TRAVERSE 40
The spoked wheels— a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear— run on lightweight aluminium rims and are fitted with dual-purpose tyres suitable for both road and trail. The 21-inch front provides better rollover on rocks and ruts, while the 17-inch rear ensures traction and stability.
The ergonomics have been designed to accommodate a wide range of riders. The seat height sits at 860 mm, with Kawasaki’ s ERGO-FIT system allowing optional lower or higher seat configurations. The seating triangle— seat, pegs, and bars— offers a commanding upright position, ideal for long-distance comfort and off-road control. The handlebars are wide and slightly swept back, giving leverage and stability at low speeds. The footpegs are steel with removable rubber inserts, ensuring grip when standing and comfort when sitting.
A 16-litre fuel tank provides a range of approximately 350 – 400 km depending on terrain and riding style— an important consideration for remote touring. Fuel economy sits around 3.8 L / 100 km, thanks to efficient combustion and a low-friction internal design. The tank’ s shape narrows toward the seat, allowing riders to move easily during technical riding.
The bodywork follows a minimalist, rally-inspired design. A tall, manually adjustable windscreen deflects wind effectively, and the front cowl incorporates a full LED headlight for improved visibility. The fairing channels airflow efficiently around the rider, while the side panels and bash plate offer decent protection from mud and debris. The subframe is built to handle the additional weight of luggage and accessories— something many adventure riders consider essential.
Electronics remain simple but functional. The standard KLE500 features an LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity via Kawasaki’ s Rideology app, enabling riders to view trip data, maintenance reminders, and notifications. The SE variant replaces this with a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT display that’ s easier to read in bright sunlight and adds additional features like a gear indicator and smartphone navigation prompts. Both models include a USB-C charging port, LED indicators, and all-round LED lighting.
Practicality has clearly been a focus. Kawasaki will offer a wide range of accessories including side panniers, a top box, crash bars, heated grips, and auxiliary LED lights. A taller touring windscreen and lower seat option will also be available through dealers. For those venturing deep into the bush, an optional centre stand and heavy-duty skid plate can be fitted to improve field serviceability and underbody protection.
On the road, the KLE500 is described as smooth and composed, with enough power to cruise comfortably at highway speeds while remaining light and nimble in city traffic. Off-road, the long-travel suspension and 21-inch front wheel come into their own, giving confidence on loose gravel, sand, and clay. The low centre of gravity and intuitive weight balance make it an easy motorcycle to control even for less experienced adventure riders.
Pricing in Australia is expected to start around AU $ 10,990 ride away for the base model and roughly $ 12,490 for the SE version. Both will be available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray or Kawasaki Lime Green— two finishes that blend durability with understated style. Deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2026, with initial shipments already allocated to key dealerships nationwide.
In many ways, the 2026 KLE500 feels like a return to what adventure bikes used to be: practical, approachable, and designed to go anywhere without fuss. It doesn’ t try to dazzle with electronics or brute force. Instead, it delivers balance— the kind that makes a motorcycle feel natural from the moment you swing a leg over it. For Australian riders, with our long roads, red dirt, and wide horizons, that simplicity may be its greatest strength. TRAVERSE
TRAVERSE 40