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So you can get on it?

Do they still offer the milk crate has and option ?

Published in: News Kawasaki just rejoined the middleweight adventure game with the 2026 KLE500 ABS, a machine that bridges city streets and dirt trails under the company’s new banner: Life Is a Rally. Ride It. The model resurrects a nameplate familiar to long-time riders but reimagines it for the modern dual-sport era—lighter, more refined, and far more connected than its 1990s predecessor. We'll have another article on KLE 500's history and evolution coming up soon, but first we wanted to get this urgent release from Team Green out! The KLE500’s design makes its intent obvious. A tall windshield, short rally-style tank, and sweeping side panels frame a purposeful stance built around 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels. A compact skid plate and trellis frame signal equal readiness for commuting or exploring. On the highway, the upright riding position and elevated screen deliver comfort and visibility. Off the pavement, long-travel suspension, slim bodywork, and generous ground clearance invite riders to stand and steer with confidence. • 2026 KLE 500 Powerplant Powering the new KLE is Kawasaki’s 451 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, the same base engine used in the Ninja 500 and Z500. Tuned for torque and tractable response, the twin delivers smooth, linear pull from low revs and steady acceleration up top, staying within Europe’s A2 license limit of 35 kW (47 hp). Engineers fitted lightweight internals, oil-cooled pistons, and a downdraft intake system for efficient breathing. The result is crisp throttle reaction and minimal vibration, aided by a fully machined balancer shaft. A six-speed gearbox with Assist & Slipper Clutch gives an easy lever pull on long rides and added stability under aggressive downshifts—features that make the bike equally friendly for new and seasoned riders. A high-tensile steel trellis frame forms the foundation and wieghs only 41.8lbs. Rather than borrowing motocross geometry, Kawasaki engineered the chassis for balance between highway composure and trail stability. At just over 40 lb, the frame uses reinforced gussets and cross members for rigidity without excess weight. The engine acts as a stressed member, rotated forward to lower the center of gravity, helping the KLE feel lighter than its numbers suggest while maintaining 6.8 inches of ground clearance. A 4.2-gallon tank provides useful range without compromising agility. For reference, Kawasaki's Ninja 500 gets about 45-55 mpg. • 2026 KLE 500 Suspension and Brakes Suspension hardware moves the KLE beyond entry-level expectations. The front features a 43 mm KYB cartridge-type inverted fork with 210 mm of travel, while the rear employs Kawasaki’s New Uni-Trak® linkage offering 200 mm and adjustable preload. The setup prioritizes comfort in the first part of the stroke and strong resistance to bottoming in the last, keeping the ride plush yet controlled. Braking is handled by a 300 mm front disc with dual-piston caliper and a 230 mm rear, both managed by a selectable Nissin ABS system that can be switched off for dirt riding. • 2026 KLE 500 Ergonomics and Electronics In keeping with its dual-purpose mission, the ergonomics cater to a broad range of riders. A wide aluminum handlebar, slightly forward footpegs, and a narrow midsection create a natural position for both seated and standing control. The 33.9-inch seat height balances reachability with leg comfort, while hollow-core foam provides long-distance support. Rubber-topped footpegs can be stripped to reveal serrated metal surfaces for off-road grip. The adjustable windshield offers three heights—standard, +27 mm (~1inch), and +55 mm (~2 inches)—giving riders flexible wind protection for touring or trail work. Instrumentation merges classic clarity with modern tech. The base KLE500 ABS uses a high-contrast LCD display with a sweeping bar-style tachometer and the full range of trip, gear, and fuel data. Connectivity comes through Rideology The App, allowing smartphone pairing for route logging, maintenance tracking, and on-screen notifications. Riders can check remaining range, review fuel economy, or use optional voice commands for navigation and search functions. For those seeking more, the KLE500 SE ABS upgrades to a 4.3-inch full-color TFT display with customizable backgrounds and auto-brightness. The SE also gains a taller 4.1-inch touring screen, larger aluminum skid plate, metal-reinforced hand guards, LED turn signals, and exclusive graphics. Both versions share the same trellis frame, engine, and wheel sizes but differ in trim, giving riders the choice between practical and premium adventure features. Kawasaki’s attention to detail extends to everyday convenience. The aluminum rear frame is strong enough to carry panniers and a top case simultaneously, while the standard bash plate and exhaust routing maintain clearance and symmetry for luggage mounting. The radiator fan shroud directs hot air away from the rider and tank—small but thoughtful touches that improve comfort on long days. • 2026 KLE 500 Wheels and Tires The bike’s 21-/17-inch wheel combination rides on lightweight aluminum rims with steel spokes wrapped in IRC GP-410 tires. Their tread pattern blends street grip with wide center blocks for dirt traction, ensuring stability on pavement and bite on loose surfaces. The single-disc front brake setup saves unsprung weight and helps suspension follow terrain better, underscoring Kawasaki’s emphasis on balance over brute force. A wide accessory catalog completes the package. Factory options include panniers, top box, heated grips, larger screens, crash protection, fog lights, center stand, and GPS mounts—everything a commuter or long-distance traveler could need. An Ergo-Fit low seat and alternate pillion seat allow riders to tailor fit and comfort, while optional LED fog lamps and a large skid plate prepare the bike for extended back-country use. • 2026 KLE 500 Pricing and MSRP Now for perhaps our favorite part! Rather than bringin the all new model in at around nine or ten thousand dollars, they made the smart decision to make the new KLE 500 affordable. With all the features and a proven powerplant, this could be a great option for a specturm of new and old riders. In the showroom, two color schemes mark the launch: Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony for the base model at $6,599 USD, and Pearl Blizzard White with Metallic Bluish Green for the SE at $7,499 USD. Both are available immediately through Kawasaki dealerships. Listed out differenlty below. Kawasaki KLE500 ABS (background) Color: Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony MSRP: $6,599 Availability: Now Kawasaki KLE500 SE ABS (foreground) Color: Pearl Blizzard White, Metallic Bluish Green MSRP: $7,499 Availability: Now The KLE500’s revival isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about reconnecting Kawasaki’s adventure DNA with qualities the modern market demands. Compact, efficient, and affordable, it offers a bridge between commuter practicality and off-road curiosity for a broad spectrum of riders. While we can't yet comment on how it actually rides, we're initially happy with the bike's redesign and market placement. In an era of increasingly heavier and more expensive adventure bikes, Kawasaki’s message is refreshingly clear: Versatilty should be fun and affordable! Now that's a message we can get behind. Stay tuned for our upcoming artlce on KLE 500 history and whether or not we think the new KLE 500 checks all the boxes needed for success. Until then, for more information, visit: Kawasaki.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLUmucmSsdo Source

NNnnnnoooooooo

Anyone have any experience of Moto Master brake discs?

he would probably charge you a Tenor

Funnily enough I was wondering if he would rebuild my forks. I could throw some biscuits in.

Not into vans Dear Boy.

See what this retirement from rugby thing does to people, I was normal once

Any way back on track.... shame you dont live closer to me @Saul you could do all my maintenance

You one of those in your bathroom don't you ? Wow and my crap about hooking up with some bird is so off the wall it has to trown into the gibberish thread...lol....do I need to remind you this is motorcycle repair section...not general chatt...lol.

You had to make it weird didn’t you?

Oh. Dear, I didn’t think you and Biblester were on the same team

Put your cock away nonce

How High does, watches and asks questions. Grace not so much but she has leaned basics like looking after her chain, tyre pressures oil and stuff. Kids in my experience are not as keen to have a go as our generations were and are. More worried about the consequences of getting it wrong. When Graces CBR failed the MoT on fork seals she panicked and didn’t want to ride home from the test. I convinced her that the bike was no different to when she rode there when she didn’t know about the problem and was fine to ride home. I told her that the tester would have told her if the bike was not safe to ride home. So she came around. My two with bikes just expect me to look after the bikes and show no interest in getting involved which does annoy me. But I can’t let the bikes go neglected. I don’t mind with Shadow so much but my boy is another matter but I won’t rant on that subject here.

But she's definitely got more hair on top of her head than you....so there is that....

Wow that's really messed up...no worries are very own F.B moderator will clear things up...

Shadows bf it seems

Did I miss something...somone is exchanging favors for motorcycle repairs ?

Are the kids helping you when you're working on their bikes? ie... learning what to do so they can fix it if your working or unable to fix things.

You won't be to far along with that Triumph of yours...next thing you'll know you'll be riding around in leather chaps...lol.

Time will tell....her face didn't age well...to much sun in her twenties I think.

She will have aged better than you.

More like The Golden Girls meet the Rocky Horror Picture Show.