Kawasaki is reviving the KLE nameplate for 2026 with an all-new 2026 Kawasaki KLE500 — a rally-styled, learner-approved (LAMS) adventure bike built around a trellis chassis and a 451 cc parallel-twin with an assist-and-slipper clutch. Arriving in Australia mid-2026, pricing and final specifications will be announced closer to launch, according to Kawasaki.

The KLE500 targets mixed-surface riders with a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheel set shod in IRC GP-410 tyres, plus long-travel KYB suspension: a 43 mm cartridge-type inverted fork (210 mm travel) and New Uni-Trak rear end (200 mm). Selectable ABS is standard and can be disabled via a left-bar switch for off-road use (noting local road rules). Braking is by a single 300 mm front disc with a dual-piston caliper and a 230 mm rear disc.

Ergonomics lean on KX motocross learnings. A wide, forward-set aluminium bar, a slim tank/side-cover interface for easy transitions, and removable rubber footpeg inserts (revealing off-road spikes) aim to make seated and standing control feel natural. Seat height is listed at 860 mm, with an optional Low Seat (-30 mm). Kawasaki’s ERGO-FIT options allow four rider/pillion seat combinations, including a flatter setup for technical off-road. Wind protection comes from a three-position screen (standard, +27 mm, +55 mm), and the 16-litre tank is shaped for ground clearance and rider movement.

The 451 cc twin uses downdraft intake, a 5.6 L airbox and ECU tuning focused on smooth, linear delivery from low-end pull to highway cruising. A radiator fan shroud diverts hot air away from the rider in traffic. Final drive is 46/15, chosen to balance on-road manners with dirt-road tractability. The engine is a stressed member in a high-tensile steel trellis frame designed for multi-purpose duty and reinforced to accept panniers and a top case simultaneously.

Two trims will be offered. The standard KLE500 features full-LCD instrumentation with smartphone connectivity (Rideology The App) for riding logs, notifications and navigation support. The KLE500 SE adds LED indicators, a 4.3-inch TFT display, metal-reinforced hand guards, a larger skid plate and a taller windscreen for more touring comfort. Paint options are Metallic Carbon Gray (KLE500) and Metallic Bluish Green (KLE500 SE).

A broad accessories catalogue includes hard luggage (panniers/top case and mounts), rear carrier, grip heaters, USB-C outlet, LED fog lamps, engine guard, large skid plate, centre stand, radiator screen and a GPS bracket—plus ERGO-FIT seating pieces to tailor height and shape.

Kawasaki says the KLE500 is pitched at riders crossing between city, highway and dirt without the weight and seat height of big-bore adventure bikes. After more than three decades since the original KLE, the name returns with modern electronics, practical ergonomics and genuine off-pavement hardware—now in a LAMS-compliant package.

Key specs

  • Engine: 451 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin; assist & slipper clutch

  • Frame: High-tensile steel trellis; engine as stressed member

  • Suspension: KYB 43 mm cartridge-type USD fork, 210 mm travel; New Uni-Trak shock, 200 mm travel (preload adjustable)

  • Wheels/Tyres: 21-in front / 17-in rear spoked; IRC GP-410

  • Brakes: 300 mm front disc (dual-piston caliper), 230 mm rear disc; Selectable ABS

  • Seat height: 860 mm (optional Low Seat -30 mm)

  • Fuel tank: 16 L

  • Electronics: LCD (base) or 4.3-in TFT (SE); smartphone connectivity via Rideology The App

  • Windscreen: 3-position adjustable (+0 / +27 mm / +55 mm)

  • Luggage: Rear subframe rated for panniers + top case (accessories)

  • Variants / colours:

    • KLE500: Metallic Carbon Gray

    • KLE500 SE: Metallic Bluish Green

  • Availability: Mid-2026 (AU). Pricing and some final specifications TBA.