Three success stories in the motorcycle world are the popularity of adventure bikes, mid-capacity models and classic comebacks.
Adventure bikes are practical, 350 to 500cc models are driving sales and retro revivals are a welcome trip down memory lane for many bikers.
Kawasaki hopes to hit all three nails on the head with its new KLE500.
I say ‘new’ loosely as the original KLE500 dual-purpose motorbike was launched in 1991 and soldiered on until 2007 when it finally fell victim to stricter emissions laws.
The first thing that struck me about this rally-styled third-generation adventure bike was how big it seems with a large front cowl and wide, high handlebar raised by the 21in front wheel.
The standard seat is a tall 870mm, although there are options to lower it, and I feared it might be too high for my short stature. But I was pleasantly surprised how the slimline frame, specially designed for the KLE, allowed me to get the toes of both feet on the ground.
Once aboard, the KLE is easy to ride, and manoeuvre even at walking pace, and does not feel like a 195kg motorbike.
The upright, wide-armed riding position is comfortable, the light clutch and slick six-speed gearbox pleasurable rather than painful to use in heavy traffic and the softish suspension does a good job soaking up bumps and lumps.
KYB front forks and preload-adjustable rear monoshock are pretty basic but feel well tuned for road riding and undemanding trail riding.
The dual-purpose tyres were still bedding in on the test bike but felt grippy enough on warm, dry roads to explore the KLE’s road manners. It corners confidently, with decent feel and feedback, flowing nicely through a series of bends.
The KLE500 is also designed to feel at home riding on green lanes with that absorbent suspension giving 210mm of front wheel travel and 196mm at the rear. And 185mm of ground clearance should be enough for what most riders will ask of it off-road.
The original KLE500 used a 498cc parallel twin engine derived from the GPZ500. This new version gets the new 451cc unit shared with Ninja 500 and Z500, Eliminator and Z7 and Ninja 7 Hybrid.
The test bike’s engine was still tight but this unit is flexible, pulling cleanly from low revs and spins freely and smoothly when you want to have some fun.
It develops 45PS peak power at 9,000rpm with maximum torque of 42.6Nm at 6,000rpm.
The KLE easily keeps up with A-road traffic and returned a respectable 68mpg which gives a decent range with its 16-litre tank.
I noticed a small buzz through the footpegs, which have removable rubber inserts, but suspect things will smooth out as the tight engine loosens.
Single 300mm front and 230mm rear discs, with two-piston calipers, are up to job of stopping the KLE500 and the ABS can be turned off for off-road riding via a switch on the left-hand cluster.
The SE model has a 106mm higher screen compared to the standard model. It gives more body protection but there was some buffeting at helmet height which disappeared when I ducked down. The screen was in its lowest position so I would raise it, easily done by removing half a dozen bolts, and suspect that would help.
The standard KLE500 is £5,999 with the SE model £600 more. The latter looks good value with its taller screen, 4.3in TFT colour screen with smartphone connectivity, LED indicators, metal-reinforced handguards, larger aluminium skid plate and more eye-catching colours and graphics.
There are also attractive options to personalise your KLE500 and urban, adventure tourer and rally editions with accessory packs.
Kawasaki’s KLE500 is a well-sorted, capable all-rounder that will appeal on many levels in multiple sectors of the market. It is versatile, practical and well-priced and that will put it on many riders’ radar.
