The highly functional Versys cockpit is accented by an analog-style tachometer surrounded by an assortment of useful status indicator lights.

The 2025 Versys 1100 SE LT ABS is available in Metallic Graphite Gray with Metallic Diablo Black accents and carries an MSRP of $19,499. For riders who put comfort first, but don’t want to sacrifice performance, the Versys is a compelling, tech-rich choice that embraces Kawasaki’s sport touring vision.

An Exciting 2025 Lineup

Kawasaki’s 2025 sport touring lineup offers something for every rider, regardless of experience or ambition. The Ninja 1000SX is an accessible, well-balanced entry into the sport touring world – affordable, approachable, and still capable enough to satisfy seasoned riders.

The new Versys 1100 SE LT ABS delivers long-haul comfort and flexibility for those who ride farther and pack heavier, ready to take on whatever adventure lies ahead. And for riders who demand the absolute edge in power, technology, and adrenaline, the Ninja H2 SX SE ABS takes sport touring into hypersport territory, making the wildest canyon roads feel like a personal playground.

Wherever and however you ride, Kawasaki has a sport touring machine to take you there.