- 2025 models to come with voice control
- Available with 18 commands
- Offered as an optional extra
Kawasaki has announced a new voice control system for the 2025 Z900, Ninja 1100SX and Versys 1100. Other models in the Japanese manufacturer’s range are likely to follow suit.
The system is said to be developed in-house and is integrated with Cerence voice command software. The system allows the riders to control functions hands-free and on the move. That said, there are 18 commands available where users can check the weather, adjust the volume, make phone calls, access navigation as well as monitor vehicle information. However, due to potential wind noise interference, the system is recommended to be used at speeds below 120kmph.
Kawasaki has not revealed the market research data for the demand for a voice control system on motorcycles. However, to use the system, riders will require to pay an annual fee. And the license for the voice command app is linked to the owner rather than the machine. According to Kawasaki, if the bike is sold within the first year of purchase, the new owner will not be able to access the previous owner’s voice command functions. The catch is that if the original owner buys a new Kawasaki with the system, the license will transfer over to the new owner.
This project has been developed by Kawasaki for over a year, with one of the biggest challenges being the recognition of multiple languages and accents from different markets.
It is yet to be seen if Kawasaki will introduce the voice command system in the New Zealand and Australian markets soon.
