2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX Confirmed

Ninja joins Versys in getting a bigger engine

Earlier this week, we confirmed engine details about a new Kawasaki Versys 1100, and found signs that suggest its 1,099cc Inline-Four engine will also be powering a replacement for the Ninja 1000SX. Motorcycle.com can now confirm that a Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX is on the way.

Once again, homologation filings from Australia, where we first came across the evidence for the Versys 1100 are a font of knowledge. In August, Kawasaki submitted new information adding a Ninja 1100SX SE to the existing file for the Ninja 1000SX.

Beyond the name, the document did not provide further information on the new model. It was the same situation when we originally found mention of the Versys 1100 S, with just the name appearing in the file, and further information added at a later date. We expect the same will happen here with the Ninja 1100 SX SE.

The SX SE won’t be the only version available, at least for Australia. A separate type approval document was simultaneously updated, adding two new model codes: ZX1100H and ZX1100J. We suspect one of these will be a non-SE model, with electronic features and special paint schemes being the main differences.

While we wait for official confirmation, we expect the Ninja 1100SX (and SE variant) will be powered by the same 1,099cc Inline-Four that was homologated with the Versys 1100. The Versys filing listed an engine code starting with ZXT, which we noted is typically the engine code for Ninja models. On the Versys, the engine is homologated with a peak output of 133 hp at 9,000 rpm, which would be a significant jump for the adventure-styled sport-tourer. The Ninja 1000SX is already certified with an output of 141 hp, so we suspect the 1100SX will have a different tuning than the Versys and put out more horsepower.

Beyond the engine, it’s difficult to say at this point what else will change in going from a 1000 to an 1100.

There’s also a question of whether the 1,099cc engine will be employed in another model. As we previously noted, the Kawasaki Z900 has yet to be certified for the 2025 market year in any market. Until that changes, the prospect of a new Z1100 seems likelier by the day.

By Dennis Chung