Kawasaki has officially teased its upcoming adventure bike, the KLE 500, set to launch soon in India. The bike was first glimpsed at EICMA 2024, where it showcased a distinctive 21-inch front wheel and a prominent KLE badge. The latest teaser video confirms its arrival, sparking excitement among adventure biking enthusiasts.

Powered by the same 451cc parallel-twin engine that powers the Kawasaki Ninja 500, the KLE 500 is expected to deliver 45.4 horsepower and 42.6 Nm of torque. This setup promises a robust mid-range performance suited for touring and adventure riding, backed by a new chassis design for enhanced handling.

The KLE 500 will feature a 21-inch front wheel, USD front forks, and a single Nissin front disc brake. The bike sports a steel box-section swingarm and spoked wheels with tubed tires, enhancing its durability for rough terrains. The exhaust is positioned similarly to the Ninja 500, on the lower right side.

Slated for an official launch at EICMA 2025 in early November, the KLE 500 is expected to reach Indian showrooms in 2026. Given that the Ninja 500 is currently imported in CKD form at an ex-showroom price of ₹5.66 lakh, the KLE 500 is likely to be priced around ₹6 lakh or slightly higher, placing it in competition with bikes like the Honda NX500.

If Kawasaki India opts for local assembly, as it has with its KLX230, the KLE 500 could emerge as an attractive and affordable choice for adventure motorcyclists in India, combining performance, reliability, and value.