Kawasaki KLE650 revealed: a 649cc adventure bike to sit above the KLE500
Upcoming Bikes ·
Kawasaki has revealed the KLE650, a new adventure bike that sits above the KLE500 in its line-up. It’s aimed squarely at mid-size adventure bikes such as Royal Enfield’s upcoming Himalayan 750.
Engine and chassis
It uses a new version of Kawasaki’s 649cc parallel twin, rated at 51.6kW (70 PS) in European trim. Australian and New Zealand figures are still to be confirmed.
- Wheels: 21-inch front, 17-inch rear, spoked, on Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tyres.
- Suspension: a 43mm KYB upside-down fork with 210mm of travel, and 196mm at the rear.
- Brakes: twin 300mm front discs and a 230mm rear disc, with switchable ABS.
- Seat height: 870mm, or 840mm with the optional low seat.
- Fuel tank: 16 litres.
Kawasaki hasn’t confirmed a kerb weight yet. The US-spec SE is quoted at about 212kg fully fuelled.
Standard vs SE
Both models get Kawasaki’s traction control (KTRC) and electronic cruise control as standard. The SE adds:
- an up/down quickshifter
- a TFT display
- tubeless spoked wheels (the standard bike runs inner tubes)
- a taller screen, handguards, a USB-C socket and an aluminium bash plate
Prices and arrival
In the UK, the KLE650 costs £7,499 and the SE £8,899, with bikes reaching dealers from April 2027. Australian arrivals are expected in mid-2027. Prices for Australia and New Zealand haven’t been announced yet, and neither has New Zealand timing.
Can learners ride it?
Not yet confirmed. At 70 PS in European trim, it’s well above the power-to-weight limit for learner-approved bikes (LAMS). Kawasaki hasn’t said whether a reduced-power version will be offered here.
Sources
- MCNews — 2027 Kawasaki KLE650 specifications
- Bike Rider Magazine — 2027 Kawasaki KLE650 full details
- Visordown — 2027 Kawasaki KLE650 revealed
Featured image: Kawasaki Motors (kawasaki.co.uk).
Specifications are Kawasaki’s claims for overseas markets. Details checked 30 October 2026. Confirm local details with your dealer.
