Kawasaki will officially unveil the Kawasaki KLE 500 at EICMA 2025 in Milan, with the mid-weight adventure bike expected to use the 451cc parallel-twin platform and target riders seeking stronger off-road capability than the Versys line.

Highlights

• Global debut at EICMA 2025; teaser campaign says “Life’s a Rally. Ride it.” so it’s dirt focused.
• 451cc twin from Ninja 500/Z500, around 45–50 hp and 42.6 Nm, tuned for mid-range.
• 21-inch front, spoked wheels, long-travel USD fork, single front disc, off-road ergonomics.
• Europe first, India in 2026 if rollout happens; pricing whispers suggest $7,000 USD starting point globally.

Specifications

The new KLE 500 is expected to get Kawasaki’s modern 451cc parallel-twin from the Ninja 500, which is known for its torque and efficiency in the adventure touring world and A2-friendly outputs in many regions.
Teasers and close-ups show 21-inch front wheel, spoked rims (likely tubes), USD forks, single front disc and a simple steel swingarm to balance durability and weight.

• Engine: Liquid-cooled 451cc parallel-twin (Ninja 500 engine), around 45–50 hp and 42.6 Nm.
• Chassis: 21-inch front/likely 17–18-inch rear spoked wheels, long-travel suspension, single-disc front brake.
• Electronics: TFT/digital display, dual-channel ABS with off-road modes, LED lighting; Bluetooth connectivity possible.
• Weight/geometry: Sub-400 lb target; off-road stance and ergonomics from the visuals and messaging.

Features and rider tech

Kawasaki’s teaser language and visuals point to gravel and trail use, so traction-friendly tuning, protective bodywork and adventure essentials like handguards and a rally-style fairing.
A modern dash, LED lighting and connectivity expected; ABS calibration will have on/off-road modes like the competition.

Market and rollout

EICMA 2025 is the global reveal window; Kawasaki has been premiering globally at Europe’s biggest motorcycle show.
Europe first, India in 2026 if it happens; pricing whispers suggest $7,000 USD starting point.Industry insiders point out that the teaser images already show the 451cc twin through the header geometry, following the brand’s 500 platform strategy.
The rally theme and 21-inch front wheel position the KLE 500 as a more off-road capable alternative to the road biased Versys models in the Kawasaki lineup.

Competition and positioning

The KLE 500 enters a crowded 400–500cc adventure/dual-sport segment where off-road credibility, light weight and value win the day.

• BMW F 450 GS (upcoming): 450-class twin with similar outputs; pricing may be higher in some markets.
• Honda NX500: 471cc twin with more street biased than the KLE’s dirt focused.
• CFMoto Ibex 450: Strong value and growing reputation in the same adventure segment.
• Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Single-cylinder price fighter with proven off-road capability and broad appeal.

Also read: BMW F 450 GS Baby GS to Launch in India Soon, Will Rival Himalayan 450

Pricing and availability

With the Ninja 500 at a lower MSRP baseline, segment watchers anticipate a KLE 500 base price near $7,000 USD, aiming for strong value against European and Chinese competition.
Market timing points to a spring 2026 rollout window after the EICMA reveal, aligning with peak riding season supply.

Closing note

If Kawasaki delivers light weight, long-travel suspension, and an A2-friendly 451cc twin tuned for mid-range punch, the KLE 500 could be a standout in the mid-weight adventure class.