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.
It was too small, too high-strung, didn't have enough travel or ground clearance, and a laundry list of other grievances were put toward it. None of the internet's denizens had even ridden the bike, mind you, but that didn't stop everyone and their mother from talking out their booties. Which is why I jumped at the chance to test ride the bike in my home state of Utah last week. And guess what? The internet was wrong! Gasp!
As you'll see in the video above, I tested the hell out of the diminutive adventure bike through the public lands around Zion National Park. I bashed the hell out of the skidplate, I soaked up all the bumps and ruts, I slid its booty around every corner I could, and found the limits of its prowess. And it's a great entry-level motorcycle. Emphasis entry-level, as that's exactly what Kawasaki was going for.
It's not a Yamaha Tenere 700. It's not a KTM 690 Adventure R. It's not even a Kawasaki KLR650. This is a motorcycle meant for folks who are just starting out on their off-road journey or for those wanting a blank canvas to make something lightweight and wild with aftermarket parts. It's the motorcycle Kawasaki set out to build, and it's the motorcycle Kawasaki advertised when it first debuted the bike.
Nothing more, nothing less.
So now I'll leave you with my video review of the motorcycle, complete with me holding an iced coffee, and the awesome ASMR sounds of the rain captured behind me. Let us know what you think in the comments below, though!
