TRAVERSE 38
RETURN OF THE KLE
The return of the Kawasaki KLE500 marks one of the most interesting reintroductions in the adventure bike segment for 2026. Long regarded as one of the most approachable all-rounders of its time, the original KLE earned a loyal following among riders for its reliability, lightness, and ability to tackle both sealed and unsealed roads with ease. The 2026 model resurrects that ethos, but with modern engineering, electronics, and a level of refinement that brings it firmly into the present day.
Kawasaki’ s design brief for the new KLE500 was simple: build a mid-capacity adventure motorcycle that’ s tough enough for real-world exploration, simple enough for everyday use, and affordable enough for riders who want to get off the beaten track without the weight or price tag of a full-sized adventure tourer. The result is a machine that combines the rugged practicality of the original KLE with the smooth, efficient twin-cylinder platform from the Ninja 500 and Z500.
At its heart sits the familiar 451 cc parallel-twin, a liquid-cooled DOHC eight-valve engine that strikes a fine balance between tractability and efficiency. It produces around 45 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 42 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm— numbers that may seem modest on paper but translate into strong, usable performance on the road. Kawasaki engineers have tuned the motor for a wider spread of torque, particularly between 3,000 and 7,000 rpm, giving the bike an easy, flexible feel whether commuting in traffic or climbing a mountain pass. Throttle response is clean and predictable, while the smooth twin-cylinder character keeps vibrations to a minimum during long stretches on the highway.
The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox that includes Kawasaki’ s Assist and Slipper clutch. This setup reduces clutch lever effort and helps prevent rear-wheel hop on aggressive downshifts— an especially useful feature when navigating steep descents on gravel or uneven surfaces. The gearbox itself is light and precise, with ratios spaced to keep the engine in its sweet spot. Fuel injection mapping has been optimised for low-speed control, meaning the KLE500 doesn’ t stall easily even when ridden at walking pace over rough terrain.
A new steel trellis frame underpins the chassis, combining the robustness required for off-road use with a geometry that keeps the bike agile and predictable. The frame’ s backbone design allows the engine to act as a stressed member, improving rigidity without unnecessary weight gain. Kawasaki engineers focused heavily on weight distribution, with the fuel tank and subframe kept narrow to make the bike easier to control when standing up on the pegs.
Suspension has been built to handle a mix of conditions. The 43 mm KYB inverted fork offers 210 mm of travel, while the rear Uni-Trak monoshock delivers 200 mm. Both units are adjustable for preload, allowing riders to tailor the setup for solo riding, two-up touring, or loaded luggage. The damping characteristics have been tuned to provide a compliant ride over corrugations and gravel, while still maintaining composure on bitumen. Riders report that the suspension has the right balance of firmness and give, making it suitable for varied terrain— from rough backroads to long dirt sections.
Braking is managed by a 310 mm front disc with a twin-piston caliper and a 240 mm rear disc. ABS is standard, and the system is tuned for progressive feel and control on loose surfaces. Crucially, the rear ABS can be disabled for off-road use, a feature often missing in this segment but appreciated by experienced riders.
TRAVERSE 38