A year or so ago I would have told you the interesting end of the adventure market started at 650cc. Everything under that was mostly single-cylinder thumpers, grand for learners and gravel roads but a bit breathless once the road opens up. Then CFMOTO dropped its 450MT and reminded everyone there was a big hole sitting between the 300s and the 700s. Now, Kawasaki has returned fire with the KLE500 SE and parked itself dead-centre in the middle of the class. I’ ve had the SE for a couple weeks and given it a decent spread of riding, from backyard laps across the paddocks, proper runs through the countryside, and my daily commute across town. Long enough to get beyond the showroom shine and work out what it actually is, rather than what the brochure says it should be. First impressions count, and I do think the KLE500 SE looks the part. The rally-inspired front cowl, triple LED headlight and Metallic Bluish Green colourway give it plenty of presence. It looks like a proper adventure bike
without being oversized or intimidating. It had a few people asking questions every time I stopped for fuel, which says plenty considering adventure bikes aren’ t exactly a rare sight these days.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS The KLE really won me over early on, particularly with the ergonomics. Kawasaki has borrowed the handlebar and footpeg positioning from its KX motocross range, and the influence can genuinely be felt. Standing on the pegs across the paddocks felt completely natural from the first ride, while sitting for an hour or two on the road never left me feeling cramped or sore. That’ s not an easy balance to achieve, and plenty of adventure bikes tend to favour one riding style over the other. The KLE manages both surprisingly well. The seat is comfortable enough for longer days and the riding position is relaxed without feeling lazy. You’ re upright, you’ ve got a good view of the road ahead, and everything falls comfortably to hand. Whether you’ re commuting to work or heading away for a
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