Entry-level motorcycles are having a moment right now. Whereas middle-weights were all the rage a handful of years ago, new and old riders are all turning in their motorcycles and going lighter, less powerful, and cheaper.
Why? Well, it's a combination of factors, though world economic forces, the price of gasoline, and a whole new generation of riders coming up likely have something to do with it. And that's why Kawasaki is aiming to capitalize on the trend by introducing things like the 2026 KLE500, an entry-level off-roader that perfectly encapsulates the moment and everyone's continuing desire to go off the beaten path.
But when Kawasaki first debuted the smaller displacement motorcycle, the internet had a field day.
