Messing with a good thing is often the fastest route to a let down, so Kawasaki didn’t mess too much with the 2025 Ninja 1100SX and SX SE. There are updates, notably an increase in displacement but a reduction in peak horsepower. However the midrange has been beefed up with a higher peak torque number. That’s it. The press kit had us feeling lukewarm, but a ride would fix that.We initially attended the press launch for the new big-bore 2025 Ninja 1100SE and SE SX ABS in Pasadena, California, that was to include a group ride through the winding Los Angeles mountains that wouldbest showcase the changes, but unfortunately, it happened to coincide with the ravaging Eaton and Palisades fires, putting a halt to the activities. Kawasaki’s choice to have the press ride in the mountains surrounding LA exemplifies the diverse nature of the mostly carryover highly rigid aluminum twin-tube chassis that’s paired with the new, bigger displacement engine. But we would have to wait to test it on our own. And the wait is over.

Kawasaki also fitted our Ninja 1100 SX SE test unit with its 28-liter accessory hard saddlebags that accommodates a full-face helmet in either side and has a little room left over for gloves and whatnot. The easily detachable and color-matched saddlebags add an extra $822.95 to the $15,399 SE base price and are definitely a nice complement that don’t upset the bike or ergonomics while riding. There are also numerous other Kawasaki genuine accessories available to personalize this sporty tourer.

Engine ChangesEngine changes go beyond a 3mm longer stroke for the increased displacement. New cam profiles with less valve lift than before—plus revised intake ports—are aimed at increasing gas velocity into the combustion chambers, resulting in better claimed torque. The raw figure is now 83.2 lb.-ft., a fraction more than before, and it peaks at 7600 rpm instead of 8000 rpm. Max power now arrives a full 1000 rpm lower in the rev range at 9000 rpm instead of 10,000. Peak power is reduced by 6 ponies to a claimed 134 hp. With more midrange, Kawasaki is able to fit the Ninja with longer fifth and sixth gear ratios for more relaxed cruising and better fuel economy. A heavier flywheel further enhances the feeling of additional torque.

SE UpgradesThe upgraded SE is fitted with an Öhlins S46 fully adjustable rear shock that features an easy-to-access remote preload adjuster for two-up riding or attacking the twisties. Both the standard SX and SE models share the same fully adjustable 41mm Showa inverted fork. Helping to manage corner entry speed, both models utilize a cornering ABS braking system but the SE carries a pair of Brembo four-piston (M4.32/30) radial-mount Monoblock front brake calipers paired with dual Brembo 300mm rotors,and steel-braided lines, pressurized by a radial master cylinder. Stopping the 516-pound Ninja is a one- or two-finger affair that is smooth and controlled with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires providing grip. Lastly for the SE, there’s the on/off heated grips that work quite well to keep your hands warm with either thick or thin gloves—at least down to the 40 degrees Fahrenheit seen on the digital display.

Also added to both SE and base models is a larger 260mm rear rotor that replaces a 250mm version. Other new features for both models include the next-gen Rideology interactive system: a voice-activated system that interfaces with your smartphone to perform various tasks while riding. There’s also a new USB-C power port located on the left handlebar that looks like a small radar detector.

Otherwise, the Ninja 1100 SX is mostly gadget-free with both hardware and software but does provide a pretty thorough 4.3-inch TFT all-digital display package that includes a variety of real-time machine information, ride modes, and display types along with all the standard display items such as trip A/B, odometer, range to empty, engine temperature along with other helpful items such as a maintenance minder.

Riding the Ninja 1100 SX SEStraddling the Ninja 1100, the seat is wide and cushy and my feet touch the ground fairly easily with a 32-inch inseam. The handlebars are in that “just right” location for a relaxed ride position, and after dialing in the eccentric adjusters for the front brake and clutch levers to bring them closer to the handlebars for XL-glove-sized hands, I’m ready to go.

Riding the Ninja 1100SX SE is quite a joy because the controls and rider triangle are well positioned for longer days of highway flogging but also work well for sporty riding in the mountains. The seat is wide and comfortable, and my rear never complained during a 200-mile freeway day.Lack of annoying engine vibrations and clear view mirrors are much appreciated below 6000 rpm thanks to a secondary balancer, weight added to the insides of the handlebars, and 200-gram-heavier bar-ends. Engine harmonics do change and a very slight “buzz” begins about 6000 rpm but, given the new 7% taller internal gearing change in fifth and sixth gears, the cruising speed at said rpm is far exceeding the speed limit, so look at it as a helpful reminder to stay out of trouble with the local constable. Utilizing the easy-to-operate cruise control also keeps you honest.

The four-position, manually adjustable windscreen keeps the wind off your chest at higher speeds, though the helmet atop my 5-foot-10 frame was still in the direct air stream—but there is zero buffeting. Conversely, ripping through the hills on winding roads the SE felt at home. With its well-balanced chassis supported by well-calibrated suspension that’s mated to a smooth and powerful slipper-clutch-equipped engine and top-notch brakes, I’m sure it could easily keep up with most other riders on pure sportbikes. Between the highway and mountains, the Ninja averaged 37 mpg which should comfortably provide upwards of 150 miles for most rides with the 5-gallon fuel tank.

The smooth response from the 38mm throttle bodies and overall power delivery of the new engine is very deceptive in its character. On paper the bigger engine sounds like a ripper with increased displacement from 1043cc to 1099cc via 3mm more stroke (59.0mm versus 56.0mm) but, keeping things on the tamer side, that 3% heavier flywheel, lower lift cams, new port shapes, and mapping really increases the low- and midrange pull with a 500 rpm lower redline. It’s an all-day tourer, but a couple of changes in Rider mode will turn it into a backroad ripper.

That said, in order to get the most from the bigger engine I preferred using Rider mode (full power) and the four-mode traction control turned off, so the big Ninja could more easily leave its black-line signature exiting corners along with lofting the front wheel in at least the first four gears when properly provoked. Applying the traction control setting with more interference does help keep the big 1100 in line but at the expense of a higher fun zone. It really is a versatile personality, which is what a sport-tour should have.

Muddling around town there’s more than enough engine torque to accelerate quickly through the gears at just about any rpm. The up/down quickshifter also received changes to more easily perform its duties down to a super-low 1500 rpm versus 2500 for its predecessor.The Ninja 1100SX SE Is Still a Good ThingWith all the engine changes coupled with the SE upgrades, it’s quite easy to say Kawasaki definitely did its homework and built a total package that will reward the rider in many ways whether logging highway miles or wearing the tire edges on the winding roads. There’s a good balance of adjustable electronics without being overwhelming or complicated. The chassis is solid with suspension and brakes that perform well together with a fun engine that is smooth and easy to use at any rpm. It’s hard to say if the loss of 7-hp is not an issue when everything works so well on the Ninja 1100. All of this makes the Ninja a very capable machine for a variety of riding venues—not an expert at just one. So if you’re looking for a bike that efficiently checks all the boxes and keeps you smiling along the way, the 2025 Ninja 1100SX SE is a strong contender. Kawasaki didn’t mess up a good thing.

2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE Specs