Kawasaki KLE500 returns – twenty-five years later, and ready for new adventure

Anyone who started their motorcycle dream in the 1990s still knows the name KLE500. It was Kawaski’s friendly adventurer at the time: a reliable twin that was as good at riding to work as it was thundering down a gravel path. And now, almost twenty-five years later, Kawasaki is bringing the name back – but in 2026 style: more modern, lighter and with a good dash of Dakar DNA.

Rally looks, city brains

The new KLE500 is clearly more than just a retro refresh. Kawasaki has designed it with a clear nod to the rally world. The high, adjustable window, the short but upright 16-liter fuel tank and the sleek, KX motocross-inspired side fairings give the bike a serious ‘ready for adventure’ look.

Everything looks functional – not overly thick or flashy, but with just the right mix of cool and sleek. Full LED lighting front and rear completes the picture. And with a 21” front wheel and 17” rear wheel with IRC GP-410s, the KLE also has the right credentials in terms of hardware for sand, gravel or bad asphalt.

Familiar block, new attitude

Underneath the rally coat beats a well-known heart: Kawasaki’s liquid-cooled 451 cc parallel twin, equipped with assist and slipper clutch. The engine delivers smooth, usable power and easily fits within the A2 license limits – perfect for adventurers who are just coming along, but don’t want to drive a lightweight.

The chassis consists of a steel lattice frame, with an inverted KYB front fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension that have been specially developed for this motorcycle. The result is a machine that inspires confidence both in the city and on dirt: agile, forgiving and surprisingly light on its feet.

The saddle-footrest-handlebar triangle is also well thought out. According to Kawasaki, the seating position feels natural both sitting and standing on the footpegs – an important detail for those who like to get off the asphalt.

Four ways to sit

New to the KLE is the ERGO-FIT saddle concept, which allows riders to adjust their seat height and comfort level. With optional low and flat saddle options, four combinations are possible – from the comfortable standard setup for long highway rides to a completely flat saddle for optimal freedom of movement in off-road conditions.

Cruising to the office or driving miles on mountain roads? No problem. And those who want to travel further can increase comfort with Kawasaki’s original accessories: from side cases and top case to heated grips, center stand, fog lights and GPS support.

Brakes, screens and connectivity

The brakes consist of disc brakes at the front and rear with selectable ABS – useful, because off-road you can simply switch off the ABS. The standard version gets a classic LCD dashboard, while the more luxurious SE version is equipped with a TFT screen with smartphone connection via Rideology The App.

This allows you to log ride data, use navigation or even link voice commands to your helmet communication. The SE further distinguishes itself with a larger window, LED indicators, sturdy handguards and an aluminum bash plate under the engine – ready for serious rides.

KLE, but 2026

Anyone who still knows the old KLE500 will have to blink: the new version at most shares the name and the idea. No longer a good tourer, but a modern middle-class adventure that is closer in style to a rally-raid prototype than to its predecessor. Yet the core remains the same: an accessible all-rounder that can do everything, without exaggerating.

The KLE500 will be available in Metallic Carbon Gray / Ebony, while the KLE500 SE will be available in Pearl Blizzard White, Pearl Storm Gray and Metallic Bluish Green.

Life’s a Rally – Ride It

With the return of the KLE, Kawasaki confirms its focus on mid-range adventure motorcycling. After the Versys 650 and 300, the KLE500 fits exactly into that gap: light, agile, A2-suitable and with enough real off-road capacity to be more than a cool city bike.

Or as Kawasaki himself summarizes it: Life’s a Rally – Ride It.