The new Kawasaki Versys 900 debuts with 122 hp, ARAS radar, and a €12,890 base price. Can it overtake the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT? Full specs and analysis.
THE 3-LINE SUMMARY (For readers in a rush)
The missing link in the Akashi lineup: The new Versys 900 debuts powered by the legendary 948cc inline-four engine from the Z900, delivering 122 hp, 97.3 Nm of torque, and 17-inch sports wheels.
Official pricing from €12,890: Available in a standard version, a 70 kW restrictable variant for A2 license holders, and the top-tier SE trim (€13,790) complete with auxiliary LED fog lights, heated grips, and handguards.
The dynamic reality: The inline-four guarantees zero highway vibrations and an addictive top-end rush, but curb weight will hover around 230 kg, making it feel noticeably heavier than the 213 kg Yamaha Tracer 9.
Akashi has finally filled the gaping hole in its adventure-touring range: nestled between the user-friendly Versys 650 and the heavy-duty Versys 1100, a razor-sharp mid-to-large capacity sports crossover was desperately needed. With the official launch of the Kawasaki Versys 900, the Japanese manufacturer fires a direct shot at the reigning queen of the segment, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT.
The recipe leverages the best of Akashi’s component bin: the proven 948cc inline-four engine housed inside a dedicated trellis frame, 17-inch street wheels, an advanced radar safety suite, and an aggressive starting price of €12,890.
Inline-Four Engine: Supernaked Top-End Rush and Zero Vibrations
At the heart of the project sits the 948cc four-cylinder powerplant derived from the Z900, re-tuned to offer a beefier midrange delivery:
The output figures: 122 hp (89.6 kW) at 9,500 rpm and 97.3 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm, managed by the standard bi-directional KQS quickshifter and a 6-axis IMU-backed electronic package.
70 kW A2 License Version: Kawasaki offers both the full-power 122 hp version and a 70 kW variant (restrictable to 35 kW for A2 permit holders) at the exact same base price of €12,890.
The weight penalty: An inline-four offers unmatched smoothness and high-rpm excitement that rival twin and triple engines simply cannot replicate. The downside is bulk: in full riding trim, the bike will tip the scales at roughly 230 kg, compared to the 213 kg claimed for the Yamaha Tracer 9.
Official Pricing & Trim Levels: How much does each version cost?
Kawasaki has released official European pricing, positioning the Versys 900 aggressively against its rivals:
Versys 900 (Standard & 70kW): €12,890 — Comes fully equipped with the ARAS radar suite, KQS quickshifter, 5-inch TFT display with turn-by-turn navigation, integrated riding modes, and a 7-position adjustable windscreen.
Versys 900 SE (Standard & 70kW): €13,790 — Adds a full suit of long-distance touring accessories: LED fog lights, heated grips, integrated handguards, radiator guard, frame sliders, lower engine cowl, center stand, and exclusive Plasma Lime Green or Firecracker Red colorways.
ARAS Radar Technology & First-Class Electronics
The Versys 900 is the first in its family to adopt ARAS radar technology:
Active Highway Safety: Features Adaptive Cruise Control Lite (ACC Lite) to automatically maintain follow distance, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) to eliminate mirror blind spots.
Ergonomics & Practicality: 17-inch wheels wrapped in Metzeler Roadtec 01 rubber, height-adjustable seat (825–845 mm), and a reinforced rear subframe engineered to carry integrated luggage (47-liter top case and dual 32-liter side panniers).
Who is this bike for? And who should skip it?
It’s the right choice if:
You want a fast, rock-solid crossover that suppresses highway vibrations on long-distance trips, you value radar-assisted safety features, and you love the howl and linear pull of an inline-four engine.
It’s the wrong choice if:
You are looking for an ultra-lightweight, flickable mountain-pass weapon, or if you intend to do light off-roading (where the 17-inch front wheel and overall mass become a hindrance).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does the new Kawasaki Versys 900 cost?
Pricing starts at €12,890 for the standard model (and 70 kW version) and goes up to €13,790 for the fully loaded Versys 900 SE.
What extra features are included on the €13,790 Versys 900 SE?
The SE trim adds LED fog lights, heated grips, handguards, frame sliders, radiator guard, lower cowl, and a center stand.
How does the Kawasaki Versys 900 compare to the Yamaha Tracer 9?
The Versys 900 utilizes a 948cc four-cylinder engine (smoother and more rev-happy), while the Tracer 9 relies on the lighter, punchier 890cc CP3 triple-cylinder engine.
Crazywheels's Take:
At €12,890 with a bi-directional quickshifter and ARAS radar technology as standard equipment, the Kawasaki Versys 900 disrupts the middleweight crossover market. The SE trim at €13,790 represents the smartest buy for year-round commuters. While the bulk of the four-cylinder engine means it won't be the most nimble bike in tight hairpin switchbacks, for covering huge distances at speed with total wind protection and zero fatigue, this bike is primed to be a massive hit.