Kawasaki is sending a clear message to the adventure riding community: a true, trail-ready machine is on its way. The company has ignited excitement with a series of teasers for a new motorcycle that brings back the classic “KLE” nameplate, promising a rugged, off-road-focused alternative to its popular but road-biased Versys lineup.

A Rally Legend Reborn

The teaser campaign leaves little to the imagination about the bike’s purpose. Featuring the tagline “Life is a Rally. Ride it,” and the inscription “KLE est. 1991,” the marketing directly harks back to the original KLE500, a versatile dual-sport from the 90s. The new iteration, however, appears to be a much more serious off-road contender. The full global debut of this highly anticipated adventure bike is expected at the 2025 EICMA show in Milan next month.

Powered by a Ninja, Built for the Trails

While official specs are still under wraps, the consensus is that the new KLE will share its heart with the recently launched Ninja 500. This means it will likely be powered by a 451cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. In the Ninja, this motor produces around 45 horsepower and 42.6 Nm of torque, figures that would make the KLE a strong performer in the middleweight adventure segment.

What sets the KLE apart from its road-focused siblings is its clear off-road intent. Details from the teasers have confirmed several key features:

• Long-travel suspension, including an inverted front fork.
• Wire-spoked wheels fitted with dual-purpose tires.
• A single front disc brake, indicative of a lightweight, dirt-focused design.

Market Position and India Launch

The new KLE isn’t a replacement for the Versys; it’s a strategic expansion of Kawasaki’s portfolio. This gives riders a distinct choice: the proven Versys for on-road touring and the new KLE for those who hear the call of the trail.

An India launch for the new Kawasaki KLE is expected sometime in 2026, following its European debut. It will enter a fiercely competitive market, going head-to-head with established rivals like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure.

Pricing will be a crucial factor. The Ninja 500, with the same engine, is imported as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) unit and currently costs around ₹5.29 lakh (ex-showroom).It’s anticipated that the KLE will be priced in a similar, or slightly higher, bracket, positioning it as a premium offering in its class.

With the return of the KLE, Kawasaki is making a bold statement, aiming to capture the hearts of adventure riders with a machine that blends nostalgic appeal with modern, trail-conquering performance.

Read More: Back to the Dirt: Kawasaki Revives the Iconic KLE Name for a New Adventure Bike