Kawasaki KLE500

Welcome to the Kawasaki KLE500 motorcycle specifications and showroom review for 2026. The new KLE500 is the revived badge for a mid range but still LAMS compliant adventure motorcycle. It’s basically a gap filler since Kawasaki doesn’t really have a smaller capacity rally raid style inspired model in the range.

The Kawasaki KLE500 is being marketed as an adventure motorcycle due to styling so in terms of looks but in base trim looks a little too entry level suburban commuter to be  honest. The SE trim variant is the one to go for if you want the default rally inspired or replica looks. Overall a nice styled motorcycle but mostly unadventurous – pun intended.  

In terms of engine and tech the KLE500 uses the Ninja 500 (EX500J) engine and tech but claims to be retuned for for a high torque aka rally style. The tech pack includes downgraded LCD 7 colour digital display but has the expected connectivity features like Bluetooth for comms and navigation. The switchable ABS is a nice addition for off road riders but apart from that the package is what you’d expect in a 2026 – at the very least. It’s like the SUV version of the Ninja 500.  

Is the KLE500 worth buying? – not sure since at the time of this post, it’s retail pricing has not been announced. I am guessing and will update this page, selling for around the $12,000 AUD That said as of March 2026 the time of this post, the AUD vs YEN is in AUD favour aka 1 AUD= 1.4 YEN so it really should not be over priced!