Exploring the next dirt road is an opportunity for riding enjoyment thanks to a well-balanced chassis and light, straightforward handling. The well-thought-out riding position lends the KLE500 a natural feel whether standing or sitting, while seamless bodywork lets the rider move around freely. A rider-focused and highly controllable character makes the KLE500 the ideal choice for any long adventure ride.
Distinctive rally-inspired styling sets Kawasaki’s new adventure machine apart. The KLE500 looks just as ready to get dirty on the trails as it is to cover a long highway journey in comfort. A blend of three stylistic aspects—an authentic rally-raid image, familiar street bike elements, and KX Motocross-inspired design touches—creates Kawasaki’s new adventure style.
On the way to the next adventure, the KLE500 glides along the pavement, carrying the rider in comfort. Wind is kept at bay via a 3-position adjustable windshield, a well-cushioned seat contributes to superb ride comfort, and excellent fuel economy minimises fuel stops on long journeys.
The rally-style fuel tank was designed to sit high in consideration of ground clearance. It holds 16 litres, which paired with good fuel economy, delivers ample single-tank range.
Specially designed for excellent performance across a wide range of riding situations, a KYB cartridge-type inverted front fork works with the New Uni-Trak rear suspension to deliver top-in-class wheel travel (210 mm front, 200 mm rear) and damping settings for good manners on the pavement and superb absorption off-road.
21” front and 17” rear spoke wheels deliver true rally looks and tough off-road performance. They carry on the lineage of the original KLE series that has featured a 21”/17” combination since the beginning.
The KLE500’s original high-tensile steel trellis frame is the foundation for this high-performance adventure machine. Engineers focused on real-world versatility and enjoyment over a range of conditions—from unpaved roads to forest trails—positioning the KLE500 as a true bridge between day-to-day and adventure riding. Repeated tests in the actual offroad environments riders are likely to encounter helped optimise the chassis’ rigidity balance and weight.
Riders can select windshield height from three positions. The lowest setting allows maximum view, helpful for seated off-road riding, while the highest setting blocks the most wind to keep the rider comfortable at higher speeds.
The KLE500’s riding position offers the best balance of comfort and control in a wide range of riding situations. A wide, forward-positioned handlebar, comfortable seat, and ideally-placed footpegs work together to enable ample freedom of movement to control the bike, whether seated or standing.
Front and rear disc brakes offer sure stopping power. Selectable ABS allows riders to disable the ABS function according to their preference.*
*Local laws may require ABS to remain active when riding on public roads.
A smooth-accelerating engine provides power ondemand to explore dirt roads or comfortably travel down the highway. The responsive engine and rider-friendly character facilitate control and add to confidence in a wide range of riding situations.
The ability to carry two panniers and a top case (available as Kawasaki genuine accessories) at the same time gives riders many options for touring setups. This is made possible by a well-reinforced rear frame able to carry high loads, providing a composed ride at higher speeds.
Four unique seating setups are possible with the addition of the ERGO-FIT Pillion Seat (Low) and Low Front Seat available as genuine accessories. Riders can find their ideal seating arrangement, whether it is the standard combination (High/High) aimed at on-road comfort and day-to-day use, complete with specially-designed cushioning for long-ride comfort, or a fully flat setup (High/Low) facilitating rider mobility during offroad riding.
Both the full LCD instrument panel on the standard model and the TFT display on the SE model offer smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE, which lets riders connect to their machine wirelessly for an enhanced motorcycling experience.
Key to the KLE500’s rally-inspired styling, the tall front cowl rises prominently at the front. The instrument panel’s angle presents a clear view to the rider even when standing, in the style of rally machines. Clear plastic panels surround the front cowl to enhance wind protection and give the front end a highly compact and functional appearance.
Know-how from Kawasaki’s KX series was used to determine the handlebar and footpeg positions to offer excellent controllability when standing. KX influence also shaped the KLE500’s bodywork and engine covers, which were designed to be smooth and unobtrusive as the rider shifts their weight on the bike.
Smartphone connectivity contributes to an enhanced motorcycling experience by enabling riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly.
Based on racing technology, the Assist & Slipper Clutch acts as both a back-torque limiter and a self-servo mechanism that enables a lighter clutch lever pull.
ERGO-FIT is an interface system that allows a wide range of riders to feel at one with their machine.
The Economical Riding Indicator is a mark appearing on the instrument panel to indicate favourable fuel consumption, encouraging fuel efficient riding.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ensures stable braking performance by preventing wheel lock during braking.
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 |
| Valve system | DOHC, 8 valves |
| Bore x stroke | 70.0 x 58.6 mm |
| Displacement | 451 cm³ |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection: 32 mm x 2 |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Ignition system | Digital |
| Maximum power | 33.4 kW {45.4 PS} / 9,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Maximum torque | 42.6 N•m {4.3 kgf•m} / 6,000 rpm |
| CO2 emission | 93 g/km |
| Fuel consumption | 4.0 l/100km |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
| Clutch | Wet, multi disc |
| Primary reduction ratio | 2.029 (69/34) |
| Gear ratios 1st | 2.929 (41/14) |
| Gear ratios 2nd | 2.056 (37/18) |
| Gear ratios 3rd | 1.619 (34/21) |
| Gear ratios 4th | 1.333 (32/24) |
| Gear ratios 5th | 1.154 (30/26) |
| Gear ratios 6th | 1.037 (28/27) |
| Final drive | Sealed chain |
| Final reduction ratio | 3.067 (46/15) |
| Frame type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
|---|---|
| Trail | 104 mm |
| Wheel travel front | 210 mm |
| Wheel travel rear | 196 mm |
| Tyre, front | 90/90-21 M/C 54S |
| Tyre, rear | 140/70-17 M/C 66S |
| L x W x H | 2,300 x 940 x 1,355 mm (1405 mm high position screen) |
| Steering angle L/R | 40° / 40° |
| Wheel base | 1,555 mm |
| Ground clearance | 185 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16.0 litres |
| Seat height | 870 mm |
| Curb mass* | 194 kg |
| | *Curb mass includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied). |
| Estimated dry weight** | 175 kg |
| | **Estimated Dry weight does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied). |
| Front brake type | Single disc |
|---|---|
| Front brake diameter | Ø 300 mm |
| Front brake caliper type | Dual-piston |
| Rear brake type | Single disc |
| Rear brake diameter | Ø 230 mm |
| Rear brake caliper type | Dual-piston |
| Front suspension type | Inverted fork |
| Front suspension diameter | Ø 43 mm |
| Rear suspension type | Uni-Trak swingarm |
Give your Kawasaki bike a more sporty look and sound with this lightweight Akrapovic slip-on system.
New design titanium Akrapovic muffler developed for KLE with a special profiled surface to add durability and give a sporty look.
Similar to rally-raid bikes, the exhaust is upswept and mounted high to protect it on rougher roads.
Exhaust has carbon heat shield and titanium end cap. The exhaust system delivers a deep and powerful sound.
This homologated exhaust is compliant with Euro5+ regulations (emissions and noise) and has EC and ECE type-approval.
Can not be combined with KLE500 2x21L Genuine Accessory panniers
Mount your GPS for minimal vibration and maximum convenience.
Keep your hands warm on the road with an ergonomically designed heat system to minimize added bulk to the grip.
Rear Carrier with 42 L Pannier Kit for the KLE500 & KLE500 SE
Secure your personal items in 2 x 21 litres of lockable storage.
Includes our One-Key System: Your bike’s ignition key also locks and unlocks the panniers.
This Pannier Kit includes:
42 L Pannier Kit for the KLE500 & KLE500 SE
Secure your personal items in 2 x 21 litres of lockable storage.
Includes our One-Key System: Your bike’s ignition key also locks and unlocks the panniers.
This Pannier Kit includes:
Rear Carrier with 42 L Top Case Kit for the KLE500 & KLE500 SE
Secure your personal items in 42 litres of lockable storage.
Includes our One-Key System: Your bike’s ignition key also locks and unlocks the Top Case.
This Kit includes:
Made from strong Anti-tear Honeycomb ripstop fabric. Heat resistance till 120 degrees Celsius. Subtle branding.
100% Polyester. With multi usable (back)packing string bag.
Made from strong Anti-tear Honeycomb ripstop fabric. Heat resistance till 120 degrees Celsius. Subtle branding.
100% Polyester. With multi usable (back)packing string bag.
(XL + top case cover has extra compartment that can be zipped open to make room for top case)
Developed in conjuction wih SP Connect the kit consists of a Clutch Mount, Anti-vibration module and a Universal Phone Clamp. Suits mosts mobile phones; Simply pull out the crown, screw it tight, and then push the crown back in to lock your phone in place. While remaining fully operable, your phone can now be attached to or detached from the mount in seconds.
