If you've read my review of the new 2026 Kawasaki KLE500, you'll know I enjoyed my time on the entry-level adventure motorcycle. It's a fine thing, don't cha know—pardon my Midwest coming out. But the bones of this motorcycle, the frame, engine, and layout, well, they're beefy enough to support something that's wilder, cooler, and more feral.
I want Kawasaki to build me a KLE R. And yes, it's pronounced Claire.
Basically, I had a few small issues with the KLE500 as it sits on showroom floors right now. The rear sprocket ain't big enough, the engine needs a map tune, and the suspension wasn't burly enough for the type of off-road riding I love to do. That's not a whole lot, and the fixes wouldn't be hard to implement from Kawasaki.
