Kawasaki has unveiled the 2026 KLE500, a long-awaited revival of its iconic middleweight adventure motorcycle originally launched in 1991 and discontinued in 2007, positioning it as a versatile dual-sport option between the entry-level Versys-X 300 and the larger KLR650. Teased at the 2024 EICMA show with camouflaged prototypes and the slogan "Life’s a Rally. Ride It," the new KLE500 emphasises rally-inspired styling for off-road prowess while maintaining street-friendly manners, marking its debut in the U.S. market for the first time.

Available in two variants—the standard KLE500 ABS and the premium Special Edition (SE) KLE500 SE ABS—the bike borrows its 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine from the Ninja 500, tuned for smoother power delivery with 51 horsepower and 32 lb-ft of torque at low-to-mid revs, ideal for novice riders or rugged trails. Paired with a six-speed gearbox featuring an assist & slipper clutch for lighter operation and reduced rear-wheel hop, the engine complies with Euro5+ emissions standards, ensuring broad accessibility.

The chassis adopts a lightweight high-tensile steel trellis frame weighing just 41.8 lbs, supporting a 21-inch front spoked wheel with IRC GP-410 tyres and a 17-inch rear setup for balanced on- and off-road grip, achieving 172 mm of ground clearance. Suspension duties fall to a 43 mm KYB inverted fork with 210 mm of travel up front and a Uni-Trak linkage rear shock with 200 mm of preload-adjustable travel, providing progressive damping to prevent bottoming out on rough terrain.

Braking is handled by a single 300mm front disc with a dual-piston calliper and a 230mm rear disc, both equipped with switchable ABS for off-road deactivation via the left handlebar. Ergonomics prioritise comfort with an elevated aluminium fat-type handlebar, forward-set footpegs, and a narrow 14-litre fuel tank facilitating seamless seated-to-standing transitions, while the 861 mm seat height accommodates a wide range of riders despite the bike's 176 kg kerb weight.

Instrumentation varies by trim: the base model sports a high-contrast full LCD display showing essentials like odometer, gear position, fuel gauge, dual trip meters, range, consumption stats, coolant temperature, clock, and service alerts, with Bluetooth connectivity for notifications via the Rideology app. The SE variant upgrades to a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT screen with customisable backgrounds and auto-brightness, plus enhanced touring features including a taller 4.1-inch windscreen, larger aluminium skid plate, metal-reinforced handguards, and LED turn signals.

Colour options include Metallic Carbon Grey/Ebony for the standard and Pearl Blizzard White/Metallic Bluish Green for the SE, blending rally aesthetics with practical upgrades like a compact front cowling and swept side covers for wind protection and freedom of movement.

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Priced at $6,599 for the ABS model and $7,499 for the SE—competitive against rivals like the Honda CB500X or Yamaha Ténéré 700—the KLE500 arrives in showrooms immediately, filling a gap in Kawasaki's lineup for budget-conscious adventurers seeking lightweight exploration without sacrificing capability. This resurrection not only honours the original's legacy but also adapts it for modern demands, from urban commutes to backcountry jaunts, potentially boosting Kawasaki's 20% market share in the growing mid-size ADV segment per industry forecasts. As electric alternatives loom, the KLE500 reaffirms internal combustion's enduring appeal for versatile, thrill-seeking riders.

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