2026 Kawasaki KLE500
Kawasaki is bringing again the KLE500 nameplate for 2026! And similar to the 90s unique, the KLE500 is powered by a parallel-twin. Again within the day, I virtually purchased a KLE500 for its higher on-road efficiency than its single-cylinder competitors, however in the end ended up with an XT600 adopted by a DR650.
In Australia, Kawasaki had rather more success with the single-cylinder KLR650 than with the twin-cylinder KLE500. Nonetheless, tastes appear to have modified, and plenty of manufacturers are actually having important success with a slew of parallel-twin journey fashions doing effectively within the Australian market. The brand new 2026 Kawasaki KLE500 dual-sport will likely be one other welcomed possibility out there.
The brand new KLE500 strikes a good-looking and purposeful pose, using on an off-road-ready spoked 21/17 rim mixture, similar to the unique. The excessive display screen and devices lend a bit extra rally-style, whereas, together with the inside cowling, assist shield the rider from the weather. The display screen is adjustable by three positions.
Additionally using comparatively excessive is the slim 16-litre gasoline tank, which angles sharply upwards from what seems to be a well-padded stepped seat.
The quoted normal seat top is an inexpensive 860 mm, whereas an elective seat lowers the perch to 830 mm, which is unlikely to match the usual seat for consolation because of lowered padding thickness. A flatter seat can also be obtainable for many who worth the flexibility to maneuver extra freely across the machine throughout off-road work.
Kawasaki claims that the KYB suspension bundle is class-leading, with cartridge forks providing 210 mm of journey paired with 200 mm from the Uni-Trak rear. Stepless preload adjustment is obtainable on the rear shock to assist tailor the machine for various load weights.
The powerplant is a little bit smaller than its moniker suggests, displacing 451 cc, however it’s completely trendy in design with a machined balancer shaft and what Kawasaki describes as a ‘gentle flywheel mass’ that permits the engine to supply sharp response.
No energy numbers are quoted, however Kawasaki Australia inform us the machine will likely be learner-legal, so we will assume it makes lower than 50 horsepower. A slip-assist clutch helps present a light-weight clutch really feel and a slipper operate on deceleration.
The KLE500 may even be obtainable in an SE mannequin, full with a a lot bigger windshield, metal-reinforced hand guards, and a bigger skid plate.
The SE mannequin additionally scores extra complete full-colour instrumentation with a TFT, full with Bluetooth and app-driven navigation performance, changing the nonetheless fairly complete LCD on the bottom mannequin.
Kawasaki has engineered each fashions to comfortably accommodate accent panniers and a prime case, finishing the long-distance touring facilities.
Kawasaki tells us that the high-tensile metal trellis body weighs 19 kg, however has not but shared the machine’s general weight. The Versys-X 300, which the KLE500 will doubtless exchange, weighs 175 kg totally fuelled, for comparability.
With solely a single disc entrance finish, one would hope that the mass is available in at an inexpensive quantity. The Nissin ABS system could be switched off with a button on the bars, good.
A compact triple LED headlight rounds out the machine’s angular face. The 2 higher lights are the low beams, whereas the central decrease gentle is the excessive beam.
As for the precise specs, Kawasaki tells us that pricing and remaining specs will likely be introduced nearer to the mid-2026 launch date. These numbers will basically decide the mannequin’s success. Nonetheless, it’s wonderful to see Kawasaki enter the sport with a brand new providing that offers learner riders much more selection. Nevertheless, I also can see loads of skilled riders weighing up the KLE500 as an possibility.
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