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

The Kawasaki KLE 500 adventure bike will be launched in India tomorrow. It will compete directly with the likes of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM Adventure 390. Let's take a look at its features.

India's mid-capacity adventure bike segment is becoming increasingly competitive. Following brands like Royal Enfield, Triumph, and KTM, Kawasaki is now joining the race. The company has confirmed that the new Kawasaki KLE 500 adventure bike will be unveiled in India today, October 24, 2025. The KLE 500's design and DNA are inspired by the older 90s KLE models, which were renowned for being rugged and off-road-friendly. 

Design of the Kawasaki KLE 500

The new KLE 500 has all the elements necessary for adventure riding. The bike features 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels, long-travel suspension, and split seats, providing comfort for both rider and pillion. Twin LED headlamps, a tall windscreen, and knuckle guards at the front give it an adventure-touring look. The bike uses a new steel tubular frame, specifically 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 be powered by the same 451cc parallel-twin engine that powers the company's Eliminator 500 and Ninja 500. This engine produces approximately 45 hp and 46.2 Nm of torque. It's paired with a 6-speed gearbox, which provides smooth gear shifting and a 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 features USD forks at the front and disc brakes on both wheels. The front wheel is expected to have a single disc with a Nissin caliper, and the rear a dual-piston setup. The long-travel suspension and the well-geometry of the frame ensure the bike remains stable even on rough terrain. Kawasaki claims that the bike's chassis will provide balanced performance for both off-road and highway use.

Segments and competition

• The KLE 500's most direct competition will be from the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, which is currently the most popular bike in the 450cc adventure segment. The Triumph Scrambler 400X, KTM Adventure X 390, and Adventure 390 are also in this range. However, the KLE 500 will differentiate itself from all of these due to its twin-cylinder engine, superior off-road capabilities, and premium build quality. In the future, the arrival of bikes like the BMW F450 GS, Norton 700 Adventure, and Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 in this segment will make the competition even more interesting.

 

• If you want a bike that's equally capable in both city and mountain terrain, the KLE 500 is a great choice. Its engine provides stability on the highway, while the suspension and wheel setup are well-suited for off-roading.