Kawasaki had been fairly understated this show season so far, there is a new Z900, a Versys 1100 and a Ninja 1100 but not much else was being talked about. Then they show up to EICMA tearing the covers off a machine no one was expecting.
Inside a strange half cut open box, we saw the first glimpse of an all new Adventure Motorcycle.
A Brand New KLE500.
The display says “Life’s a Rally. Ride it.”
That is a brave and promising tag line to me.
Can the bike live up to the name?
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Some of you will remember me mentioning the old KLE500 at some points. It was an underrated bike that in some ways was ahead of its time. I still have fond memories of the one I had and although not perfect, it was a solid reliable bike that was far better off road than most of its competitors at the time.
A 21” wheel with a parallel twin engine wasn’t something you saw often. And this was a time when size was all important with a drive to ever bigger engines and heavier bikes.
It was the standard just to put longer travel suspension and a 19” front with twin discs on.
The old KLE500 did get fatter over time, but the early one’s weighed in at just 178kg or 392lbs.
Could we get a bike like that today?
The Versys 650 which replaced the KLE500 was a very different bike. Much more road oriented. And the KLR650 although a great bike, will only ever be a single. A twin will always be smoother down the roads.
Kawasaki have been conspicuous with their absence from the adventure bike market with the old KLV1000/Vstrom project being their last real ADV bike offering other than the ageing KLR650.
Now, it looks like Kawasaki will be using the same engine as the Ninja 500 in an Adventure bike to bring the KLE name into the present day.
Taking a closer look, you can see the KLE has its signature 21-inch front wheel with a single disc set up, so it is definitely aimed at the more off-road end of the market. The twin cylinder engine is actually 451cc in its current configuration and I will be honest and say, I haven’t got a clue where they are actually building them.
The engine will likely put out 47HP to comply with A2 learner regulations across Europe, and if tuned right, with plenty of low down torque, that should be no problem. It might not be the fastest, but it is enough power to have fun.
The deciding factor for me and I am sure many, will be the weight.
People have been calling for a lighter, more off road capable version of the CB500X for years now. Could Kawasaki have finally built it? They don’t have the added complication of deflecting sales away from a bigger more expensive Adventure bike in their range like Honda do after all.
Remember, the engine is already in production and being sold worldwide, and the chassis technology and running gear would be relatively easy for Kawasaki to put together.
There is no reason at all why this bike can’t be in showrooms before the end of 2025.
Could we have a new parts bin special on our hands?
The front rim, which was the only one on show, looks like it is for tubed rather than tubeless tyres, but it has Upside down forks, with a radial caliper on the big single disc.
We can’t see if the suspension is adjustable for preload or damping, but we can hope. If not initially then maybe we will get an upgraded version soon after with better suspension?
A low cost standard version would make sense, but a fully adjustable Rally Spec bike could be a real game-changer.
The equivalent of that Rally Raid Honda CB500X that we never got.
So please Kawasaki if you are listening, Do It!!. Build us a 180kg 50HP bike with fully adjustable suspension and genuine off road performance.
Keep it simple, with a dedicated ABS on/off switch and without a ridiculous menu system.
There is no reason why a power up kit couldn’t be sold either for those who want a bit more kick after they have passed their test.
A lightweight, Highway capable, Twin Cylinder Adventure Motorcycle From One of the Big Trusted Brands would really be a game-changer in my view. A real middleweight ADV Bike.
What do you think?
Would you prefer more farkles? Or less weight?
Cheaper? Or Higher Spec?
Is there room for a Rally Raid style KLE500 in this highly competitive market?
Could Kawasaki be building the bike we have shouted for so loudly?
Let me know your thoughts below in the comments.
