From Forgotten to Reborn: Kawasaki KLE500

The Kawasaki KLE500 has always been one of those “forgotten adventure bikes” — built to do everything, yet never quite celebrated for it.
With its 498 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, light chassis, and genuine all-terrain ability, it was a machine that could commute during the week and cross continents on weekends. It carried the DNA of the early Dakar spirit, long before “adventure bike” became a marketing term.

In this video, I take a closer look at the KLE500 — how it rides, where it fits in the adventure-bike timeline, and why it deserves more recognition than it ever got. From its dual-sport roots to its understated reliability, the KLE500 quietly proved that adventure didn’t need a massive budget or horsepower to be real. With comparisons to its enduro competition such as the KLR 650, Honda Transalp and Africa twin, even mentioning the Yamaha Tenere and Suzuki DR BIG. I note all the motorcycles the engine is shared with such as the Kawasaki ER5, GPZ500, Eliminator (EN) and EX Models, and question their fitment.

Now, with Kawasaki officially reviving the KLE500 for 2026, this forgotten classic suddenly feels relevant again.
The all-new version promises modern tech and fresh design, but it’s the original that defined the spirit of simple, capable adventure. This film celebrates that legacy — reminding us what made the first KLE500 special, and why it’s worth remembering as the new one arrives.

🎥 A cinematic short by JaPsGraph, part of the “Life with Classic Cars & Bikes” series.

💬 Would you take the new KLE500 or keep the original classic?
Share your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear what you think about Kawasaki bringing back one of their most overlooked machines.

🔧 Original Kawasaki KLE500 (1991–2007) Specs:
• 498 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin
• ~50 hp @ 8500 rpm / 45 Nm @ 7000 rpm
• 6-speed gearbox, chain drive
• Approx. 181 kg dry weight
• Dual-sport ergonomics, 21 L tank