2026 Kawasaki KLE500 – First Look

By branding it as a KLE, Kawasaki may be trying to identify it as a more off-road capable model than the more road-oriented Versys 650. On Kawasaki’s U.S. website, the KLE is listed alongside the KLR650 and the KLX models, while in Europe, the KLE500 is categorized as an “Adventure” model while the Versys are listed as “Adventure Touring.” This off-road focus is reflected in the KLE500’s rally-inspired styling with its 21-inch spoked front wheel, raised fuel tank, and tall windscreen. The KLE500 will be offered in two variants, the base model and an SE version which adds a taller windshield, reinforced hand guards, a larger skid plate, LED lighting, and a 4.3-inch TFT display.

The seat is 33.8 inches from the ground and is shaped to make it easy for the rider to shift weight forward and back as needed, while using a hollow cushioning design for comfort on long trips.

The KLE500 is powered by a 451cc Parallel-Twin similar to the engine used across several Kawasaki models, including the Eliminator, Z500, Ninja 500, and the Ninja 7 and Z 7 Hybrids. Unfortunately, Kawasaki hasn’t released complete specifications yet, so we don’t know whether the engine’s performance figures differ from the 51.0 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 31.7 lb-ft. at 7,500 rpm Kawasaki claims for the other 500 models. We also don’t know how much the KLE500 weighs, but we will update this post when that information is available.

UPDATE November 21: full specifications have now been released. We have them below, and can confirm the performance figures listed above. Kawasaki claims a curb weight of 425.6 pounds for the base model and 427.8 pounds for the SE version. 50-state models add an extra 1.2 pounds.

The exhaust is similar to the Z and Ninja 500’s systems, but it rises at a lower angle, creating more room for symmetrical panniers without hindering lean angle.

The KLE500 uses a high-tensile steel trellis frame purposefully designed for adventure riding. Kawasaki says the frame is optimized for both on-road stability and sure-footed performance off-road. The frame has a claimed weight of 41.8 pounds, with a thick down tube, selectively positioned cross members, and lightweight gussets to reinforce key areas. The rear frame is designed to support the weight of two panniers and a top case. We can see just how substantially different the KLE’s chassis is compared to the Z500 in the overlay below.

The engine acts as a stressed member of the chassis, with mounting brackets rotating it slightly forward around the output shaft’s axis, helping lower the center of gravity despite the KLE’s 6.8 inches of ground clearance. Kawasaki also designed a slim 4.2-gallon fuel tank to fit in the narrow chassis.

The swingarm is mounted to a diecast aluminum plate, which is substantially beefier than the Z500’s side plates. Up front, the lower triple clamp is made of aluminum to reduce weight, while the handlebar holder is a one-piece rubber-mounted unit to reduce vibrations and improve rider comfort.

The KLE500 is equipped with a 43mm cartridge-type inverted fork offering 8.3 inches of travel. For the rear wheel, the KLE uses a Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak suspension system, with stepless preload adjustable shock providing 7.9 inches of travel.

Kawasaki says it opted for a single caliper with two large 27mm pistons and 300mm disc for the front wheel to reduce unsprung weight. For the rear, the KLE also uses a similar dual-piston caliper for the rear wheel, matched with a 230mm disc. A Nissin anti-lock braking system comes standard, and can be disabled for off-road riding.

Other features include LED lighting, an adjustable windscreen, IRC GP-410 dual-sport tires, and a multi-purpose bar above the instrumentation for mounting various accessories.

The 2026 Kawasaki KLE500 should be in showrooms immediately in early 2026. The base model comes in Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony with a starting price of $6,599. The KLE500 SE starts at $7,499 and will be available in either Pearl Blizzard White, or Metallic Bluish Green. [UPDATE: Kawasaki originally told us the KLE500 will be available immediately, but has since issued a correction, citing an early 2026 arrival.]