Kawasaki presents the quadruped robot Corleo at EICMA 2026 fair in Milan

Kawasaki has introduced the KLE 650 motorcycle, which becomes the new member of the Japanese manufacturer's trail bike line. This model is available in two configurations: KLE 650 ABS and KLE 650 SE ABS, elevating the engine level of the KLE line, which currently features the 500 version.

This launch corroborates speculations made by international media following the teaser released shortly after the debut of the KLE 500 SE Smartride 2027, indicating the arrival of a larger displacement trail bike within the same vehicle family.

The disclosed specifications come from Kawasaki North American material, which classifies both versions as the 2027 line and confirms their availability in US stores starting in February.

Technical Details and Engine

The engine is a 649 cc parallel twin equipped with liquid cooling, dual overhead camshafts, and eight valves. It is based on the medium-displacement platform used by Kawasaki in other models, such as the Ninja 650 and Versys 650.

Although power, torque, and weight have not been disclosed by the manufacturer, motorcycles with the same parallel twin engine generate approximately 69 hp and 6.5 kgf·m.

The most significant technical change lies in the electronic throttle, which features 38 mm butterfly bodies. The absence of a cable between the grip and the engine allows the electronic control unit to manage air and fuel, enabling features such as cruise control and traction control. According to Kawasaki, the intake and exhaust tuning focuses on delivering torque below 4,000 rpm, with an increase in power above 6,000 rpm.

The KTRC traction control system presents two modes: Mode 1, less intrusive, preserves more traction when exiting curves; and Mode 2, designed for wet surfaces, cobblestones, and gravel, cuts power earlier upon detecting slippage.

The clutch is assisted and slipping, which reduces the effort required on the lever and restricts rear wheel lock during sudden braking. Cruise control is standard on both versions.

Chassis and Suspension Features

The chassis is constructed from high-strength steel trellis and weighs 16.9 kg. The engine functions as a structural component, as the swingarm is fixed by a bolted plate on the rear of the engine, eliminating the need for extra crossbars. The steel swingarm is 0.5 kg lighter than that of the KLE 500, offering greater vertical rigidity.

Kawasaki itself states that the wheelbase, caster, and trail have been optimized to offer greater stability on asphalt compared to the KLE 500. This implies that the larger bike is more geared towards road use than maximum off-road performance of the family.

In terms of suspension, the front inverted fork measures 43 mm and offers 211 mm of travel. The rear Uni-Trak monoshock provides 196 mm of travel, featuring continuous preload adjustment to accommodate passengers and luggage.

The braking systems include two 300 mm discs in the front, with 27 mm two-piston calipers, and a 230 mm disc at the rear. Although ABS can be disabled for use on sandy terrain, it is programmed to automatically reactivate upon each ignition.

Wheels, Ergonomics, and Finishes

The spoked wheels use aluminum rims and steel spokes, measuring 21 inches in the front and 17 in the rear. Only the SE version has tubeless-ready wheels; on the standard version, a puncture in the tread would require removing the wheel and changing the inner tube.

The seat height of the KLE 650 is 869 mm, very close to the 870 mm of the KLE 500. This height is considered high for the segment, but Kawasaki offers low seats as an accessory for shorter riders. Other available accessories include an engine protector, top box, side panniers, and heated grips.

The fuel tank holds 15.9 liters and has a narrow shape, designed so the rider can slide their body forward on uneven terrain. The windscreen offers three positions, with options of 27 mm or 55 mm more than the standard setting. The handlebars are a fat bar type, made of steel on the basic version and D.I.D. aluminum on the SE. The footpegs have tool-free removable rubber, exposing metal teeth for standing riding off-road.

The rear subframe was designed to support two side panniers and a top box simultaneously. Furthermore, the raised exhaust was positioned to allow the use of symmetrical panniers without compromising the angle of inclination.

Differences Between Standard and SE Versions

The distinctions between the two versions go beyond the instrument panel. The standard version uses a 5-inch LCD display, while the SE is equipped with a similar-sized color TFT that alternates between light and dark backgrounds according to ambient lighting. The SE version also offers two screen layouts and point-to-point navigation when connected to the Rideology app, a feature that requires a paid license and varies by country. Both versions display notifications from the mobile phone.

The SE version additionally includes quickshifter, tubeless wheels, aluminum handlebars, reinforced metal handguards, a USB-C port, and a 106 mm taller windscreen. The skid plate also differs: the standard version receives a plastic piece, justified by Kawasaki due to its lower weight, while the SE version features an aluminum protector, which offers greater protection to the side and bottom of the engine. In practice, this latter option represents the most economical solution in the entry version.

The values and dates mentioned refer exclusively to the United States market, and direct conversion should not be used as a parameter due to tax, shipping, and trade policy issues. There is no information about the arrival of the KLE 650 in Brazil.

While the KLE 500 was confirmed for the Brazilian market during the Interlagos Festival 2026, the larger version, revealed this Tuesday, has no confirmation regarding its arrival or the versions that will be offered locally.

Just a few days after launching the KLE 500 SE Smartride 2027, Kawasaki has scheduled the reveal of another motorcycle model for this Tuesday (27th). According to a released teaser, it is another adventure trail bike.

The news was initially reported by Motoo, and the presentation is set for 5 PM Central European Time, corresponding to 1 PM in Brasília time. The images shown display a bike equipped with a front fairing and windscreen, accompanied by the motto 'the adventure awaits you.' However, the specific model has not been identified at any point.

More details about the motorcycle

The bike's aesthetics suggest the possibility of it being a new member of the KLE family, although Kawasaki has not confirmed this link. International press speculates that it could be a trail bike with an engine displacement higher than the KLE 500.

The 2027 SE Smartride version incorporated an auto-clutch system into the mid-displacement trail bike. This system combines a mechanical centrifugal clutch with the existing oil-bath multi-disc unit. This allows the rider to start and stop without needing to engage the lever, reducing effort in traffic situations with frequent stops. Furthermore, Kawasaki states that the combination of these two mechanisms makes it difficult to shut down the engine.

It is important to note that the Smartride does not replace the manual gearbox; gear changes are still made with the lever and pedal in six speeds while the bike is moving. Being entirely mechanical, the unit eliminates sensors and electronic controls, which removes a source of electronic failures, but also implies the absence of operating modes or adjustable settings.

Another innovation in this version is the spoked wheels designed for use with tubeless tires, measuring 21 inches in the front and 17 in the rear, using sizes 90/90-21 and 150/70-17. This feature is practical for travel as it allows a puncture on the road to be repaired without disassembling the wheel, and it is exclusive to the SE Smartride, as standard and SE versions do not have this item. The basic equipment configuration is identical to the SE, including a TFT panel connected via app, an adjustable windscreen in three positions, handguards, and a sump guard.

The introduction of Smartride did not alter the main mechanics. The 451cc parallel twin engine, equipped with liquid cooling and DOHC camshaft, generates 45 hp at 9,000 rpm and 4.3 kgf.m at 6,000 rpm. This is the same engine used in the Ninja 500, Z500, and Eliminator 500, but with a distinct tuning: in the Ninja, it produces 51 hp at 10,000 rpm and 4.4 kgf.m at 7,500 rpm. In the trail version, the power peaks occur earlier, at the expense of higher numerical values.

However, the seat height remains at 870 mm from the ground, a considerable elevation even for the segment, which may deter shorter riders.

Kawasaki had confirmed the KLE 500 during the Interlagos Festival 2026, but did not specify the model's arrival date. The 2027 line was presented to the European market, and prices have not yet been disclosed, making it impossible to know if the SE Smartride will be part of the Brazilian offering.

Regarding the motorcycle to be presented on Tuesday, Kawasaki only provided a date. Since the model has not yet been revealed, there is no information available about a possible arrival in the country.

After relaunching the KLE name in its catalog, Kawasaki has implemented modifications to the line to facilitate riding. The 2027 KLE 500 SE Smartride version introduces an automatic clutch, ideal for starting and stopping moments, in addition to spoked wheels equipped with tubeless tires. The standard and SE configurations remain available, maintaining their original mechanics.

Smartride System Details

The Smartride incorporates a mechanical centrifugal clutch into the existing multi-disc assembly, which remains on the vehicle. This allows the rider to start and stop without needing to engage the lever, reducing effort in traffic situations with frequent stops. According to Kawasaki, the combination of these two systems also makes it more difficult to turn off the engine.

It is important to note that this system does not replace the manual transmission. During travel, gear changes are made normally with the lever and pedal, as in any six-speed gearbox; Smartride only eliminates the need to manage the clutch when pulling away and braking.

Since it is entirely mechanical, the assembly does not require sensors or electronic controls, which simplifies the system and eliminates a layer of electronics susceptible to failure. However, this implies that there are no configurable operating modes or adjustments.

New Features on the SE Smartride Version

Another innovation of the SE Smartride is the spoked wheels designed for tubeless tires (no inner tube), with 21 inches in the front and 17 in the rear, using tires in sizes 90/90-21 and 150/70-17. This feature is very useful for travelers, as it allows a puncture to be repaired on the road without removing the wheel. This characteristic is exclusive to this version, while the standard and SE versions do not have it.

Engine and Chassis

The arrival of the Smartride does not imply any change to the engine. It maintains the 451 cc parallel twin, liquid-cooled, equipped with DOHC and eight valves. This engine generates 45 hp at 9,000 rpm and 4.3 kgfm at 6,000 rpm, using 32 mm throttle body electronic injection and a compression ratio of 11.3:1, with a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

This is the same engine found in the Ninja 500, Z500, and Eliminator 500 sold in Brazil, although with a distinct adjustment: in the Ninja 500, it reaches 51 hp at 10,000 rpm and 4.4 kgfm at 7,500 rpm. In the trail version, the power peaks occur earlier, at the expense of higher numerical values.

The chassis is constructed from high-strength steel in a truss format. The front suspension uses a 43 mm inverted fork with 210 mm of travel, and the rear employs the Uni-Trak system, which offers preload adjustment and has 200 mm of travel. The ground clearance is 185 mm.

The seat is positioned 870 mm from the ground, a considerable height for the segment, which may distance shorter motorcyclists. The braking systems include 300 mm discs in the front and 230 mm in the rear, both with two-piston calipers. ABS can be deactivated, which is advantageous in off-road terrain, as allowing the rear wheel to lock aids in motorcycle control. The wheelbase is 1,570 mm, the tank holds 16 liters, and the total weight in running order is 199 kg.

Differences Between Versions

The entry-level KLE 500 version features an LCD panel and a more basic equipment list. The SE comes equipped with a TFT panel with app connectivity, a larger windscreen adjustable in three positions, handguards, and a skid plate. The SE Smartride uses this base, adding the automatic clutch and tubeless tires.

The standard and SE versions of the 2027 Kawasaki KLE 500 can also be purchased with three optional packages at dealerships. The Rally package includes an Akrapovič titanium exhaust, radiator guard, lowered passenger seat, and USB-C port. The Adventure Tourer offers an engine protector and two 21-liter side cases with their respective mounts. Finally, the Top Case combines a rear luggage rack with a top box and USB-C port.

All these items are original accessories certified by Kawasaki, meaning packages mounted on existing versions without altering the intrinsic mechanics or riding characteristics.

The SE Smartride will be available exclusively in Pearl Blizzard White. The conventional SE version will have options in Metallic Bluish Green, Pearl Storm Gray, and Pearl Blizzard White, while the standard version will be offered in the Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony combination.

Kawasaki suggests that consumers consult their local dealership to check the availability of colors and models in each region. Although Kawasaki has not disclosed the prices for the 2027 line, initially presented for the European market, the brand confirmed the presence of the KLE 500 in Brazil during the Interlagos Festival 2026, without defining an arrival date. Therefore, what is assured in the country is the model, but it is not yet known if the SE Smartride, with its automatic clutch and tubeless tire specifications, will be part of the Brazilian offering.