Kawasaki has finally officially revealed the new KLE500 Adventure bike which arrives with 451cc parallel-twin, water-cooled engine in a trellis frame, and two model model options with a $6500 retail price.

What do we think? Kawaski has been feeding us snippets of this new KLE Adventure bike for a few years now. Teasing us at the motorcycle show(s) in Europe 12 months ago with the actual bike on display but with just the front end poking out of a box.  

Well here it is at last in all its glory along with a few details about the spec – although we hope to get a complete and full spec list asap. Prices aren't available globally yet but Kawasaki North America have helpfully announced $6599 and $7499 for the two models (differences between the two below and, apologies, price not yet known in Europe).

Technical features:

• fuel-injected 451cc parallel-twin engine
• rally-inspired styling with tall front cowl
• relaxed, upright riding position with KX-inspired ergonomics
• lightweight, multi-purpose trellis frame
• KYB inverted front fork and new Uni-Trak rear suspension
• 21-in/17-in spoke wheels
• 300mm/230mm disc brakes and ABS system with selectable on/off function
• smartphone connectivity via rideology the app motorcycle with available voice command and navigation

Fresh looks or not?

As Kawasaki say, the styling is very much on-point with the tall windshield, a meaty enough 16 litre fuel tank and three colour options and an overall look which is reminiscent of a few other bikes on the market but at the same time something fresh, spearmint fresh even…

As for the motor it is basically the same as already used in other Kawasaki street models. It promises a compliant twin-cylinder, A2 licence compliant engine which means useful, but aiming at the ‘everyone welcome’ end of the middleweight adventure bike market. Our hope is an unrestricted or livelier version will also become available in the future.

Ergonomics

From a rider’s perspective Kawasaki say the KLE500 the competition off-road range KX models have “inspired” the seat, footpeg handlebar relationship. That rally-style front screen has three positions and that the riding position is comfortable standing on the footpegs or sitting down.

The seat itself has four options for position – although they have not yet revealed the difference that makes to seat height they say the four options plus an ERGO-FIT Pillion Seat (Low) and Low Front Seat (available as genuine accessories) give you plenty of options. 

Cycle parts – no 18-inch rear wheel

The KLE500 arrives in a wheel combination of 21” front and 17” rear shod with IRC GP-410 tyres as standard. So no 18-inch rear wheel size we would prefer to see from an off-road POV but it comes as no surprise and is the norm for Adv bikes with a wide range of tyre options available.

KYB cartridge-type inverted front forks and a new Uni-Trak rear suspension set-up is developed for the KLE adn should be versatile but expect it to err on the side of comfort rather than off-road sport.

Again, we wish we had more details in all the spec areas but have to settle on the scant information which includes selectable ABS brakes which Kawasaki say allows riders to disable the ABS function.

It looks like there will be two models – standard and SE – with the SE model coming with jazzier graphics and LED indicators, TFT instrumentation, a larger windshield, sturdy hand guards and a skid plate. We’re guessing that means two price points for the standard and SE models

Kawasaki add the TFT dash on the SE, and the LCD of the standard model, allow Smartphone connectivity to access their Rideology App with your smartphone. A number of instrument functions can be accessed such as riding log, navigation and even voice command.

Accesories

Kawasaki genuine accessories include top case, panniers, rear carrier, grip heaters, USB Type-C outlet, engine guard, LED fog lamps, centre stand, radiator screen and GPS bracket. Also, an Akrapovic titanium bodied with carbon heatshield upswept silencer is available for European Market.

1991 was the last time we saw a KLE500 in the Kawasaki range and that old “knocker” was a reliable war horse remembered fondly by many a dad across the planet. If the new model, albeit it in Adventure bike guise now rather than trail bike, comes close to that it should prove just as popular. We look forward a bit more info and a test ride.

Colour Options:

KLE500 – Metallic Carbon Gray / Ebony

KLE500 SE – Pearl Blizzard White, Pearl Storm Gray, Metallic Bluish Green

More information: www.kawasaki.com +  www.kawasaki.co.uk