New for 2026 is the Kawasaki KLE500 ABS, available in a standard trim and an SE version. This accessible and affordable adventure bike features rally-inspired styling and off-road-ready specs, and it slots between the Versys-X 300 and KLR650 in Kawasaki’s adventure lineup.
It’s powered by the liquid-cooled 451cc parallel-Twin also found in Kawasaki’s Eliminator, Ninja 500, and Z500 models, and its 6-speed transmission includes a slip/assist clutch. It has a steel trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. Suspension includes a KYB nonadjustable 43mm inverted fork and a new Uni-Trak rear shock with stepless spring preload adjustability. Wheel travel is 8.3 inches in front and 7.9 inches in the rear, and ground clearance is 6.8 inches.
Brakes include a 2-piston front caliper with a 300mm disc and a 2-piston rear caliper with a 230mm disc. Nissin-supplied ABS can be disabled via a switch on the left side of the handlebar, and ABS resets to active when the bike is switched off and restarted.
The KLE500 ABS has 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels with aluminum rims and steel spokes, and they’re wrapped in IRC GP-410 tires. It features a wide aluminum handlebar and a slightly forward footpeg position with removable rubber footpeg inserts. Seat height is 33.8 inches, and the slim fuel tank holds 4.2 gallons. Curb weight has not yet been announced.
Instrumentation includes an LCD instrument panel that connects to a smartphone via Rideology the App. Through the app, riders can access vehicle information and log their routes and performance data in the Riding Log function. The LCD screen also displays phone notifications, and the Economical Riding Indicator flashes to let riders know when fuel consumption is favorable.
Standard equipment includes an aluminum skidplate and an adjustable windscreen with three height levels: standard, 1.1 inches higher, and 2.2 inches higher.
The SE (special edition) version comes with a taller windscreen, a larger skidplate, metal-reinforced handguards, LED turnsignals (LED headlight and taillight are standard), and a 4.3-inch color TFT display.
Kawasaki accessories for the KLE500 include a top case, panniers, a larger windscreen, handguards, heated grips, a USB-C port, an engine guard, a centerstand, and more.
The 2026 Kawasaki KLE500 ABS will be available in Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony for $6,599. The KLE500 SE ABS will be available in Pearl Blizzard White or Metallic Bluish Green for $7,499.
Visit the Kawasaki website for more information.
