Kawasaki’s KLE500 is a new-for-2026 A2 class adventure bike which revives a historic Kawasaki nameplate from the 1990s. It uses the proven parallel twin powerplant from the Z500 and Ninja 500, has a new tubular steel frame and off-road-capable cycle parts, looks great, comes in two different specifications and, best of all, offers impressive versatility at a Chinese-rivalling price.
The original KLE was launched in 1991 as a quirky ‘street off roader’ based around Kawasaki’s then GPZ500S parallel twin engine. Dropped in 1998 it was revived in 2005 as a budget commuter before being deleted again in 2007. This new, third generation, KLE is a more conventional middleweight adventure bike aimed at the increasingly popular c.450cc, A2-compliant class.
A base version with LCD dash starts at £5999, so similar to the latest Chinese rivals such as CFMoto’s 450MT, while the upspecced SE tested here has a TFT dash, bash plate, handguards and taller screen at £6599 which still undercuts the likes of Honda’s NX500 and BMW’s F 450 GS. Both are credible, capable, versatile and, at that those prices, tempting indeed. At the time of writing (August 2026), Kawasaki is also offering buyers a £350 accessory voucher or a manufacturer subsidized finance offer.
The 451cc parallel twin is the same as that found in the Z500 roadster and Ninja 500 sport bike, both debuting in 2024 as enlarged (by 52cc) replacements for the old Z400 and Ninja 400. As such it’s a deliberately targeted, A2-compliant design. Peak power is 44bhp (33.4kW) @ 9,000rpm, or slightly under the A2 limit of 47bhp, with peak torque of 42.6Nm (31.4lb-ft) @ 6,000rpm. The figures make the KLE within reach of the class-leading 47bhp Honda NX500 and by being a twin, is also pleasingly smooth yet characterful, if not ‘quite’ as effective and slick as the Honda. On the whole, though, it’s more than adequate.
Chassis-wise, on face value at least, the new KLE is conspicuously built down to a price: the suspension is mostly non-adjustable, the brakes slightly basic, and its tyres are budget IRC Trailwinners. Even so it’s sorted and the ride and handling are better than anticipated. The former is plush and controlled, its steering light and nimble and the whole plot looks substantial and feels like a full-size – but lightweight – adventure machine. Off-road it’s decent enough, although some have criticized a lack of ground clearance, but considering who is likely to be buying one this shouldn’t be an issue. There are more hardcore adventure bikes out there but, considering the KLE’s price and target audience, it’s a more than adequate performer.
Those off-road ambitions dictate big 21/17” wire wheels; long travel (210mm front, 196mm rear) suspension and, therefore a tall-ish, 870mm seat height that will put off some. On the plus side, its saddle is refreshingly slim and the whole bike is light, making maneuvering no problem. On the move the high seat and upright gait provides a commanding view; the wide enduro ‘bars and slim wheels give nimble steering and the 106mm taller screen of this SE (we didn’t ride the base model) gives decent touring comfort. For a budget-priced, middleweight adventure bike there’s little to criticize on-road, and off-road it should be adequate for most too.
Adventure bikes which are off-road capable are about as versatile and practical as motorcycles get, and the lighter and more manageable, the better they generally are off-road, which is why the new 450cc adventure bike category, following on from the ‘midi’ adventure bike class characterized by Yamaha’s 700 Ténéré, has become so popular. The KLE is typical. Its 44bhp twin is pleasantly spritely yet also capable of 85mph cruising, where allowed of course. It’s sufficiently slim and nimble to slice through city traffic. It can just about cut it on the dirt and, by starting at under six grand, it’s affordable, too. Virtually nothing at this price point can do so much.
But the new KLE500 is also budget-focussed, entry-level bike so it’s inevitable that it has only basic levels of equipment. There are no riding modes, slightly basic cycle parts and the base model only has an LCD dash and only comes in black. The bonus is the SE version, which comes in three colourways, has a colour TFT dash, LED indicators, USB charger, bash plate and hand guards plus a 106mm taller screen. Both are also, in typical Kawasaki fashion, available with Tourer, Rally and Urban accessory packs while our test bike was fitted with an Akrapovic exhaust and additional crash protection, which does add almost another £1200 to the price.
The base KLE500 costs just £5999 which not only significantly undercuts the £6999 Honda NX500 and £6990 BMW F 450 GS, it’s also in the same ballpark as Chinese offerings such as the £5699 CFMoto 450MT, £5499 QJMotor SRT450 and also £5499 Voge DS525X. That’s impressive. The SE version tested here with its selection of higher spec parts is £6599 but remains good value and, being a trusted, proven Kawasaki, means its residuals will likely remain better than its Chinese rivals, too.
Overall, the KLE500 offers class competitive performance, spec and versatility with Japanese quality and reassurance but for not much more than Chinese prices. That’s hugely tempting. The fact it also undercuts, even in SE trim, its Honda and BMW rivals is a bonus. Kawasaki’s most anticipated new bike of 2026 may have no standout features but it’s a decent to excellent all-rounder with plenty of refinement, well-chosen features, and a very tempting price. Welcome back KLE500 – you’ve been missed!
Kawasaki KLE500 specification
Price: From £5,999 (SE version £6,599)
Engine: 451cc parallel twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 44bhp (33.4kW) @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 42.6Nm (31.4lb-ft) @ 6,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, chain
Frame: Tubular steel trellis
Suspension: (F) 43mm USD telescopic forks, no adjust (R) Preload adjustable monoshock.
Wheels: Wire spoke, (F) 21” (R) 17”
Tyres: IRS Trailwinner (F) 90/90 x 21, (R) 140/70 x 17
Brakes: (F) 300mm single disc, twin-piston caliper, (R) 230mm disc, twin piston caliper, ABS
Weight: 195kg (kerb)
Wheelbase: 1555mm
Seat height: 870mm
Fuel tank: 16 litres
Fuel consumption: 59mpg (claimed)
Service intervals: 7600 miles/12 months
Warranty: 48 months unlimited mileage
Contact: www.kawasaki.co.uk
Words: Phil West
Photos: TooFast Media, Phil West, Kawasaki
