A year after its initial introduction, the rally-inspired Kawasaki KLE500 has proven itself with a poised, high-level balance of on-road comfort and confident off-road capability. Now, alongside the Standard and SE versions, the KLE500 will also be available in a new Smartride edition for 2027, featuring an innovative self-engaging clutch system and tubeless tyres.

Kawasaki’s Smartride technology seamlessly integrates a compact mechanical centrifugal clutch within a conventional clutch assembly. This significantly reduces the need to use the clutch in stop-and-go urban riding and removes the need for delicate half-clutch (“feathering”) control when pulling away from a stop.

Put simply, with Smartride, you no longer need to operate the clutch lever when pulling away from a stop or coming to a halt. The system operation is entirely mechanical and requires no electronics. As with a conventional manual-transmission motorcycle, the rider can still shift gears while riding using the clutch lever and shift pedal. 

The KLE500, SE and new Smartride edition come equipped with a tall windshield and compact fuel tank, evoking the look of a rally machine, while tough, adventure-ready equipment like a large-diameter 21-inch spoke front wheel and skid plate visually express the bike’s readiness to tackle a wide variety of terrain. Additionally, the Smartride variant's easy-to-maintain tubeless tyres introduce a new 150/70/17 rear rim size, offering more tyre options at replacement time.

The KLE500’s lightweight, purpose-designed trellis frame works with its torquey Parallel Twin engine to deliver accessible, rider-friendly performance and composed control in everyday riding situations. And once the pavement ends, the KLE500 continues to impress with light, agile handling that lets the bike respond intuitively, while the compliant suspension absorbs rough surfaces with composure. 

All model variants, including standard and SE versions, are available from dealers as Edition machines in three distinct versions: Rally, Adventure Tourer, and Urban. All items included in these edition models are factory-developed and use only approved genuine Kawasaki accessories.

The new KLE500 SE Smartride (tubeless tyre) version will be available from January in Pearl Blizzard White, with prices to be confirmed soon.