The 2026 Kawasaki KLE500 revives a famous name with real-world adventure focus… and it’s bound for Australia.
The new Kawasaki KLE500 brings rally-inspired styling, long-travel suspension and a torquey 451cc parallel twin to the midsize ADV class, with an SE variant adding comfort and protection for longer tours and, according to Kawasaki Australia, it is coming here, although Australian pricing, colours and arrival timing are still to be confirmed.
Kawasaki says the KLE500 has been shaped by real off-road testing rather than brochure talk. The bodywork is slim and unobtrusive for easy weight shifts, the riding position is upright and relaxed, and there’s clear consideration for time spent standing on the ’pegs. A tall front cowl and screen nod to rally-raid machinery, while side panels flow into a stepped seat for everyday usability.
Under the skin is a high-tensile steel trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. The geometry and rigidity balance aim to keep the KLE friendly on backroads yet settled on gravel. A KYB 43mm cartridge-type inverted fork delivers 210mm of travel up front, matched to Kawasaki’s New Uni-Trak rear end with 200mm at the wheel. Braking is via a single large front disc with a twin-piston caliper and a rear disc; ABS is selectable via a ’bar-mounted switch (reverting to its default setting after a restart).
Wheel choice is classic adventure: 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked rims, shod with IRC GP-410 tyres aimed at strong road grip with useful dirt-road traction. Ground clearance is quoted at 175mm, and there’s a standard aluminium skid plate; the silencer is tucked high to protect it off-road and to allow symmetrical fitment of panniers.
Power comes from a compact, fuel-injected 451cc parallel twin tuned for usable shove from low revs through to brisk highway speeds. Kawasaki points to a downdraft intake, a tall 5.6L airbox, closely positioned injectors and unequal-length intake funnels for smooth response. An Assist & Slipper clutch keeps the lever light and calms back-torque on aggressive downshifts. Final drive is 46/15, chosen to balance highway work with tractable dirt manners.
Touring range gets a boost from a 16-litre tank and the brand’s Economical Riding Indicator on the dash. Wind management is handled by a three-position adjustable screen; riders can prioritise vision for seated off-road riding or bump up the protection for higher speeds. Seat height is 860mm, with thoughtful shaping to aid reach and movement.
Ergonomics borrow from Kawasaki’s KX lineage: a wide, forward-set aluminium handlebar, smooth engine and clutch covers, and bodywork designed to avoid catching boots and knees when you’re moving around. The rubber inserts on the footpegs can be removed without tools to reveal spiked off-road ’pegs underneath.
Two trim levels will be offered. The standard KLE500 uses a high-contrast full-LCD instrument panel with smartphone connectivity via Rideology The App. The KLE500 SE steps up to a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT, plus a taller screen, hand guards, a larger skid plate and LED lighting. Both models are built to carry Kawasaki’s genuine three-case luggage setup thanks to a reinforced rear subframe.
Accessories span the usual ADV wish-list: panniers, top case and racks, heated grips, USB-C, LED fog lights, engine guard, radiator screen, centrestand, GPS bracket and multiple seat options. You can mix a Low Seat with an ERGO-FIT Pillion Seat to create a flat “motocross-style” perch for technical terrain, or stick with the standard stepped arrangement for day-to-day comfort.
Key specs (claimed)
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Engine: 451cc liquid-cooled parallel twin; downdraft intake; Assist & Slipper clutch
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Final drive: 46/15
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Chassis: High-tensile steel trellis frame; engine as a stressed member
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Suspension: 43mm KYB cartridge-type inverted fork, 210mm travel; New Uni-Trak rear, 200mm travel
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Brakes: Single front disc with twin-piston caliper; rear disc; selectable ABS
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Wheels/tyres: 21-inch front, 17-inch rear spoked rims; IRC GP-410 tyres
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Seat height: 860mm (optional 30mm lower seat)
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Ground clearance: 175mm
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Fuel tank: 16L
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Instrumentation: LCD with smartphone connectivity (KLE500); 4.3-inch TFT on SE
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Luggage: Three-case capable (genuine accessories)
