Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1547197
WIND IN THE P28 2027 Kawasaki Versys 900 SE LT First Look K awasaki is expanding its Versys sport-tour- ing lineup for 2027 with the new Versys 900 SE LT, positioned between the Versys 650 and Versys 1100 SE LT. Powered by a 948cc inline-four derived from the Z900, it pairs an upright riding position, long-travel suspen- sion and 17-inch wheels with a significantly expanded electronics package. The liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve engine pro- duces a claimed 120 horsepower at 9500 rpm and 71.8 lb-ft of torque at 8000 rpm. The Versys 900's most notable new feature is its rider-assistance technology. Front- and rear-facing radar sensors enable front-collision warning, blind-spot detection and adaptive cruise control Lite. Unlike the full adaptive cruise system on Kawasaki's Ninja H2 SX, the ACC Lite system doesn't apply the brakes when approaching a vehicle ahead. Instead, it uses engine braking to slow down, with the rider responsible for braking when necessary. An IMU supports Kawasaki's cornering-manage- ment system, incorporating lean-sensitive traction control and ABS. Selectable riding modes and the quickshifter round out the electronics package. The Versys 900 SE LT ABS comes standard with side cases, handguards, heated grips, LED fog lights, a radiator screen, frame sliders, a center- stand and a lower cowl. It will arrive in March 2027 with a starting MSRP of $13,599, finished in Plasma Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black. CN The 2027 Kawasaki Versys 900 SE LT's most notable new feature is its new rider- assistance technology. 2027 Kawasaki KLR650 Range F or 2027, Kawasaki's KLR650 workhorse returns in five flavors: the returning base model and the low-seat S version (KLR650 S), each available in ABS-equipped and non-ABS versions; the KLR650 Adventure ABS; and the newest model, the KLR650 DF. The Durable Force (DF) model comes equipped with frame sliders, handguards and a rear rack. Like the Adventure itera- tion, the DF comes standard with ABS, engine guards and a windscreen. Its Metallic Flat Raw Graystone bodywork is paired with blacked-out components, includ- ing bolts, axle shafts, brake caliper brackets and the rear rack. The base model and the KLR650 S have a start- ing MSRP of $6999, with the ABS versions starting at $7299. The KLR650 Adventure ABS starts at $8199, and the KLR650 DF ABS is priced at $7699. The 2027 KLR line is expected to hit dealerships in early December this year. CN First introduced in 1987, Kawasaki's KLR650 returns for 2027, with a new DF variant (pictured) added to the family.