When Kawasaki announced the return of the KLE500, it certainly got our attention. After all, it’s been almost 20 years since the original disappeared from showrooms, and the middleweight adventure bike market is now more competitive than ever.
So, does the new KLE500 deserve a place on your shortlist? We headed to southern Spain for two days of riding on mountain roads, gravel tracks, and desert trails to find out.
But before we get stuck into how the bike performed, it’s worth knowing that if you buy a KLE500 before 30 June, Kawasaki will give you a £350 voucher towards accessories, like panniers and heated grips, as part of its Your Choice offer.
And, of course, you’ll want to test ride the bike before you buy. So make sure you come and join us at the ABR Festival on June 26-28, because Kawasaki will be bringing a fleet of KLE500s for you to put through their paces on and off road.
In the meantime, let’s find out what we learned from riding the all-new KLE500 in Spain…
1. It makes you want to explore
Some bikes impress you with their performance figures. Others impress you with how they make you feel. The KLE500 falls firmly into the second category.
More than once during our time in Spain, we found ourselves ducking down dirt tracks and following winding mountain roads simply to discover where they led. And the KLE500 gave us the confidence to explore the unknown without a second thought. That’s perhaps the biggest compliment you can pay any adventure bike.
2. It’s surprisingly approachable
Adventure bikes can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the segment. The KLE500 feels anything but. Despite an 870mm seat height, the slim chassis and narrow seat make it easy to get your feet down, while the light clutch, relaxed throttle response, and comfortable riding position inspire confidence from the moment you pull away.
Whether you’re moving up from a smaller machine or returning to adventure riding after a break, it’s an easy bike to get along with.
3. The engine hits a sweet spot
Powered by Kawasaki’s 451cc parallel-twin engine, the KLE500 produces 44bhp and delivers exactly the sort of performance most riders actually need.
There’s enough power to enjoy a twisty road, cruise comfortably and carry luggage, but never so much that it becomes intimidating. The engine likes to rev and rewards enthusiastic riding, while remaining smooth and predictable throughout the range. In short, it’s fun without being demanding.
4. It’s more capable off-road than you might expect
Let’s be clear. The KLE500 isn’t an enduro bike. What it is, however, is a very capable adventure bike for the sort of riding most owners will actually do.
During our launch ride, we tackled gravel roads, rocky tracks, sandy sections, and rally-style desert trails. The combination of a 21″ front wheel, long-travel suspension and switchable ABS gave the bike plenty of confidence on loose surfaces, while the low centre of gravity helped it feel lighter than its 194kg wet weight suggests.
Most importantly, it remained forgiving when conditions became challenging.
5. Kawasaki has focused on the features that matter
Rather than filling the bike with technology for technology’s sake, Kawasaki has concentrated on the essentials.
The SE model includes a TFT display, larger windscreen, reinforced hand guards, and an upgraded bash plate, while the adjustable screen, comfortable ergonomics and a potential 200-mile fuel range all add to its touring credentials.
It’s a package designed to help you spend more time riding and less time scrolling through menus.
6. It feels built for adventure
The best adventure bikes make you want to ride for longer and explore further. Riding through the mountains and deserts of southern Spain, that’s exactly what the KLE500 did.
It handled long stretches of tarmac with ease, remained comfortable throughout the day, and never felt out of place when the road turned to dirt. For riders looking for a motorcycle that can commute during the week, tour at the weekend, and tackle the occasional trail in between, Kawasaki has struck a very pleasing balance.
See it for yourself and get a £350 accessory voucher from Kawasaki
The new Kawasaki KLE500 is set to be one of the most talked-about bikes at this year’s ABR Festival. If you’d like to experience it for yourself, remember that Kawasaki will be bringing along a fleet of its new adventure bikes to test ride. And we’d recommend you do just that.
If you decide to pull the trigger and buy a standard KLE500 or premium SE version before 30 June, you’ll be given a £350 voucher towards genuine Kawasaki accessories thanks to that Your Choice offer. It’ll help you personalise your new adventure bike with the likes of an Akrapovič titanium exhaust, rear luggage carrier, panniers, heated grips, engine guards, and more.