The Kawasaki KLE500 SE brings a sharper edge of electronic control to the standard KLE500’s adventure-ready versatility, built for riders who want a little extra reassurance to go with their exploring. It sits as the safety-focused option within the KLE500 range, aimed at riders covering a wide mix of surfaces and conditions across the year rather than fair-weather green laning alone. It is a sensible addition given how quickly British weather can turn a dry green lane into a slippery one.
Its liquid-cooled 451cc parallel twin, with a 70.0 x 58.6mm bore and stroke and a DOHC eight-valve head fed by downdraft throttle body fuel injection, delivers a responsive, torquey spread of power through a six-speed gearbox that copes equally well with motorway cruising and technical trails. A wet multi-disc clutch with assist and slipper function lightens the lever and smooths aggressive downshifts, with drive finishing through a sealed chain that shrugs off the elements with minimal fuss. That is useful when a trail turns unexpectedly loose underfoot.
A high-tensile steel trellis frame carries a 43mm KYB inverted cartridge fork with 210mm of travel and a preload-adjustable Uni-Trak monoshock offering 200mm, keeping the 194kg machine settled over a 1,555mm wheelbase whatever the surface underneath. Front and rear disc brakes, a 300mm unit with a two-piston caliper up front and a 230mm disc at the rear, offer strong, reassuring stopping power, and switchable ABS lets riders adapt braking response to suit tarmac or looser surfaces underneath 21 inch front and 17 inch rear wheels on IRC GP-410 tyres. There is plenty of feel through the lever even when conditions are less than ideal.
Comfortable, upright ergonomics make the 860mm seat height easy to live with day to day, and a 16 litre tank keeps refuelling stops well spaced on longer outings. It suits riders who want genuine adventure capability backed by a little extra electronic reassurance underneath them, whether that’s a wet commute or a longer trip into unfamiliar terrain. Year-round commuters and green lane regulars alike will appreciate having switchable ABS in reserve whenever the road surface turns unpredictable. Available now at GT Motorcycles, your Kawasaki dealer in Plymouth, serving adventure riders across Devon and Cornwall, with finance and test rides available.
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