- Likely to use a 451cc, parallel-twin engine
- Could compete against the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- New Zealand launch expected by next year
Kawasaki has officially confirmed the unveiling date for its upcoming motorcycle, with the much-anticipated reveal of the new KLE500 scheduled for 24 October. Earlier reports suggested a debut at EICMA, but Team Green appears ready to show the bike ahead of the Milan show.
A fresh teaser video released this week gives enthusiasts a clearer look at what’s to come. While Kawasaki has not yet disclosed engine specifications, most industry observers believe the model will fall within the A2 licence and 500cc category. If that assumption holds true, the KLE500 is expected to feature the same 451cc parallel-twin engine used in the Eliminator 500 cruiser and Ninja 500. This powerplant produces around 45 bhp and 42.6 Nm of torque, offering a balance between performance and accessibility.
The latest teaser not only confirms the unveiling date but also provides a silhouette of the motorcycle. The outline suggests a rugged, off-road-ready machine with a 21-inch front wheel, a clear indication that Kawasaki is preparing to re-enter the adventure and dual-sport market it has largely left untouched for nearly two decades.
The company’s well-known KLR650 continues to hold a strong following among dual-sport riders in the United States and Australia. However, the earlier KLE500 was eventually replaced by the KLE650, sold in most markets as the Versys 650. While the Versys remains highly regarded for its road performance, it has never been seen as a true off-road option. This new KLE500 appears to be Kawasaki’s move to fill that gap. The teaser hints at a purposeful design reminiscent of Yamaha’s Tenere 700, with a tall stance and adventure-focused proportions.
Although the reveal date has arrived sooner than anticipated, the motorcycle itself has been a long time coming. It is almost certainly the same model Kawasaki hinted at during last year’s EICMA and Motorcycle Live shows. In those displays, Kawasaki presented a spoked wheel with an off-road tyre bursting from a box alongside the phrases “Life’s a rally” and “KLE,” sparking widespread speculation that the brand was preparing an all-new middleweight adventure bike.
Why Kawasaki chose to wait nearly a year before unveiling the finished machine remains unclear. But with just days left until the official reveal, anticipation is building among riders eager to see how the new KLE500 will redefine the brand’s adventure line-up.
