Kawasaki has revived a forgotten name from the past and turned it into something far more exciting. The KLE500 is back for 2026, and unlike its mild-mannered predecessor, this one means business.
First introduced in the early ’90s, the KLE500 never really set hearts racing—but this new-gen machine aims to change that. At its core sits the familiar 451cc parallel-twin engine from the Ninja 500, tuned for adventure duty. It features a downdraft intake system for better high-rpm performance and a slim chassis design, making it easier for riders to plant their feet from the 858 mm seat height. Kawasaki’s Assist & Slipper clutch keeps the lever feel light, which is perfect for city commutes and clutch-heavy off-road sections.
The high-tensile steel trellis frame uses the engine as a stressed member, helping save weight and improve balance. Engineers rotated the engine forward to keep the center of gravity low, which is a boon for low-speed control and handling in tight trails. Add 172 mm of ground clearance, and this thing’s ready to take a beating. Suspension is handled by a 43mm KYB inverted fork offering 210mm of travel up front, and a Uni-Trak rear monoshock with 200mm of travel – smooth over bumps but resistant to bottoming out when things get rowdy.
Off-road intent is clear: 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, aluminum rims, steel spokes, and grippy IRC GP-410 tires. A protective skid plate keeps the underbelly safe, while switchable ABS lets you fully disconnect rear-wheel intervention for proper trail fun. Braking comes via a 300mm front disc and 230mm rear disc, both with dual-piston calipers.
Comfort hasn’t been ignored either. The adjustable rally-style windscreen offers three height settings, the rubber footpeg inserts reduce vibrations, and the stepped seat adds lumbar support for long hauls. The full LCD dash displays everything from fuel range to gear position and even smartphone notifications.
To top it all off, Kawasaki’s smartly placed low-slung exhaust allows symmetrical pannier mounting – perfect for loading up and heading out.
The new KLE500 looks like Kawasaki’s answer to riders who want a do-it-all machine – nimble on city streets, tough on trails, and comfortable on open highways. After years of silence, this reborn adventure bike might just make its way into a whole new generation of riders’ hearts.
