Kawasaki KLE: The Capable ADV Bike You've Been Waiting For?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Hey, thanks for checking out this new Kawasaki ADV bike with me! If you're interested in any of the gear you saw in the video today, and you'd like to help me continue making videos like this one - here's a list of affiliate links for all my stuff that help support my content. (Click an affiliate link, make ANY purchase, & SWANKY CAT will make a small commission) Carplay Units: carpuride.com/products/carpuride-w702-wireless-portable-dual-bluetooth-waterproof-ip67-motorcycle-stereo?ref=pcoxoocl Large Tank Bags: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-olympus-tank-bag-p?ref=1042& Handguards: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-d-flex-pro-adventure-handguards-p?ref=1042& 14 Tooth Sprocket: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/primary-drive-front-sprocket-p?v=15214?ref=1042& XR650 Stuff Tires: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/tusk-waypoint-adventure-tire-p?ref=1042& 14 Tooth Sprocket: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/primary-drive-front-sprocket-upgrade-p?ref=1042& Chub Bars (Moto Bend): www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-chub-1-1-8%22-big-bar-p?ref=1042& Bar Risers: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-universal-big-bar-clamp-kit-p?ref=1042& Tusk LED Bulb (NOT DOT APPROVED): www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-h4-led-bulb-p?ref=1042& DR650 Stuff Windshield & GPS Bar (1 1/8" Handlebars): amzn.to/3Tkd1WS Windshield & GPS Bar (7/8 Handlebars): amzn.to/3z010yT Tires: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/tusk-dsport%C2%AE-adventure-tire-p?ref=1042& Chub Bars (KTM Bend): www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-chub-1-1-8%22-big-bar-p?ref=1042& Rox Offset Risers: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/rox-speed-fx-pro-offset-elite-block-risers-p?ref=1042& Seat: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/seat-concepts-complete-seat-p?ref=1042& Ultralight Battery: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-lithium-pro-battery-p?ref=1042& Linkage Guard: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-impact-universal-linkage-guard-p?ref=1042& Riding Gear ADV Helmet: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-xpedition-adv-helmet-w-mips-p?ref=1042& Xplorer Coat: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-xplorer-adv-jacket-p?ref=1042& Xplorer Pants: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-xplorer-adv-pant-p?ref=1042& Boots: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-adventure-boots-p?ref=1042&

[@ComfyDadShoes]

Nice deep dive on this very intriguing future part of Kawi’s lineup. This new crop of light adv/dual sport bikes coming out is exciting.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks! Yeah, it's definitely an exciting time!

[@kostastsen1630]

In fact, the old KLE500 has a quite extensive fan club (at least here in EU) because it is cheap, simple and care free. Continuing its legacy requires staying in that path. I certainly will not change mine for the new version unless it keeps the old benefits and adds a few new.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah? I think I picked up on that a bit when I was looking at photos and posts. It all reminded me a lot of how we love/hate the KLR here in the US. Makes me a little more excited to see what they came up with now!

[@lonecoyote5454]

50 HP twin, Sub 400 lbs, 9"+ of travel. If they can hit around those specs with Japanese reliability watch out as this may be the bike to get.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Agreed!

[@MrTmax74]

Yeah, I think This just might hit the mark. And since it's a Japanese bike, I would definitely consider it, especially if it came with Cruz. Or the cruise option. And I think the new DRZ is poised for an eventual rally version. It gained some weight, but even if you added 37 lb, that would only make $370. That undercut CF Moto and the new Himalayan by over 60 lb. I think the trick will be whether or not the five-speed transmission has a wider ratio now, or not.

[@elwood62]

For a time it seemed that everyone was trying to go bigger. Interesting to see smaller bikes making their way to the US after having so few choices compared with the rest of the world.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, IDK why that was. I suppose they made sense for covering vast distances, which is what was really popular to begin with. Seems like a lot of people realized that if you want to cover vast distances off road, it was better left to smaller, lighter bikes. I can't wait to test them!

[@diraltmcallister3523]

@@SwankyCatProductions You excited to take a look at the new DR-Z4S? I'm really looking forward to it. Would love to see your thoughts when it's out!

[@Dragon.Slayer.]

Agreed! I'd love to see a Tenere 450

[@Justen1980]

They can now make big bike profit margins from these small bikes now that most of them are all made in India, Thailand, China, etc.

[@AZFarmFun-hp1cu]

Displacement is following male testosterone levels.

[@dothetontim]

I wonder if we might have a reverse KLX400 situation and Suzuki introduces a 500cc 'Adventure' bike which might explain the direction the new DRZ has stayed in as a proper 5 gear dirt oriented dual sport.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Interesting. Yeah, I'm not sure how close they work together these days. But that would be interesting!

[@evenstevenmotodrone735]

I only know one KLE in Costa Rica... This hidden fairing looks very Rally style... Kawi will not disappoint us 🏍️🇨🇷

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Hey man! It's been a while, how have you been?! Hmm, did they sell the KLE there? Or did someone import it? Haha, yeah I hope not! Will you buy one???

[@luna500rr]

I'm from Croatia and still enjoying my KLE from 2005. It's a simple carburated bike that was outdated even in 2005 technology-wise. But It is comfortable, enjoyable... I geared mine more for open roads rather than for off-road use, but it can be easily customized to be a bit better for any of those purposes as it has adjustable forks and rear shock. There are also aftermarket parts like dog-bones for even more rear adjustment and so on... Two years ago i went with it on a meet on Velebit mountain. I did total of 918km (570miles) that day, 50% motorway, 30% local roads and 20% off-road with the same bike. My bike could keep up with more off road oriented bikes on the trail without problems and the same day I drove it 160km/h (100mph) on the motorway for hours without any problems. Now I use it mostly for short trips to town, to go to the bank, post office, to go to the sea, caffe... It isn't excellent at anything. Its wind deflector is a joke above 120km/h, it was never as good off road as a KLR, it couldn't corner or brake like GPZ at the time and so on... but it wasn't bad at any of it either. I except new KLE to be something similar. A cheap Swiss army knife type of a bike. Light, quiet, with enough off road and on road capabilities. Power will likely be limited for EU A2 standards (

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Greetings from the other side of the world! (almost). Croatia looks like an amazing place to live and ride! Great insight on the original KLE, thank you! It sounds rather similar to the KLR in a lot of aspects, just with a little more road bias. I'm really hoping the new KLE is more of a mix of the two, with a bit more off road ability, and maybe even a little more on road ability as well. Time will tell!

[@ArcticJeff]

For me, I don't want an engine that needs to scream to make power, especially when I'm off road. I like the torque of the dinosaur 650's. You can lug the engine and the low revs are perfect for trail riding. I really believe the 650cc engine is the sweet spot for our style of riding.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Agreed, 10k is pretty high for trail riding! However, I'm hoping that they tune it similar to the T7. Where it makes good power all the way through the curve. That way it doesn't feel all that different from the Big Bore Singles. We'll see though!

[@bobjohnson9597]

I traded a 22 KLR for a 23 KLX 300 and am so much happier with the KLX. However I first bought a 24 Triumph Scrambler 400X and Love it for an all purpose bike. It's only $5595 and redline is 12,500 and it's much lighter than the KLR. It's actually the most fun bike I've ever owned oh and I'm getting 81 mpg after break in

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! That's awesome!

[@jonr4651]

I constantly regret selling my Versys-X 300 and would love basically that with a 21in front and 50hp. That would be my dream bike.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I think this bike is really going to hit the mark!

[@airadaimagery692]

Definitely excited to see what Kawasaki has created here. It would be awesome if it had Rally styling to it. But, I’m thinking it will be something more like the Honda NX500 maybe?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I really hope they're going after the same audience as the IBEX and 390 Rally... You never know though, I had high hopes of a Versys 650 -X after the 300 came out... 100 years ago 🤣. Maybe we're finally getting something better though!

[@Yardsale17]

I had a Kawasaki eliminator 500 and those are definitely the same pipes very playful engine very excited to see this machine

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah??? That's awesome!!!

[@krisdieber9459]

But isn't that 450cc and is based on Ninja 400?

[@Yardsale17]

@@krisdieber9459 that is correct the 451 cc engine is what they call the 500 it is indeed based off of the 400. I don’t remember what they did exactly to make the 400 into the 451 either increase stroke or bore out, but it is the same engine in the ninja 500 and the z500

[@drzrider3440]

We had the EX500 instead of the kle. Same chasis and engine. But id bet the farm it will not come with 51HP. It will not meet A2 licensing requirements. While i wish all manufactures would stop limiting these bikes for that specific market. We want the 490 to start back up from KTM a 60 HP 500cc twin Adv lightweight bike. But unfortunately, they dont think we are worth the effort. Even though the KTM490 would be king, instead its just a dream.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, it seems they're more interested in making bikes like this attractive to new riders, rather than seasoned ones who want a lighter bike with some serious power.

[@billcotton1551]

Manufacturers are listening! Ben , did you see the BMW f450 GS? It has me excited.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah! It's about time!!! I've seen a little here and there, but I'll have to dig into it and make a video!

[@wasawasablingbling]

This is one that I’m very excited about

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It looks good so far!

[@billwalsh3672]

Have you ever considered the Versys x300 . After watching several videos it does rather well as long as it’s not to extreme.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I have, but I'm too afraid it wouldn't be a good fit for my roads and trails. I'd like to test one though!

[@markcollins5026]

Man, nice I had bought a new 2020 Jersey X300 rode it for a year sold it, not my cup of tea !

[@_hold_the_line_]

Good analysis, hope it will be a good bike.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks! Me too!!!

[@verlinswarey507]

I’ll bet both of my cajones that this bike will not be very exciting. I’d love to be wrong! That new KTM 390 looks just insanely good.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I really have some hope for it... but you never know lol. I'll probably buy the KTM if this doesn't pan out 🤣.

[@markcollins5026]

Man, nice looks like a bigger Versey X300, I had a new 2020 Versey X300 rode it for a year then sold it not my cup of tea !

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, from what I can tell so far, this seems like it might be the missing link between bikes like the 300-X and Tenere 700!

[@steveh545]

the older one sort of has a Honda Transalp vibe.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It does, yeah!

[@gregweeks4980]

I see you noticed this bike at EICMA just like I did. It could be exciting. I noticed the 21"front wheel and the USD forks, as well as the twin exhaust headers. I was wondering if it was going to be off road worthy. Good eye on spotting a possible winner. Probably more affordable than the Aprillia 457 Tuareg, also exciting. Texas on the prairie

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! Yeah, the front end tells you quite a bit, if you know what to look for! The price will be a huge factor, but everything else is looking good so far!

[@ryanbrandenburg1882]

Really hope it has rally design like 390 adventure and ibex. Please be the first japan manufacturer to break the ice

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Me too!!!

[@MrKips1]

650 Versys pipes do that, too. I'd be much more interested in a 650 than a 500.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I think they look a bit more like the 500, but I am a little confused as to why they've never made a more off road worthy version of the bigger Versys bikes. Seems like low hanging fruit to me.

[@joshdoddadbod]

I think this is super promising. Cant wait to see it and hear about it. One single front caliper indicates to me smaller displacement and likely lighter weight. Im on board already :) But will it be good enough to convince me to trade in my T7?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That is a good point. The single rotor could definitely indicate a lighter bike, which would be awesome! Haha, yeah I just edited a video we did where I rode my Dad's Tenere though a bunch of mud puddles... man I miss that bike! Haha.

[@mathewkendell9056]

Looks like an updated more adventure oriented version of the Versys 300. I agree that looks like the Ninja 500 engine. I would also guess that it will be offered at a price point that will steer prospective buyers to other options.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, price is the big question. The reused motor will save them/us some, but with the amount they want for even the KLX300... I have to imagine this won't be cheap. However, it will need to compete with bikes like the Himalayan 450, IBEX 450, & KTM390.

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

Still keeping my klr.this would look good next to it tho

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Indeed it would!

[@Fiatmannen1]

In most markets it will be max 48 hp as it fits in the a2 bracket

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I've heard a bit of that in regards to the other bikes in this bracket. I don't believe that effects us in the US though, so it'll be interesting to see if our bikes are any different.

[@petersymons7817]

Thank you

[@SwankyCatProductions]

No problem!

[@mountainlife1165]

Sixth gear!👍🏻

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah!!!

[@alexmoreno8156]

I don’t think we need anymore 430lbs low powered twin cylinder adventure bikes. We need that high performance thumper with a rally tower on it that weighs 350lbs wet. Aka an updated KTM690/Husky701.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I think they're focused a little to much on the beginner riders. But we'll see when they put the specs out!

[@thomasclark2262]

Will this mean the end of the klr 650 ? Or will this mean a bigger klr? Like a klr800?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

My assumption is that it means little or nothing for the KLR. Unless the Gen3 sales really tank, I think it'll be around a long time.

[@Theoriginalbubbafett]

KLE 450 incoming. My guess.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

450 does sound good!

[@dolfanrob262]

Sounds like may be their answer to the NX500

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Definitely!

[@krisdieber9459]

Well except for the wheel size 😂

[@NoToFear]

And a much less boring rev range than the 500 Honda.

[@dolfanrob262]

@@NoToFear So you’ve rode one? How was it?

[@justinbruck9602]

I clearly was riding my KLR wrong, I only got about 45mpg out of it. 🤔

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I think mine was 50 mpg or better most of the time, but I'm a pretty small guy.

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

Maybe now Suzuki will give us the V-Strom SX? Also, RIP Scram 411. 😪😥

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I'm wondering what Suzuki will do too!

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

So a versys x 500?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Probably!

[@TheParaxore]

Why not call it a Versys X-500

[@hokogan]

They might. KLE is the model code for the Versys line.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Huh... Interesting!

[@hokogan]

@@SwankyCatProductions Minor correction: the Versys 300 and 650 are the KLE300 and KLE650 respectively. The Versys 1000 is a KLZ1000.

[@nninjayou]

Kle já existe no meu país 🇵🇹 Portugal a muito tempo, tinha o motor da Gpz 500 muito fiável e foi uma grande máquina.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Cool! Yeah, we never got to see them here in the US.

[@straightup1234]

Will yamaha follow Suite & release a small quailty ADV bike? Loving the Chinese adv bikes but will see about reliability. Fair play to Chinese for shaking up motorcycle market 👏 👌

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I'm not so sure they will. But it will be interesting to see what happens now that more manufactures are jumping on board.

[@KairyuRider]

Versys 650??? Wouldn't know, not sold here in JAPAN...

[@SwankyCatProductions]

REALLY???

[@KairyuRider]

@SwankyCatProductions t7 was sold here after the usa, no world raid, no extreme. Seems half of yamaha road bikes are not sold here. Hondas made here are sold in limited colors only. It's really frustrating. If harley did that to Americans, there would be riots in the streets.

[@stephanematis]

So KLE instead a Versys 500 ? Fine, call it what you want Kawa, just bring it soon.

[@chrisunderhill8853]

if my opinion meant any thing i wish they would build an ADV like the Desert X. But weight of a crf. I love my KLR and will never get rid of it. i wish i had more power and i with i had the next gear when riding to a place to camp.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, honestly I hope this thing feels similar to the KLR. Just lighter, sprung/damped more for off road, and with power delivery that's a little closer to the Tenere 700. That would be a tough bike to beat!!!

[@markhall3434]

Yamaha has their similarly preliminary 2025 Wr700F SuperMoto which is probably too heavy but if less than 350 lbs would be my pick with that CP2 engine.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I do really like that engine!

[@markhall3434]

With KTM's recent camshaft issues, they are off my list.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That does concern me as well. However, I've heard that the 390 is actually their most reliable motor, and that it's designed and built by an entirely different team. So it may not be as much of a gamble as I initially thought 🤔

[@heinejonker4981]

They made a 400 as well

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Really??? Huh, strange. We've never seen that one here either.

[@heinejonker4981]

@@SwankyCatProductions Yes we had them on South Africa and now where I life in NZ , One 400 CC was up for sale here for 4 000 NZ dollars .... KLE were not very popular but very underrated but that's just my opinion

[@Superdisco199]

Enduro21 are saying it's based off the Ninja 650 which would make more sense as it's the same class as T7, Transalp, Tuereg etc ?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Mmm, only if they put the pipes on it from the 500. The 600 exhaust looks waaay different than the ones on the KLE display bike.

[@fun2rideadventure]

I driven KLE 500 few years ago in EU .... good bike but sensible at the carburetor ....

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Cool! Mmm, yeah I have to say, I prefer EFI!

[@geraldwalker2209]

Half of a 1000 ninja

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha yeah!

[@ronwest7930]

More of a street bike. Heavy.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Indeed.

[@elliotmartin2045]

I'm surprised you guys didn't have the KLE 500! Here in Europe (I'm from France), there are quite a few. The thing is, it has never been a very popular bike here, so you can find them pretty cheap because of that. It’s quite heavy, with power and torque only at high revs. The suspension is pretty bad, and without real brakes, it’s not a great off-road bike. But on the other hand, it's also not an ideal road bike. not very powerful, and you really have to push the engine to get a bit of character out of it. Well, now it makes sense why you guys didn’t have it... :D On paper, it’s not a bad idea if they made a more capable version, it would be great. But in this segment, with competitors like the Tenere 700, Desert X, KTM 890 Rally, and many other very solid two-cylinder bikes...not so sure.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It sounds a bit like the KLR! Haha. It is odd that they didn't ship them here, since it would have had very little competition at the time. It seems that we often miss out on ADV bikes though. We still only get one, very basic version of the Tenere as well. I think it's still a growing segment here though, so it'll be interesting to see what starts to show up in the next few years! Thanks for the comment!!!

[@leonrawls892]

Add a supercharger to it!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha!

[@SuperOrcy]

its not going to look like a ninja, its going to look like a KLR650 with a smaller engine.

[@philipfreeman72]

500 is plenty big even 400 works , too high comp. for me .

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, they're really pushing that motor!

[@Nostrildomus]

C00L . . . T/C/E

[@tymobyrne4451]

Lets talk resale of your old ADV. bike that was the big deal a year ago, i got some friends who want the latest and greatest and cant sell their old adv stuff because, its not the latest and greatest. anymore..glad i just ride normal motorcycle's, i just go for a ride, i dont blow wind and call it some freaking lame ass homeless looking camping trip called an adventure...lol..adventure riders and hardly guys are looking like having the same mental problem.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

With new and upgraded models coming out much more frequently, I can see where that may start to be a bit of an issue. I'm not surprised though, if ADV bikes are used for their designed purpose, they end up scratched and a bit beat up. It's hard to want to spend near new prices on something like that, when the new ones have more features and cost just a few bucks more.

[@roblange1445]

JESUS! Sounds like a bit of stress there mate…. Go for a ride👍

[@tymobyrne4451]

@@roblange1445 I did on my xsr900 triple today, real adventure is found at WOT, mode 1...lol

[@AZFarmFun-hp1cu]

People taking advice from a guy who just discovered the KLE500. 😂

[@SwankyCatProductions]

What does one have to do with the other exactly? The first two gens are essentially irrelevant in the US and will more than likely have very little in common with the new KLE?

[@oswaldogonzalez3389]

Y la moto?,, no se ve!!!

[@randycallow3736]

Wait what? CFMoto is heavy, it's underpowered, it's got tubeless wheels.. off road? And most significant with CFMoto is Trump election, there is a real possibility that many parts used on CFMoto bikes will make them outlawed in the US, so before the party even gets started it could be over.. and new Suzuki DRZ replacement is 37-39 horsepower, single.. nobody is making a light bike w decent road manners

[@SwankyCatProductions]

They just don't design them like they used too!

[@sandrider1406]

51hp…..you are dreaming 🤣 it will probably be a typical overweight Kawasaki, under powered and over Priced in an ever more competitive market. It must compete with the new Suzuki DRZ4S if they want to sell this bike.