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The 2026 Kawasaki KLE500 is a new middleweight off-road-focused adventure bike that slots between the Versys-X 300 and KLR650 in Kawasaki’s lineup. This model was available in other markets around the globe from 1991 to 2007, competing against such legendary nameplates as the Transalp and Ténéré. Those names have also come back onto the market in recent years, and are also available on the U.S. market.
The market for lighter and smaller adventure motorcycles has been hot in recent years, and Kawasaki wants even more skin in the game with its most off-road–focused model in the segment yet. Let’s dive into what the 2026 Kawasaki KLE500 is all about.
The Foundation
A completely new, purpose-built steel trellis-style frame is the backbone of this machine. It uses the engine as a stressed member to keep the weight down. Kawasaki says the KLE500 chassis only weighs 41.8 pounds.
“Rather than adapting motocross geometry, Kawasaki designed the frame for versatility and comfort across diverse conditions — from daily commuting to forest trails,” said the company in its press release.
This lightweight chassis is paired with a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wire wheel. Suspension is handled by a 43mm cartridge-type inverted KYB fork, with 8.3 inches of travel, and a basic square-section rear swingarm with Kawasaki’s “new Uni-Trak suspension,” offering 7.9 inches of wheel travel. All in, this chassis, wheel, and suspension setup offers up 6.8 inches of ground clearance.
Go & Stop
Something that is not bespoke to the 2026 Kawaskai KLE500 is the 451cc parallel twin engine. This same engine can be found in Kawasaki’s Eliminator and Ninja 500.
While we don’t yet know what the performance numbers of the new KLE500 are, this same motor can put out up to 51 horsepower in other applications. This adventure bike will likely be detuned a bit from that, however.
With a 4.2-gallon tank, the KLE500 should offer up impressive adventure range as well.
Stopping this machine are single 300mm front and 230mm rear brake disc with twin-piston calipers. ABS is standard, and most importantly selectable through a switch on the left handlebar.
Rider Cockpit
The windshield is a three-way adjustable height unit, flanked by transparent panels on both sides of the headlight. The setup should offer great visibility on the trail while also providing great wind protection on the highway.
Behind that windshield is an LCD instrument panel with smartphone connectivity, which provides call and email notifications on the dash. Kawasaki’s Rideology app also provides bike and ride data logging on your phone.
The seat on the KLE500 is long and pretty skinny, which should offer lots of room to move around and work well while standing off-road. The seat is also only 33.8 inches off the ground, which makes the bike great for a wide range of rider leg lengths.
The seat itself also has some unqiue hollow channels in it, which are designed for more cushion and longer ride comfort.
KLE500 SE Model
If you want all the bells and whistles, step up to the SE model. It offers a 4.3-inch color TFT dash, a 4.1-inch taller windscreen, LED turn signals, a larger skid plate, and metal-reinforced hand guards.
2026 Kawasaki KLE500: Price, Availability, Competition
Pricing for the base model 2026 Kawasaki KLE500 starts at $6,599. Add $900 ($7,499) to step up to the SE model. This new adventure bike is hitting North American dealers now.
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