Kawasaki KLE Twin Cylinder Adventure Bike Launching Soon: BMW F450 GS Challenger
The lightweight adventure motorcycle segment has become extremely hot in the past few years. A number of automakers have launched their bikes, and many more are on the horizon. Most recently, the popular Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Kawasaki released a new teaser video, showing and confirming the arrival of the new KLE lightweight adventure motorcycle. The upcoming Kawasaki KLE will be rivalling the soon-to-be-launched BMW F450 GS.
Kawasaki KLE teaser released
The teaser video of the Kawasaki KLE has been shared on YouTube by Kawasaki Motors on their channel. In this short clip, the upcoming motorcycle can be seen in its natural habitat of mountain dirt roads. This teaser gives us a peek at the spoke wheels, front suspension, and rear suspension. Apart from these, the overall design was not revealed.
What do we know about Kawasaki KLE?
The upcoming Kawasaki KLE is expected to be named KLE500 or Rally 500. As for the launch, reports suggest that it could take place at EICMA 2025, which is held in Milan, Italy, in November. As for its launch in India, it is expected to make its debut in 2026, and pricing could be around Rs 5.5 lakh.
Powertrain, chassis, and other mechanicals
It has been reported that Kawasaki is planning to offer the KLE with the same 451cc parallel twin-cylinder petrol engine that powers the Ninja 500. As for the power output, it is expected that the KLE will make around 45.4 bhp and 42.6 Nm of torque. Transmission duties will be handled by a 6-speed gearbox.
Reportedly, Kawasaki has developed a brand-new chassis for this motorcycle, which will be tuned for off-road usage. A steel frame is expected. At the front, the KLE could get 21-inch wire-spoke wheels, which could be tubeless. The rear wheel, on the other hand, could be 17-inch. A USD fork front suspension will be offered on this bike, as seen in the new teaser.
Braking will be taken care of by a single front Nissin brake caliper, and a single disc is also expected in the rear. The bike will offer a low-slung right-side-mounted exhaust. Overall, the bike is expected to be very tractable and friendly and will offer good off-roading capabilities.
Rivals
Once launched in India, the Kawasaki KLE is expected to rival the BMW F450 GS, which will also be launched soon in India. BMW Motorrad recently filed patents for the design of this upcoming motorcycle in India. This bike will be offered with an aggressive front fascia, twin-barrel LED headlight, tall windscreen, and extended radiator shrouds.
It is expected to ride on 19 and 17-inch tubeless alloy wheels and get disc brakes on both ends. In terms of features, it is expected to get full LED lights, a color TFT instrument gauge cluster, Bluetooth, switchable dual-channel ABS, traction control, and multiple ride modes.
Powering the upcoming BMW F450 GS will be a 450cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine making 48 bhp and 45 Nm of torque. It will also get a 6-speed gearbox. Pricing is expected to start at Rs 4 lakh.