The purposeful rally-style design is a prime example of functional beauty that not only looks the part but delivers versatile performance both on- and off-pavement. With a responsive and torquey fuel-injected parallel-twin engine combined with a well-balanced chassis and light handling offering comfortable touring ergonomics.
Ready for adventure
The new KLE®500 ABS motorcycle brings together rally-style
design, smooth comfort, and light, nimble off-road capable
handling for Kawasaki’s newest adventure motorcycle. With a
specially designed trellis-style frame optimized for
multi-purpose use and a compact parallel-twin engine delivering
linear power, the KLE500 ABS motorcycle is ready for your
outdoor explorations.
Off-road explorer
With a relaxed, upright riding position offering the best
balance of comfort and control across riding situations and
terrains, the KX™-inspired ergonomics and rally-inspired styling
bring the best of both worlds to a new adventure machine. From
the slim fuel tank to help facilitate movement, to the smooth
bodywork for ease with shifting your weight, every element was
carefully designed and considered. The rally-raid inspiration is
evident in utility and design showcasing the tall front cowling
and windshield, 21-in front wheel, aluminium skid plate, and
more.
Light the way
A compact triple LED headlight forms the focal point of the
KLE®500 ABS motorcycle’s front face connecting sleek street
styling with rally-inspired looks. The two upper headlights are
the low beams, and the single lower headlight is the high beam.
In the rear, a vertically slim LED taillight contributes to a
compact style.
Let it roll
The new KLE®500 ABS motorcycle carries on the legacy of the
original 1991 KLE®500 with sturdy and light 21-in front and
17-in rear spoke wheels to deliver true rally looks and tough
off-road performance. Aluminium rims and steel spokes contribute
to superb bump absorption and reduces weight for light,
confidence-inspiring handling. The IRC GP-410 tires feature a
grip-oriented compound for excellent on-road performance with
ample space in between the tread pattern for solid off-road
performance.
Optimal comfort
From city street commutes to dirt road adventures, the KLE®500
ABS motorcycle offers real-world versatility with its
multi-purpose design. With a trellis-style frame, class-leading
long-travel suspension, and off-road and rally-inspired
features, the KLE500 ABS motorcycle is primed to be your guide
for adventure.
Original innovation
The custom designed high-tensile steel trellis frame was purpose
built for high-performance adventures across varying conditions
and terrains. Off-road testing helped optimize the chassis’
rigidity balance and the lightweight design makes handling and
off-road manoeuvring even more enjoyable.
Motocross-inspired
Inspired by Kawasaki’s KX™ series, the KLE®500 ABS motorcycle’s
elevated handlebar position and slightly foot-forward footpeg
location offer a natural feel and lends itself well to off-road
riding whether seated or standing. The smooth bodywork design
and shape of the seat help minimize impediments when shifting
your weight for maximum mobility. In a Kawasaki first, the
footpegs’ rubber pad can be conveniently removed without tools
to reveal off-road style spiked footpegs for increased grip.
Off-road ready riding
Exploring dirt roads requires a suspension capable of
predictable handling, balancing ride comfort with excellent
absorption performance on challenging terrain. A specially
designed KYB inverted front fork offering a balance of on- and
off-road prowess, paired with the New Uni Trak rear suspension,
gives you ample wheel travel, inspiring confidence no matter
what road you choose to explore. The stepless adjustable spring
preload also lets you adjust the stiffness and ride height to
suit body weight or when riding two-up.
Sure stopping power
Large 300mm front and 230mm rear disc brakes offer exceptional
braking performance. Standard selectable ABS allows you to
disable the ABS function according to your preference via a
switch on the left handlebar. ABS returns to its default setting
after restarting.
Smooth power on demand
Exploring your next adventure will be even more enjoyable with
the smooth acceleration and power on-demand delivery of the
KLE®500 ABS motorcycle’s parallel-twin engine, confident clutch
control, and balanced transmission.
Engine performance
Whether it’s passing power on the highway or a blast of torque
to get over a crest on a dirt road, the responsive 451cc
parallel-twin engine and rider-friendly character deliver
useable power when you need it most. Ample power in a
lightweight package makes the KLE®500 ABS motorcycle perfect for
on- and off-road use.
Assist & slipper
The Assist & Slipper clutch offers an extremely light feel at
the lever with a wide engagement range to help facilitate
control. When excessive engine braking occurs, the slipper cam
relieves pressure on the clutch plates to help prevent the rear
tire from hopping or skidding.
Final drive ratio
The 15/46 final drive ratio maximizes the balance between
on-road and off-road riding, with a focus on highway performance
on-road, and smooth torque delivery off-road.
Ready for exploration
The journey to off-road adventure is paved with comfort. With a
tall, rally-style adjustable windscreen, ample seat cushioning,
smartphone connectivity, and more, just getting to your
destination is part of the fun.
Stay connected
The KLE®500 ABS motorcycle is equipped with a high-contrast full
LCD instrument panel. Technology within the instrument panel
lets you connect to the motorcycle wirelessly. Using RIDEOLOGY
THE APP MOTORCYCLE†, several instrument functions can be
accessed allowing you to view vehicle info, riding log, phone
notifications, display settings, set riding modes, navigation,
and voice commands. Staying connected with enhanced freedom to
focus on the ride has never been simpler.
Easily adaptable
Wind is kept at bay via a rally-style 3-position adjustable
windscreen. The lowest setting allows maximum view that is
helpful for seated off-road riding, while the highest setting
blocks the most wind to keep you comfortable at higher speeds.
Fuelled to rally
The slim designed 4.2-gal rally-style fuel tank helps create a
seamless rider interface that facilitates mobility. And paired
with good fuel economy, delivers ample single-tank riding range
so you can focus on the ride.
Comfort customized
With 4 unique seating setups available, finding your ideal
seating arrangement has never been simpler. The standard
combination (High/High) seat is tailored for on-road comfort and
daily use, complete with specially designed cushioning for
long-ride comfort. Additional seat combinations such as Low and
ERGO-FIT® seats are available as Kawasaki Genuine Accessories.
Fully-loaded
Adventure touring is simplified with extended carrying capacity
via the 3-case capable setup available as Kawasaki Genuine
Accessories. The ability to carry 2 panniers and a top case is
possible thanks to the well-reinforced rigid rear frame.
SE EDITION
Leveling up
Step up to the new KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle for enhanced
comfort on and off-road featuring premium upgrades for wherever
adventure takes you.
Full colour and connected.
A 4.3-in all-digital TFT colour instrumentation takes the tech to new heights on the KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle. The high-grade full colour display uses thin-film transistor technology with selectable screen background colour (black or white) and automatic adjusting screen brightness based on available light conditions. The SE ABS model is also equipped with smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE† with available voice command and navigation.
Light every turn
In addition to the compact triple LED headlights and slim LED
taillight, the KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle adds LED turn signals
to complete the all-LED lighting package.
More wind protection
The KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle adds to even greater ride comfort
and protection with a larger windscreen that is 4.2-in taller
than the standard windscreen for long journeys and increased
wind blocking.
Adventure ready comfort
For maximum rider comfort, the KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle comes
equipped with metal-reinforced hand guards.
Adventure ready protection
The KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle enhances the protection of the
engine and exhaust system with an even larger aluminium skid
plate that extends farther on the front and sides.
