Kawasaki Teases New KLE 500 Adventure Models at EICMA 2024
Kawasaki has used the 2024 EICMA trade show in Milan to tease what seems to be a new range of twin-cylinder KLE 500 adventure models.
The Japanese brand has kept a relatively low profile this show season, launching an updated Z900 family, along with a larger Versys 1100 and Ninja 1100SX. However, many of their European market machines have remained largely unchanged heading into 2025.
Despite this, tucked away in a corner of their Italian stand was a subtle teaser for a new line of KLE models. A blacked-out box structure concealed an incoming upright adventure bike, leaving much of the machine hidden from view.
Kawasaki KLE Front Wheel Visible During the Teaser
With most of the bike obscured, only the front wheel and forks, as well as the very front of the engine, were visible. The top of a rider, dressed in heavily off-road-oriented gear, was also noticeable.
While no additional information was provided, it’s apparent that the engine is a parallel twin. The bike features a 21-inch front spoked wheel setup with a small single disc, complemented by relatively basic but long-travel upside-down front forks. A Nissin front caliper with apparent ABS was also visible.
A closer look inside the wooden crate revealed glimpses of the bike’s narrow proportions, as well as a large front radiator, which suggests liquid cooling.
Images on the crate depicted country roads, inner-city riding, and desert landscapes, possibly hinting at multiple variants of the new model or its versatility across different riding scenarios. Alongside these images, the crate featured the text: “Life’s a rally. Ride it. KLE, est 1991.”
Kawasaki KLE Adventure Model Teased at EICMA
The 1991 reference points to the original KLE 500, which used a parallel twin engine from the GPZ500S, creating a smooth, go-anywhere bike.
Kawasaki currently offers a 500 range, including the Ninja 500 and Z500, both powered by a 451cc parallel twin engine that’s A2-license friendly. This engine is also used in the
Ninja 7 Hybrid and the Z7 Hybrid
Given the single front disc and the growing demand for smaller, more manageable adventure motorcycles, it’s likely that this new machine will be based on that platform.
