kawasaki kle500 2026

The newly unveiled 2026 Kawasaki KLE500 marks the return of a beloved nameplate, positioning itself as a serious contender in the middleweight adventure motorcycle segment. Powering this dual-sport is a 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, similar to the one found in the Ninja 500 and Eliminator, but tuned for a linear torque band ideal for mixed-surface riding. Its rally-inspired design is supported by genuine off-road credentials, including a high-tensile steel trellis frame, a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheel setup, and long-travel KYB inverted cartridge-type front forks. With selectable ABS for off-road use and an SE variant offering premium features like a TFT display and enhanced protection, the KLE500 promises a versatile, accessible, and rugged platform for riders looking to bridge the gap between daily commuting and trail exploration.