Kawasaki’s New Affordable Adventure Bike Brings a Highly Versatile Moto Stateside for the First Time
In response to the growing popularity of rally-inspired, middleweight adventure bikes, Kawasaki has decided that it’s finally time to throw its hat into the proverbial ring with the global reveal of the 2026 KLE500.
Now, while Team Green has fielded the model before, it’s one that’s never made its way stateside. As such, the original went largely overlooked for its abilities.
Which is a shame, because bikes like the Kawasaki KLE (and the Honda Transalp and Yamaha Ténéré), while compromised, were excellent multi-purpose mounts that could be equally adept as commuters and adventure tourers — for a reasonable price.
Kawasaki’s 2026 KLE500 brings the nameplate to the United States for the first time.Kawasaki
Thankfully, Kawasaki’s revival is one that will be accommodating American buyers, as the 2026 version of the bike keeps with the spirit of its predecessor while bringing a host of modern improvements.
Splitting the difference
As was the case with the original, the 2026 KLE500 ABS is to be powered by a parallel twin, though this time it will be 451cc in displacement rather than 498cc. Accordingly, it will fall in between the Versys 300 X and the KLR650 as the middleweight adventure steed of the Kawasaki lineup.
The high windshield and slim bodywork keep with the current crop of rally-ready adventure bikes.Kawasaki
