Meet the KLE500 adventure motorcycle designed to help you discover new horizons. 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, getting to your off-road destination is just part of the adventure. Whether you're a commuter looking for an adventure motorcycle with civilized road manners or an off-roader looking for more comfort while retaining plenty of off-road capability, the new KLE500 is your perfect passport to a world of possibilities.
The KLE500’s engine delivers practical, readily accessible power whenever the rider needs it whether for confident overtaking on the highway or strong, tractable torque when climbing hills on gravel roads. It provides excellent throttle response across the entire rev range, from solid low-end pull to quick, responsive acceleration at higher rpm. With balanced, predictable power delivered directly with every twist of the throttle, the KLE500 inspires confidence and serves as an ideal gateway to enjoying dirt road riding.
The position and angle of the exhaust silencer were designed to increase ground clearance for off-road riding, while still providing sufficient space for panniers, enhancing the KLE500’s adventure-touring capability. This design allows the left and right panniers to be mounted symmetrically, close to the bike’s centerline, also enables a maximum lean angle.
One of the most important aspects for riders is a light and easy-to-control clutch feel. This is especially beneficial when riding off-road, where smooth clutch operation plays a key role in maintaining control and confidence on uneven surfaces.
When the engine is operating at normal rpm, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the overall clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever pull.
When excessive engine braking occurs—such as during quick or unintended downshifts—the slipper cam activates, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent rear tyre hopping or skidding.
The KLE500’s high-tensile steel trellis frame forms the foundation of this high-performance adventure machine. Engineers focused on real-world versatility and riding enjoyment across a wide range of conditions, from gravel roads to forest trails, positioning the KLE500 as a true bridge between everyday riding and adventure use. Repeated testing in actual off-road environments helped optimise the chassis’ rigidity balance and weight for confident and stable handling.
Riding on unpaved roads requires suspension that delivers precise control while balancing ride comfort with excellent bump absorption on rough surfaces. A specially designed front fork offering strong on- and off-road performance works together with the New Uni-Trak rear suspension to provide ample wheel travel, inspiring confidence regardless of the chosen route.
• A specially designed ø43 mm cartridge-type inverted front fork offers high rigidity and 210 mm of wheel travel.
• The New Uni-Trak rear suspension, developed specifically for the KLE500, provides 196 mm of wheel travel and features adjustable preload.
• A large ø300 mm steel front disc is gripped by a balanced dual-piston caliper (ø27 mm x2), delivering confident braking performance. The use of a single front disc helps reduce unsprung weight, contributing to improved road contact and lighter handling.
• A ø230 mm rear disc is slowed by a dual-piston caliper with large ø27 mm pistons, providing stable and consistent braking control.
• Front tyre: 90/90-21 M/C 54S
• Rear tyre: 140/70-17 M/C 66S
• 21-inch aluminium front wheel
• 17-inch aluminium rear wheel
The rally-style tall windshield is adjustable into three positions: standard height, 27 mm higher, and 55 mm higher at its highest setting. In all positions, the contour of the windshield remains unchanged, ensuring a consistent and refined appearance.
Clear panels surrounding the front cowl evoke the look of authentic rally machines, offering a clear view of the road ahead while helping block wind. These elements also enhance the KLE500’s compact and distinctive rally-style front-end design.
The KLE500’s riding position is designed to feel relaxed and natural, accommodating a wide range of rider sizes. It offers comfort and control both when seated on the road and when standing during off-road riding. A wide, forward-positioned aluminium fat-type handlebar allows free rider movement and confident control.
The slim fuel tank and smooth bodywork facilitate weight shifting and precise control on dirt surfaces. A well-padded seat supports long-distance comfort, with a shape that allows easy fore-and-aft weight transfer. The 870 mm seat height balances a confident reach to the ground with a relaxed knee bend.
Distinctive rally-inspired styling sets the KLE500 apart from conventional adventure motorcycles, making it equally at home on dirt trails and long highway journeys. Its authentic rally image is defined by a compact tall front cowl, tall windshield, and a 21-inch front wheel.
Street-bike elements such as the stepped seat, low-mounted front fender, and headlight design reflecting Kawasaki’s family identity add familiarity. The compact triple LED headlight combines street-sport character with rally inspiration while delivering excellent lighting performance. Slim side covers, a compact fuel tank, and KX-inspired design lines give the bike a light, agile appearance that supports rider mobility and control.
The KLE500 features a high-contrast full LCD instrument panel with a modern, rider-friendly layout. A bar-style tachometer positioned above the speedometer ensures clear readability, while comprehensive information is displayed, including speed, engine rpm, gear position, fuel level, distance, and fuel consumption.
The display also supports connected device notifications, coolant temperature, clock, and service reminders. An Economical Riding Indicator helps riders manage fuel usage more efficiently during everyday riding.
By using the RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE smartphone application, riders can connect to their motorcycle wirelessly and access a range of convenient functions that enhance the overall riding experience.
• Vehicle Info: Displays vehicle information via the smartphone app
• Riding Log: Records and displays riding routes and travel history
• Telephone Notice: Alerts the rider to incoming calls or emails
• Tuning / General Setting: Allows instrument display and general settings to be adjusted via the app
For a more premium riding experience, the KLE500 SE comes equipped with additional features designed for off-road exploration, along with extra equipment that enhances comfort during on-road riding.
The KLE500’s engine delivers practical, readily accessible power whenever the rider needs it whether for confident overtaking on the highway or strong, tractable torque when climbing hills on gravel roads. It provides excellent throttle response across the entire rev range, from solid low-end pull to quick, responsive acceleration at higher rpm. With balanced, predictable power delivered directly with every twist of the throttle, the KLE500 inspires confidence and serves as an ideal gateway to enjoying dirt road riding.
The position and angle of the exhaust silencer were designed to increase ground clearance for off-road riding, while still providing sufficient space for panniers, enhancing the KLE500’s adventure-touring capability. This design allows the left and right panniers to be mounted symmetrically, close to the bike’s centerline, also enables a maximum lean angle.
One of the most important aspects for riders is a light and easy-to-control clutch feel. This is especially beneficial when riding off-road, where smooth clutch operation plays a key role in maintaining control and confidence on uneven surfaces.
When the engine is operating at normal rpm, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the overall clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever pull.
When excessive engine braking occurs—such as during quick or unintended downshifts—the slipper cam activates, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent rear tyre hopping or skidding.
The KLE500’s high-tensile steel trellis frame forms the foundation of this high-performance adventure machine. Engineers focused on real-world versatility and riding enjoyment across a wide range of conditions, from gravel roads to forest trails, positioning the KLE500 as a true bridge between everyday riding and adventure use. Repeated testing in actual off-road environments helped optimise the chassis’ rigidity balance and weight for confident and stable handling.
Riding on unpaved roads requires suspension that delivers precise control while balancing ride comfort with excellent bump absorption on rough surfaces. A specially designed front fork offering strong on- and off-road performance works together with the New Uni-Trak rear suspension to provide ample wheel travel, inspiring confidence regardless of the chosen route.
• A specially designed ø43 mm cartridge-type inverted front fork offers high rigidity and 210 mm of wheel travel.
• The New Uni-Trak rear suspension, developed specifically for the KLE500, provides 196 mm of wheel travel and features adjustable preload.
• A large ø300 mm steel front disc is gripped by a balanced dual-piston caliper (ø27 mm x2), delivering confident braking performance. The use of a single front disc helps reduce unsprung weight, contributing to improved road contact and lighter handling.
• A ø230 mm rear disc is slowed by a dual-piston caliper with large ø27 mm pistons, providing stable and consistent braking control.
• Front tyre: 90/90-21 M/C 54S
• Rear tyre: 140/70-17 M/C 66S
• 21-inch aluminium front wheel
• 17-inch aluminium rear wheel
The rally-style tall windshield is adjustable into three positions: standard height, 27 mm higher, and 55 mm higher at its highest setting. In all positions, the contour of the windshield remains unchanged, ensuring a consistent and refined appearance.
Clear panels surrounding the front cowl evoke the look of authentic rally machines, offering a clear view of the road ahead while helping block wind. These elements also enhance the KLE500’s compact and distinctive rally-style front-end design.
The KLE500’s riding position is designed to feel relaxed and natural, accommodating a wide range of rider sizes. It offers comfort and control both when seated on the road and when standing during off-road riding. A wide, forward-positioned aluminium fat-type handlebar allows free rider movement and confident control.
The slim fuel tank and smooth bodywork facilitate weight shifting and precise control on dirt surfaces. A well-padded seat supports long-distance comfort, with a shape that allows easy fore-and-aft weight transfer. The 870 mm seat height balances a confident reach to the ground with a relaxed knee bend.
Distinctive rally-inspired styling sets the KLE500 apart from conventional adventure motorcycles, making it equally at home on dirt trails and long highway journeys. Its authentic rally image is defined by a compact tall front cowl, tall windshield, and a 21-inch front wheel.
Street-bike elements such as the stepped seat, low-mounted front fender, and headlight design reflecting Kawasaki’s family identity add familiarity. The compact triple LED headlight combines street-sport character with rally inspiration while delivering excellent lighting performance. Slim side covers, a compact fuel tank, and KX-inspired design lines give the bike a light, agile appearance that supports rider mobility and control.
The KLE500 features a high-contrast full LCD instrument panel with a modern, rider-friendly layout. A bar-style tachometer positioned above the speedometer ensures clear readability, while comprehensive information is displayed, including speed, engine rpm, gear position, fuel level, distance, and fuel consumption.
The display also supports connected device notifications, coolant temperature, clock, and service reminders. An Economical Riding Indicator helps riders manage fuel usage more efficiently during everyday riding.
By using the RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE smartphone application, riders can connect to their motorcycle wirelessly and access a range of convenient functions that enhance the overall riding experience.
• Vehicle Info: Displays vehicle information via the smartphone app
• Riding Log: Records and displays riding routes and travel history
• Telephone Notice: Alerts the rider to incoming calls or emails
• Tuning / General Setting: Allows instrument display and general settings to be adjusted via the app
For a more premium riding experience, the KLE500 SE comes equipped with additional features designed for off-road exploration, along with extra equipment that enhances comfort during on-road riding.
| DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 2,300 mm |
| Overall width | 980 mm |
| Overall height | High position 1,510 mm / Low position 1,460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,555 mm |
| Road clearance | 185 mm |
| Seat height | 870 mm |
| Curb mass | 195 kg |
| Dry mass | 176 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 16 litres |
| PERFORMANCE | |
|---|---|
| Max. power | 38.3 kW {52 PS} / 10,000 min-1 |
| Max. Power with Ram Air | - |
| Max. torque | 42.6 N·m {4.3 kgƒ·m} / 7,500 min-1 |
| ENGINE | |
|---|---|
| Type / Valve system | 4-stroke Parallel Twin |
| Coolant System | Liquid-cooled |
| Bore x Stroke | 70.0 x 58.6 mm |
| Displacement | 451 cm3 |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel supply | Fuel injection: ø32 mm x 2 |
| Lubrication system | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Ignition system | Digital |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
|---|---|
| Driving system | Chain |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return |
| Primary reduction ratio | 2.029 (69/34) |
| 1st Gear ratios | 2.929 (41/14) |
| 2st Gear ratios | 2.056 (37/18) |
| 3st Gear ratios | 1.619 (34/21) |
| 4st Gear ratios | 1.333 (32/24) |
| 5st Gear ratios | 1.154 (30/26) |
| 6st Gear ratios | 1.037 (28/27) |
| Final reduction ratio | 3.067 (46/15) |
| Clutch type (Primary) | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| FRAME | |
|---|---|
| Type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Front Suspension | ø43 mm inverted fork |
| Rear Suspension | New Uni Trak |
| Front Wheel travel | 210 mm |
| Rear Wheel travel | 196 mm |
| Caster (Rake angle) | 28.0° |
| Trail | 104 mm |
| Steering angle (left/right) | 40° / 40° |
| Front Tyre | 90/90-21M/C 54S |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70-17M/C 66S |
| Front Type Brake | ø300 mm disc |
| Caliper (Front) | Dual-piston |
| Rear Type Brake | ø230 mm disc |
| Caliper (Rear) | Dual-piston |
