Kawasaki has unveiled the KLE500 adventure motorcycle which is a revival of its KLE500 nameplate, introduced in 1991 and running virtually unchanged all the way to 2007. The original KLE500 was a dual-sport motorcycle powered by a parallel-twin engine, just like this one. The new KLE500 is aimed at providing everyday riding ease with adventure-ready capabilities for those who intend to ride it off the beaten paths.
The new KLE500 comes with a rally-inspired design–there are split LED headlamps, LED turn indicators(for the SE variant) and a tall windscreen.This is complemented by a flat, rally-style handlebar, a TFT instrument console, and an under-belly bashplate. Despite packing modern hardware, the 2025 iteration of the Kawasaki KLE 500 manages to evoke the silhouette of the original from the 90s.
The powerplant on the KLE500 is the same 451cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that can also be found in the Ninja 500, Z500 and the Eliminator. It puts out 45.4PS and 42.6Nm.. The power is put down via a six-speed transmission with a slip-and-assist clutch in place. The engine, used as a stressed member, is cradled in a steel trellis frame, and is suspended on KYB USD forks and a preload adjustable rear monoshock which offer 210mm and 200mm of travel respectively.
Braking is handled by 300mm front and 230mm rear discs with switchable ABS. The motorcycle rides on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear with wire-spoke wheels. However, the 173mm ground clearance is a bummer, considering the fact that it is aimed at adventure riding.
The Kawasaki KLE500 SE gets a 4.2-inch colour TFT screen which is a level up from the standard variant which comes with a high-contrast LCD console (though we are sure the LCD would be cheaper to replace, as is often required to do on off-road motorcycles). Connectivity is offered by Kawasaki’s proprietary mobile application which offers useful statistics of the motorcycle.
Available in two trims – Standard and SE, the Kawasaki KLE 500 is out for sale in the US and EU markets. We do expect it to turn up on our shores but will have to wait to know exactly how much it would cost. It will most likely land in mid-2026, keeping our fingers crossed!
