Kawasaki KLE 500 adventure bike will be launched today, will give tough competition to Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

India’s mid-capacity adventure bike segment is now becoming extremely competitive. After brands like Royal Enfield, Triumph and KTM, now Kawasaki is also going to enter this race. The company has confirmed that the new Kawasaki KLE 500 adventure bike will be unveiled in India today i.e. on 24 October 2025. The design and DNA of the KLE 500 is inspired by the vintage 90s KLE model, which was known as a rugged and off-road friendly bike in its time.

Design of Kawasaki KLE 500

The new KLE 500 has all the elements required for adventure riding. The bike has 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels, long-travel suspension, and split seats, which provide comfort to both the rider and the pillion. At the front, twin LED headlamps, tall windscreen, and knuckle guards give it an adventure touring look. A new steel tubular frame has been used in the bike, which has been specially tuned for off-roading. The low-slung exhaust on the side gives the bike an aggressive and sporty look.

Engine and Performance

• The new Kawasaki KLE 500 will get the same 451cc parallel-twin engine, which is given in the company’s Eliminator 500 and Ninja 500. This engine will generate power of approximately 45 hp and torque of 46.2 Nm. It is provided with a 6-speed gearbox which will provide smooth gear shifting and comfortable riding experience on the highway. This engine maintains a balance between fuel-efficiency and performance.

Suspension and Braking

• Strong suspension and reliable braking are essential for off-roading. The KLE 500 has USD forks at the front and disc brakes on both wheels. There is a possibility of getting a single disc with Nissin calliper in the front wheel and dual piston setup in the rear. Due to long travel suspension and frame with correct geometry, the bike remains stable even on rough roads. Kawasaki claims that the chassis of the bike will give balanced performance for both off-road and highway.

segment and competition

• The most direct competition of the KLE 500 will be with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, which is currently the most popular bike in the 450cc adventure segment. Apart from this, Triumph Scrambler 400X, KTM Adventure X 390, and Adventure 390 are also present in this range. However, the KLE 500 will distinguish itself from them all due to its twin-cylinder engine, better off-road capabilities and premium build quality. In future, the competition will become more interesting in this segment with the arrival of bikes like BMW F450 GS, Norton 700 Adventure, and Royal Enfield Himalayan 750.
• Let us tell you that if you want a bike which is equally capable in both city and hilly areas, then KLE 500 can be a great option. Its engine provides stability on the highway while the suspension and wheel setup is better for off-roading.