In brief. The 2027 Kawasaki KLE650 is Akashi’s new twin-cylinder adventure bike: a 649 cc engine producing 70 hp and 64 Nm, a 21″ front wheel, 210/196 mm of suspension travel, and cruise control as standard on both versions. In Italy, the standard costs €8,290 and the SE €9,790; the latter adds a two-way quickshifter, color TFT display, tubeless wheels, handguards and a larger skid plate. Following its online unveiling in late October, EICMA 2026 is its first public appearance before a European audience.
For touring riders, one thing matters most: this is the bike that fills the gap between the KLE500 and the Versys 650, at a price below direct 21″-wheel rivals. The date it will arrive at Italian dealerships and the standard version’s weight have not yet been announced.
The KLE650 is the KLE500’s bigger sister, not a raised Versys
Kawasaki unveiled the KLE650 online on October 27, 2026, and is displaying it at EICMA 2026 (Fiera Milano Rho, November 3-8) alongside the KLE500 and Versys 900. It’s the second bike in the KLE family, which began with the KLE500: an adventure bike with a 21″ front wheel and a touring-oriented design.
Like the KLE500, it has a compact trellis frame, 21/17 spoke wheels, a high, upright riding position and a narrow rally-style windscreen. The engine is different: it comes from the 650 family (Ninja 650, Z650, Versys 650), but with electronic throttle control. Kawasaki describes it as “a bridge between everyday use and adventure”: it’s neither a specialist enduro bike nor a road bike with wide handlebars. It’s a touring bike with an off-road front wheel.
The 649 cc twin gains ride-by-wire and almost 20 hp over the KLE500
Bore and stroke remain the same as on Kawasaki’s 650 (83 × 60 mm). The intake has changed, with electronically controlled 38 mm throttle bodies, as has the compression ratio, which is down to 10.6:1.
L'The electronic throttle is the real technical innovation: this engine has never had one before. It’s what makes standard electronic cruise control on both versions and more refined traction control possible. The six-speed gearbox has an assist and slipper clutch; final drive is by sealed chain.
Compared with the KLE500, the difference is clear on paper before you even get on the road: 70 hp versus 51 and 64 Nm versus around 43. For riders carrying a passenger and luggage, that’s what counts, because the extra torque means less need to plan overtakes and less strain on the highway.
| Engine specifications | 2027 KLE650 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine configuration | Parallel twin, 4-stroke, DOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled | Kawasaki |
| Displacement | 649 cc | Kawasaki Europe |
| Bore × stroke | 83 × 60 mm | Kawasaki USA |
| Compression ratio | 10,6:1 | Kawasaki USA |
| Power | 70 hp at 8,600 rpm (claimed) | Kawasaki |
| Torque | 64 Nm at 7,500 rpm (claimed) | Kawasaki |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection, 38 mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire | Kawasaki |
| Transmission | 6-speed, assist and slipper clutch | Kawasaki |
21″ wheel, 210 mm of travel, and an 870 mm seat height: proper adventure-bike chassis
The steel trellis frame is derived from the KLE500, with a new swingarm. Kawasaki specifies a 43 mm inverted KYB fork with 210 mm of travel and a Uni-Trak shock with preload-adjustable linkage and 196 mm of travel.
| Chassis and dimensions | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | High-tensile steel trellis | KLE500 base, new swingarm |
| Fork | 43 mm inverted KYB cartridge fork | 210 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Uni-Trak, preload adjustable | 196 mm travel |
| Wheels | Spoked, 21″ front and 17″ rear | Tubeless only on the SE |
| Tires | Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour 90/90-21 and 150/70-17 | US specs |
| Brakes | Dual 300 mm front disc, 230 mm rear disc | Twin-piston calipers, switchable ABS |
| Wheelbase | 1,555 mm | 28° rake, 106 mm trail |
| Seat height | 870 mm | 840 mm with optional low seat |
| Fuel tank | 16 liters | Same as the Ténéré 700 |
| Curb weight | Around 212 kg (SE) | US figure; standard not specified |
| Ground clearance | Not specified | The KLE500 claims 185 mm |
Two details matter in everyday use. The first is the 17″ rear wheel instead of the 18″ on the Ténéré 700 and Transalp: more choice of road and touring tires, slightly less traction on loose surfaces. The second is the 870 mm seat height: it’s not low. Riders under 1.75 m would be wise to try it at a show, perhaps with the lowered 840 mm seat that Kawasaki offers as an accessory.
The SE costs €1,500 more, justified by its touring equipment
Both versions have the same engine, chassis and cruise control. The difference lies in what you’d normally buy afterward: instruments, quickshifter, protection and wheels.
| Equipment | KLE650 (€8,290) | KLE650 SE (€9,790) |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic cruise control | Standard | Standard |
| KTRC traction control | Standard | Standard |
| Switchable ABS | Yes, on both wheels | Yes, on both wheels |
| Instruments | 5″ LCD | 5″ color TFT, Rideology app, turn-by-turn navigation |
| KQS bidirectional quickshifter | Accessory | Standard |
| Wheels | Spoked, tube-type | Spoked, tubeless |
| Windscreen | Low | 106 mm taller, adjustable |
| Handguards | No | Yes, with metal reinforcement |
| Skid plate | Standard skid plate | Larger aluminum skid plate |
| USB-C port | Accessory | Standard (according to the Italian price list) |
| Colors in Italy | Metallic Matte Graphensteel Gray | Pearl Storm Gray, Pearl Blizzard White |
The cost comparison that makes sense
A quickshifter, handguards with metal inserts, an aluminum skid plate and a tubeless conversion bought afterward can easily add up to more than the €1,500 price difference. The tubeless wheel in particular isn’t something you can add with an accessory: either it comes as standard or you have to replace the wheels. For those traveling far from repair shops, this is the strongest argument in favor of the SE, because a puncture can be fixed on the spot with a plug kit and a compressor.
On paper, it costs less than its 21″ rivals and is a little less powerful
The natural rivals are the Yamaha Ténéré 700, which shares the same basic concept, and the more road-oriented Honda Transalp 750. Below it is the KLE500 SE, for those looking at an A2 license without restricting the power.
| Model | Engine | Power / torque | Curb weight | Seat height | Wheels | Price in Italy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kawasaki KLE650 SE | 649 cc twin-cylinder | 70 hp / 64 Nm | ~212 kg (US figure) | 870 mm | 21/17, tubeless | 9.790 € |
| 2027 Kawasaki KLE650 | 649 cc twin-cylinder | 70 hp / 64 Nm | Not disclosed | 870 mm | 21/17, tube-type | 8.290 € |
| Kawasaki KLE500 SE | 451 cc twin-cylinder | 51 hp / ~43 Nm | 199 kg | Not compared | 21/17 | 6.990 € |
| Yamaha Ténéré 700 | 689 cc twin-cylinder | 73.4 hp / 68 Nm | 208 kg | 875 mm | 21/18, tube-type | ~€12,200 (observed average) |
| 2026 Honda XL750 Transalp | 755 cc twin-cylinder | 92 hp / 75 Nm | 210 kg | 850 mm | 21/18 | 10.990 € |
The comparison is simple. The Transalp has 22 hp more and costs €1,200 more than the SE. The Ténéré 700 has a long off-road history and an 18″ rear wheel, but costs more. The KLE650 SE comes with cruise control, a quickshifter, TFT display and tubeless wheels for under €10,000: it’s a complete touring package before you even set foot in an accessories shop.
For motorcycle touring, standard cruise control matters more than 70 hp
On a motorcycle costing €8,000–10,000, electronic cruise control as standard is rare. On long highway stretches, it’s what really reduces fatigue in your right hand.
- you often tour two-up or loaded and want more torque than a 500;
- you split your time between paved roads and easy gravel roads, without seeking serious off-road capability;
- you want cruise control and a quickshifter without spending over €10,000;
- you’re coming from a KLE500 or a Versys-X and looking for a step up.
- it’s not low: an 870 mm seat height is tall for anyone below average height;
- it has no rear hydraulic adjustments, only preload;
- the standard model has neither tubeless wheels nor handguards;
- There are no real-world range figures yet: no tests have been published.
With a 16-liter tank, the average fuel consumption of a 650 twin would give a theoretical range of over 300 km, but official KLE650 fuel consumption figures have not yet been announced: treat this as a rough estimate, not a confirmed figure. The SE’s improved wind protection, with a windscreen that is 106 mm taller and adjustable, is the other difference you’ll notice after two hours on the highway.
Accessories: model-specific ones are on the way; universal ones are already useful
As of today, Endurrad has no dedicated, certified accessories for the new KLE650 in its catalog: luggage racks, crash bars, and skid plates require the motorcycle’s final measurements. We’ll add them when manufacturers make them available.
Pay close attention to the catalog: the Barkbusters BHG-034 handguard kit Barkbusters BHG-034 lists “Versys 650 (KLE650)” and is for the Versys, not the new adventure bike. The same applies to items in the Kawasaki Versys 650 accessories collection. What you really need for the KLE650 from day one is universal touring gear.
- For
- KLE650 SE (tubeless wheels)
- Use
- On-the-spot strip puncture repair
- Contents
- Tools, pliers, and case
- Price
- 32 €
- Max pressure
- 150 PSI
- Flow rate
- 35 L/min
- Weight
- 294 g
- Price
- 50 €
- Charging on the go: on the standard version, USB-C is an accessory; the LOBOO C36 dual USB-C socket (€90) delivers up to 130 W and is a universal handlebar socket.
- Luggage without frames: until dedicated frames are available, a seat bag such as the LOBOO Wanderer 50 L (€221) can be secured with straps and does not require dedicated frames; find all the options in rear and seat bags.
- Handguards for the standard version: the base KLE650 does not have them. Specific mounting kits are not available yet; follow the Barkbusters handguards collection for the dedicated kit launch.
- The entire Kawasaki catalog: Kawasaki accessories will also include newly certified KLE650 products.
Official price, yes; delivery date and standard version weight, not yet
As of 09:04 on November 3, the picture is clear on the technical details and Italian price list, less so on timing and homologation.
We'll update this article at the same address when Kawasaki Italy announces availability, the A2 version, and the first test results. For a complete overview of the show's new adventure bikes, our guide to EICMA 2026 maxi-enduro and adventure bikes is the place to start.
You can also find EICMA news in the Endurrad app for iPhone, with accessories for your motorcycle close at hand.
Frequently asked questions about the 2027 Kawasaki KLE650
How much does the 2027 Kawasaki KLE650 cost in Italy?
The Italian list price is €8,290 for the standard KLE650 and €9,790 for the KLE650 SE. For comparison, the KLE500 costs €6,340 and the KLE500 SE €6,990.
How much horsepower does the KLE650 have?
Kawasaki lists 70 hp at 8,600 rpm and 64 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm for the 649 cc parallel twin, with a ride-by-wire electronic throttle.
What's the difference between the KLE650 and KLE650 SE?
The engine, frame, suspension, and cruise control are identical. The SE adds the KQS bidirectional quickshifter, a 5-inch color TFT display with the Rideology app, tubeless spoke wheels, a taller adjustable windscreen, handguards with metal reinforcement, a larger aluminum skid plate, and a USB-C port.
Does the KLE650 come with cruise control as standard?
Yes. Electronic cruise control is standard on both versions, made possible by the ride-by-wire throttle introduced for the first time on this engine.
How much does the Kawasaki KLE650 weigh?
Kawasaki USA lists the KLE650 SE at approximately 212 kg ready to ride. The weight of the standard version and the full European specifications have not yet been announced.
How high is the KLE650's seat?
The seat is 870 mm off the ground. Kawasaki offers a lowered seat as an original accessory, bringing the height down to 840 mm.
Can the KLE650 be ridden with an A2 license?
Not with its standard 70 hp. Kawasaki Europe lists it in the A2 category on its website, suggesting a 35 kW restricted version, but details and pricing for Italy have not yet been announced.
When will the KLE650 arrive at Italian dealerships?
The date for Italy has not been announced. In the United States, Kawasaki lists February 2027 as the expected arrival.
What wheels and tires does the KLE650 have?
21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels, with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour 90/90-21 and 150/70-17 tires. Only the SE has tubeless wheels; the standard model uses inner tubes.
KLE650 SE or Yamaha Ténéré 700: which is better?
The Ténéré 700 has 73.4 hp, an 18-inch rear wheel, and a long off-road history. The KLE650 SE costs less and comes with cruise control, a quickshifter, a TFT display, and tubeless wheels as standard. Riders focused more on asphalt touring and gravel roads will find a more complete package in the Kawasaki; those seeking challenging off-road riding will lean toward the Yamaha. Road tests are still needed for a definitive verdict.
Is the KLE650 the same bike as the Versys 650?
No. They share the 649 cc engine platform, but the KLE650 has a trellis frame, a 21-inch wheel, long-travel suspension, and electronic throttle. Note: “KLE650” is also the Versys 650’s homologation code, so many accessories sold as “for KLE650” are actually for the Versys.
Are there already accessories for the KLE650 on Endurrad?
No dedicated accessories yet: luggage racks, crash bars, and skid plates will arrive once manufacturers certify them. Universal travel accessories, such as the LOBOO T10 tubeless kit for the SE, the CP06 compressor, and the C36 USB-C socket, can already be used.
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Tell us your motorcycle’s make, model, and year: we’ll let you know what’s already compatible and what’s worth waiting for. In the meantime, Endurrad has luggage, puncture repair tools, and travel electronics that fit any adventure bike.
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