Meet the new KLE®500 ABS adventure motorcycle designed to help you discover new horizons. The purposeful rally-style design is a prime example of functional beauty that not only looks the part but delivers versatile performance both on- and off-pavement. With a responsive and torquey fuel-injected parallel-twin engine combined with a well-balanced chassis and light handling offering comfortable touring ergonomics, getting to your off-road destination is just part of the adventure. Whether you're a commuter looking for an adventure motorcycle with civilized road manners or an off-roader looking for more comfort while retaining plenty of off-road capability, the new KLE500 ABS is your perfect passport to a world of possibilities.

Ready for Adventure

The new KLE®500 ABS motorcycle brings together rally-style design, smooth comfort, and light, nimble off-road capable handling for Kawasaki’s newest adventure motorcycle. With a specially designed trellis-style frame optimized for multi-purpose use and a compact parallel-twin engine delivering linear power, the KLE500 ABS motorcycle is ready for your outdoor explorations.

Off-Road Explorer

With a relaxed, upright riding position offering the best balance of comfort and control across riding situations and terrains, the KX™-inspired ergonomics and rally-inspired styling bring the best of both worlds to a new adventure machine. From the slim fuel tank to help facilitate movement, to the smooth bodywork for ease with shifting your weight, every element was carefully designed and considered. The rally-raid inspiration is evident in utility and design showcasing the tall front cowling and windshield, 21-in front wheel, aluminum skid plate, and more.

Light the Way

A compact triple LED headlight forms the focal point of the KLE®500 ABS motorcycle’s front face connecting sleek street styling with rally-inspired looks. The two upper headlights are the low beams, and the single lower headlight is the high beam. In the rear, a vertically slim LED taillight contributes to a compact style.

Let it Roll

The new KLE®500 ABS motorcycle carries on the legacy of the original 1991 KLE®500 with sturdy and light 21-in front and 17-in rear spoke wheels to deliver true rally looks and tough off-road performance. Aluminum rims and steel spokes contribute to superb bump absorption and reduces weight for light, confidence-inspiring handling. The IRC GP-410 tires feature a grip-oriented compound for excellent on-road performance with ample space in between the tread pattern for solid off-road performance.

Optimal Comfort

From city street commutes to dirt road adventures, the KLE®500 ABS motorcycle offers real-world versatility with its multi-purpose design. With a trellis-style frame, class-leading long-travel suspension, and off-road and rally-inspired features, the KLE500 ABS motorcycle is primed to be your guide for adventure.

Original Innovation

The custom designed high-tensile steel trellis frame was purpose built for high-performance adventures across varying conditions and terrains. Off-road testing helped optimize the chassis’ rigidity balance and the lightweight design makes handling and off-road maneuvering even more enjoyable.

Motocross-Inspired

Inspired by Kawasaki’s KX™ series, the KLE®500 ABS motorcycle’s elevated handlebar position and slightly foot-forward footpeg location offer a natural feel and lends itself well to off-road riding whether seated or standing. The smooth bodywork design and shape of the seat help minimize impediments when shifting your weight for maximum mobility. In a Kawasaki first, the footpegs’ rubber pad can be conveniently removed without tools to reveal off-road style spiked footpegs for increased grip.

Off-Road Ready Riding

Exploring dirt roads requires a suspension capable of predictable handling, balancing ride comfort with excellent absorption performance on challenging terrain. A specially designed KYB inverted front fork offering a balance of on- and off-road prowess, paired with the New Uni Trak rear suspension, gives you ample wheel travel, inspiring confidence no matter what road you choose to explore. The stepless adjustable spring preload also lets you adjust the stiffness and ride height to suit body weight or when riding two-up.

Sure Stopping Power

Large 300mm front and 230mm rear disc brakes offer exceptional braking performance. Standard selectable ABS allows you to disable the ABS function according to your preference via a switch on the left handlebar. ABS returns to its default setting after restarting.

Smooth Power on Demand

Exploring your next adventure will be even more enjoyable with the smooth acceleration and power on-demand delivery of the KLE®500 ABS motorcycle’s parallel-twin engine, confident clutch control, and balanced transmission.

Engine Performance

Whether it’s passing power on the highway or a blast of torque to get over a crest on a dirt road, the responsive 451cc parallel-twin engine and rider-friendly character deliver useable power when you need it most. Ample power in a lightweight package makes the KLE®500 ABS motorcycle perfect for on- and off-road use.

Assist & Slipper

The Assist & Slipper clutch offers an extremely light feel at the lever with a wide engagement range to help facilitate control. When excessive engine braking occurs, the slipper cam relieves pressure on the clutch plates to help prevent the rear tire from hopping or skidding.

Final Drive Ratio

The 15/46 final drive ratio maximizes the balance between on-road and off-road riding, with a focus on highway performance on-road, and smooth torque delivery off-road.

Ready for Exploration

The journey to off-road adventure is paved with comfort. With a tall, rally-style adjustable windscreen, ample seat cushioning, smartphone connectivity, and more, just getting to your destination is part of the fun.

Stay Connected

The KLE®500 ABS motorcycle is equipped with a high-contrast full LCD instrument panel. Technology within the instrument panel lets you connect to the motorcycle wirelessly. Using RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE†, several instrument functions can be accessed allowing you to view vehicle info, riding log, phone notifications, display settings, set riding modes, navigation, and voice commands. Staying connected with enhanced freedom to focus on the ride has never been simpler.

Easily Adaptable

Wind is kept at bay via a rally-style 3-position adjustable windscreen. The lowest setting allows maximum view that is helpful for seated off-road riding, while the highest setting blocks the most wind to keep you comfortable at higher speeds.

Fueled to Rally

The slim designed 4.2-gal rally-style fuel tank helps create a seamless rider interface that facilitates mobility. And paired with good fuel economy, delivers ample single-tank riding range so you can focus on the ride.

Comfort Customized

With 4 unique seating setups available, finding your ideal seating arrangement has never been simpler. The standard combination (High/High) seat is tailored for on-road comfort and daily use, complete with specially designed cushioning for long-ride comfort. Additional seat combinations such as Low and ERGO-FIT® seats are available as Kawasaki Genuine Accessories.

Fully-Loaded

Adventure touring is simplified with extended carrying capacity via the 3-case capable setup available as Kawasaki Genuine Accessories. The ability to carry 2 panniers and a top case is possible thanks to the well-reinforced rigid rear frame.

Leveling Up

Step up to the new KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle for enhanced comfort on and off-road featuring premium upgrades for wherever adventure takes you.

Full Color And Connected

A 4.3-in all-digital TFT color instrumentation takes the tech to new heights on the KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle. The high-grade full color display uses thin-film transistor technology with selectable screen background color (black or white) and automatic adjusting screen brightness based on available light conditions. The SE ABS model is also equipped with smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE† with available voice command and navigation.

Full Color and Connected

A 4.3-in all-digital TFT color instrumentation takes the tech to new heights on the KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle. The high-grade full color display uses thin-film transistor technology with selectable screen background color (black or white) and automatic adjusting screen brightness based on available light conditions. The SE ABS model is also equipped with smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE† with available voice command and navigation.

Light Every Turn

In addition to the compact triple LED headlights and slim LED taillight, the KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle adds LED turn signals to complete the all-LED lighting package.

More Wind Protection

The KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle adds to even greater ride comfort and protection with a larger windscreen that is 4.2-in taller than the standard windscreen for long journeys and increased wind blocking.

Adventure Ready Comfort

For maximum rider comfort, the KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle comes equipped with metal-reinforced hand guards.

Adventure Ready Protection

The KLE®500 SE ABS motorcycle enhances the protection of the engine and exhaust system with an even larger aluminum skid plate that extends farther on the front and sides.

Features

4.3-in TFT color instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity

Sharp LED turn signals complete the all-LED lighting package

Taller adjustable rally-style windscreen

Metal-reinforced handguards

Larger aluminum skid plate