EICMA 2024: Kawasaki KLE Adventure Bike Teased with 21-inch Front Wheel, Twin Header Pipes and More

EICMA 2024: Having discontinued its Ninja 1000 SX and Versys 1000 motorcycles in early 2024, Kawasaki has now showcased the new, larger Ninja 1100 and Versys 1100 models at the EICMA trade show in Italy. The larger bikes get a new 1,099cc four-cylinder engine rated for 132bhp. This is thanks to the engine complying with Euro 5+ stringent regulations. While yet to be confirmed, we expect Kawasaki to bring the bikes to our market in due course.

Displayed in parallel with the bigger bikes was Kawasaki's new adventure bike. Though partially revealed, the model in question is the KLE with 'est. 1991' accompanying it – a hark back to the original Kawasaki KLE500, a dual-sports motorcycle replaced by the Versys 650 (aka the KLE650) in 2007. The original KLE had a 498cc parallel-twin engine and handled both on-road and light off-road conditions. Expect the upcoming KLE adventure bike to be more off-road-focused if the 'Life’s a Rally. Ride it' slogan is to be believed. 

Also Read: Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX, Versys 1000 Discontinued in India? Models Delisted from Website

Kawasaki KLE Adventure Bike: More Off-road-focused?

From what we can see, the Kawasaki KLE adventure bike features a bigger 21-inch spoked wheel than the KLE500's. There is also an inverted front fork with a single-piston Nissin calliper, suggesting the bike to be more of an off-roader. Other visible bits include a radiator and twin header pipes. The latter boasts a unique kink.  

Further details are yet to be revealed. While Kawasaki currently has two parallel-twin liquid-cooled engines in its lineup – 650 and 500, the new KLE is expected to get the same 451cc parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine as the Ninja 500. The engine in the Ninja 500 is tuned to produce 45bhp at 9,000rpm and 42.6Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm. 

Also Read: Kawasaki KLX 230 Unveiled in India, Bookings Open at Rs 5,000

Expect the new Kawasaki KLE adventure bike to debut globally next year. It remains to be seen if and when Kawasaki plans to introduce the bike here.