Kawasaki has revived the KLE500 name for its new off-road, rally-styled adventure bike.
First introduced in the UK in 1991, the original KLE500 was sold until 2007.
The new model will be available from March. Pricing is still to be confirmed.
Dave Willis said: “We’re very excited to be welcoming the new Kawasaki KLE500 to the busy low to mid-range adventure bike market.
“It was teased last year at Motorcycle Live so it’ll be good to see it in the metal at this year’s show.
“The engine has proved popular in the Ninja and Z500 and Eliminator and I like the styling, with its Dakar look, which is very important.”
The new model gets a light, but strong, multi-purpose trellis chassis housing the acclaimed 451cc, parallel twin, water-cooled engine with assist and slipper clutch.
A tall windshield and raised short 16-litre fuel tank give a purposeful look, inspired by off-road rally machines, complemented by front and rear LED lighting.
The A2 licence-compliant KLE500 has a carefully-crafted KX motocross-inspired seat, footpeg and handlebar relationship plus stylish protection from the wind and elements thanks to that three-position adjustable screen.
The riding position is comfortable standing on the footpegs or sitting down.
Four seating set-ups are possible with Ergo Fit pillion (low) and low front seat available as genuine accessories, instead of the standard 860mm high/high combination, or a fully-flat high/low seats set-up.
The KLE500 has 21in front and 17in rear wheels, specially-developed KYB cartridge-type inverted front forks and new uni-trak rear suspension.
Front and rear disc brakes offer sure stopping power and ABS can be disabled for off-road riding.
As well as the standard KLE500, an SE model adds LED indicators, TFT instrumentation, a larger windshield, hand guards and a large skid plate.
The SE’s TFT meter and standard model’s LCD both allow smartphone connectivity with Kawasaki’s Rideology app which includes riding log, navigation and voice command.
Accessories include top case, panniers, rear carrier, grip heaters, USB Type-C outlet, engine guard, LED fog lamps, centre stand, radiator screen, GPS bracket and Akrapovic titanium-bodied upswept silencer with carbon heatshield.
The standard KLE500 will be available in Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony and the SE in Pearl Blizzard White, Pearl Storm Gray and Metallic Bluish Green.
For more details visit:
orwell.co.uk/kawasaki/new-kawasaki-motorcycle-range/adventure/kle500
orwell.co.uk/kawasaki/new-kawasaki-motorcycle-range/adventure/kle500-se
