For the 2027 season, the brilliant Kawasaki KLE 500 motorcycle lineup expands its adventurous family to three incredible models with the exciting addition of the brand-new KLE 500 SE Smartride ABS. Building wonderfully on the premium equipment of the KLE 500 SE ABS, this innovative new model introduces Kawasaki’s very first self-engaging clutch system alongside durable spoke wheels wrapped in tubeless Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires. These magnificent enhancements brilliantly elevate convenience and control during stop-and-go city traffic, extended tours, and thrilling off-pavement explorations, all while perfectly preserving the motorcycle’s approachable and adventurous charm.
At the heart of this new development is the ingenious Smartride self-engaging clutch, which seamlessly integrates a compact mechanical centrifugal starting clutch between the clutch housing and the traditional lever-operated multi-disc assembly. This fantastic mechanism allows the motorcycle to happily remain stopped and idling in gear without requiring the rider to hold the clutch lever. As the throttle opens and engine speed increases, the starting clutch engages automatically to transfer power smoothly, completely removing the need to feather the clutch when pulling away from a stop. During regular riding, it functions just like a traditional manual transmission, and an engine-brake cam preserves a wonderfully natural deceleration feel right up until the bike comes to a complete stop. Despite its incredible utility, this purely mechanical system adds only a minimal footprint and a mere 2.2 pounds, keeping the bike’s balance and style completely intact.
Complementing this innovation are the gorgeous new spoke wheels featuring tubeless Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires, which maintain the classic, impact-absorbing benefits of traditional wire-spoke designs while adding the wonderful modern convenience of easy roadside puncture repairs without inner tubes. Together with the existing foundations of the lineup—including a responsive 451cc parallel-twin engine, a robust trellis frame, long-travel suspension, rally-inspired styling, and a vibrant 4.3-inch color TFT display—the new KLE 500 SE Smartride ABS delivers an inspiring, joyful, and extraordinarily convenient riding experience priced at an MSRP of $7,999.
