I’m a sucker for green—Emerald Blazed Green, in this case. And, whether or not you are, the new 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE ABS is worth a deep dive, thanks to motor and chassis updates. We ran through all the updates in our First Look story, and now it’s time to ride the sport-tourer and see how they work.
- My first ride on the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE ABS set the stage for the rest of the 1000+ mile review. As I have on countless test bikes, I took the 30-ish mile run on Casitas Pass Road (California State Route 150) from Ojai down to Bates Beach in Carpinteria. I was impressed by the Ninja’s ability to run deep lean angles through the second gear switchbacks, as well as some long 80+ mph sweepers. Once my line was set, all I had to do was sit still and add a bit of throttle as the bike glided through the long apex, requiring no input. We got off on the right foot.
- The new 1099cc motor adds 56cc to last year’s model via a 3mm-longer stroke in the four inline cylinders. New cam profiles and intake ports add grunt to the low and midrange while new ECU programming smooths out the power curve. This motor delivers perfect fueling throughout the rev range in every gear of the six-speed transmission. At any speed, in any gear, and on almost any road, the Ninja 1100 reveals its silky and effortless nature. Highway miles evaporate in its wake.
- Kawasaki claims improved fuel economy, which is always good on a bike with panniers. I averaged 39 mpg during my time in the saddle of the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX SE ABS. However, make a decisive twist of the wrist while watching the instant mpg gauge, and you will see the burn rate rise to around a gallon every 30 miles. My average is likely due to the longer 5th and 6th gears, a revised flywheel, and a lower rev limit.
- The engine’s 83-foot-pound torque peak at 7600 rpm doesn’t tell the whole story. Not every ride on this sport-touring bike is journeyed in haste. Sometimes, I want to take it easy. This motor allows me to short shift and will happily ride at 50 mph in 6th gear, yet it won’t bog down if I roll on the throttle without downshifting. This makes for a sweet and calm ride when desired. Also, the 1100 motor’s sound output has a nice bassy growl I like.
- Three preset ride modes are offered—Rain, Road, and Sport—plus a programmable Rider mode. The characteristics of each are exactly what you expect. Rain moves down to Low power (Full or Low are the two levels), Road delivers Full power and is sporty, with Sport ramping up the throttle response and reducing traction control. The programmability of Rider mod is limited—you only have a choice of the two power modes and three levels of IMU-informed traction control, plus off. The modes can be changed on the fly; just close the throttle and thumb the dedicated mode switchgear. While you’re pushing buttons, the cruise control works well and is easy to use.
- The 4.3-inch TFT instrument panel offers all the data one requires when riding the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX SE ABS. Although it is small, the information is nicely presented. I found it easily readable in all lighting conditions, and you can choose either a black or white background. In addition to the info we’re used to seeing, there’s a lean-angle display using your choice of graphics or digits. I would gladly trade this for tire pressure monitors which are not included nor offered. Rotating through dash data is easy. There’s also Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone with Kawasaki’s Rideology app, and a powered USB-C port on the dash.
- Great engines deserve great transmissions. Combine the fantastic power delivery with a six-speed transmission featuring one of the smoothest quickshifters I’ve ever experienced, and the result is a tour-de-force. The cable-actuated clutch has slip and assist functions. The assist feature is welcome when going through towns. I don’t tap into the slipper function much, though it’s there for overzealous downshifters.
- The aluminum frame and stress-member motor are the basis of a stable chassis. Turn this cruise missile off the beaten path and onto some twisty bits, and it displays its Ninja breeding in both sure-footedness and turning ability. It offers no surprises or challenges to ride, no matter one’s expectations. It is completely sorted and ready for anything you might want it to do. Familiarity came instantly; I found riding quickly in the canyons easy, and it’s well-mannered around town.
- Suspension on the SE is a mix of Showa and Öhlins. The fully adjustable Showa inverted 41mm fork, and the horizontally mounted, linkage-assisted Öhlins S46 shock are impeccable for sport touring. Oddly, the Öhlins shock, one of the SE upgrades, does not have compression damping adjustability. Happily, the suspension is set up in the sweet spot between overly soft and excessively firm—just what you want when putting on the miles in varying conditions. Yes, semi-active suspension would be better, but price points must be respected.
- A great sport-touring bike needs appropriate rubber, and Kawasaki came through. The 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE ABS rocks Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires. Performance is excellent, with a 120/70-17 up front and 190/50-17 in the rear. If you want something sportier, you can go with a 190/55 in the rear when you burn through the S23.
- In addition to plenty of go, the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX SE ABS has lots of stop. Naturally, brakes are as important as the motor and transmission for a great all-around high-performance sport-tourer. Another SE feature is the upgrade to a Brembo braking system up front. Brembo supplies the M4.32 calipers, 300mm discs, master cylinder, and steel-braided brake line. The sophisticated Kawasaki ABS monitors the throttle position, engine speed, clutch engagement, gear position, and exclusive criteria—front caliper hydraulic pressure. All of this makes the ABS transparent, even under heavy use, and rear-wheel lift mitigation is part of the package.
- The four-position windscreen improves the touring experience. It’s not very large, yet at the top spot, it cleaves the wind wonderfully, and the lower position is ideal for twisty antics. Adjustment is made via a lever below the dash, so there is no changing position while riding.
- If you don’t want the SE, we can tell you what you give up to get a $1700 discount. You’ll lose the Öhlins shock, Brembo front brake system, heated grips, and the beautiful Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black paint.
- There’s a lot to love here, and many improvements make the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE ABS a superior offering. If a motorcycle suitable for touring, sport touring, canyon carving, and fast day trips is your notion of a proper mount, then this is a bike to consider. I liked the SE from the moment it hit my garage, and I’ve done plenty of fast touring and many varied miles with nothing to do but smile. It has not failed to be a serious motorcycle when I’m serious, yet casual when I want it to be; I’ve even used it for a few trips to the supermarket. Bravo, Kawasaki.
Photography by Don Williams
RIDING STYLE
2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE ABS Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Inline-4
- Displacement: 1099cc
- Bore x stroke 77.0 x 59.0mm
- Maximum torque: 83 ft-lbs @ 7600 rpm
- Compression ratio: 11.8:1
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 vpc
- Fuel management: EFI w/ four 38mm throttle bodies
- Transmission: 6-speed w/ quickshifter
- Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ slip and assist functions
- Final drive: Sealed chain
CHASSIS
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable inverted 41mm cartridge fork; 4.7 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted, spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustable Öhlins S46 shock; 5.4 inches
- Tires:
- Front tire: 120/70 x 17
- Rear tire: 190/50 x 17
- Front brake: 300mm Brembo discs w/ Brembo M4.32 calipers
- Rear brake: 250mm disc w/ single-piston caliper
- ABS: Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-Lock Brake System w/ Bosch ABS unit
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 56.7 inches
- Rake: 24.0 degrees
- Trail: 3.9 inches
- Seat height: 32.3 inches
- Fuel capacity: 5.0 gallons
- Curb weight: 516 pounds
- Color: Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black
2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE ABS Price: $15,399 MSRP
2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE ABS Review Photo Gallery
