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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_title title=\u00bboff\u00bb author=\u00bboff\u00bb comments=\u00bboff\u00bb featured_image=\u00bboff\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.21.0″ title_font=\u00bb|||on|||||\u00bb meta_text_color=\u00bb#5E673C\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb||2rem||false|false\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00bb1_2″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.21.0″ background_color=\u00bbRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb100px|50px||50px|false|false\u00bb mix_blend_mode=\u00bbscreen\u00bb custom_css_main_element=\u00bbwidth:30%;\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u00bb1″ admin_label=\u00bbIntro text\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.3″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb background_color=\u00bbgcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb-6px||-6px||true|false\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb1rem||||false|false\u00bb top_divider_height=\u00bb52px\u00bb top_divider_flip=\u00bbhorizontal\u00bb collapsed=\u00bbon\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{%22gcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_row admin_label=\u00bbRow\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.6″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb||0px||false|false\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb4px||0px||false|false\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.21.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_text quote_border_color=\u00bb#4D463C\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb text_font=\u00bb||||||||\u00bb text_text_color=\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00bb quote_font_size=\u00bb2rem\u00bb quote_line_height=\u00bb1.4em\u00bb header_2_text_color=\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00bb header_3_font=\u00bbOswald|600|||||||\u00bb header_3_text_color=\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00bb header_3_font_size=\u00bb30px\u00bb header_3_line_height=\u00bb1.4em\u00bb header_5_text_color=\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00bb header_6_font=\u00bbOswald||||||||\u00bb header_6_text_color=\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00bb header_6_line_height=\u00bb2em\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb40px||0px||false|false\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb||0px||false|false\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00bb0″ global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00bb0″]<\/p>\n
Oreg\u00f3n es un muy buen lugar para descubrir de qu\u00e9 est\u00e1 hecha realmente una moto adventure. Nuestra experiencia con la Kawasaki KLE 500 2026 comenz\u00f3 en Sublimity, con dos motos pr\u00e1cticamente nuevas, una versi\u00f3n Standard y una SE, y una ruta que nos llevar\u00eda a cruzar las Cascades, recorrer largos tramos de asfalto y caminos de monta\u00f1a y, finalmente, meternos en las pistas de ripio del Giant Loop Ride. Lo que empez\u00f3 como un viaje tranquilo por el centro de Oreg\u00f3n fue cambiando poco a poco a medida que el terreno se volv\u00eda m\u00e1s exigente, hasta llegar a sectores donde algunas huellas apenas pod\u00edan seguir llam\u00e1ndose caminos.<\/p>\n
Era exactamente el tipo de terreno que permite que una moto muestre realmente de qu\u00e9 es capaz. La KLE 500 llega en un momento interesante para el segmento adventure de media cilindrada. Cada vez m\u00e1s motociclistas buscan motos capaces de viajar en serio y meterse en tierra de verdad, sin convertir cada maniobra en parado o cada tramo t\u00e9cnico en una lucha. La respuesta de Kawasaki recupera un nombre conocido y lo lleva ahora a una plataforma bicil\u00edndrica en paralelo de 451 cc, pensada para mantener las cosas accesibles.<\/p>\n
La ficha t\u00e9cnica puede explicar qu\u00e9 buscaba Kawasaki. Varios d\u00edas recorriendo Oreg\u00f3n nos permitieron descubrir c\u00f3mo se siente realmente convivir con la KLE 500. Y cuando lleg\u00f3 el momento de devolver las llaves en Sublimity, ya hab\u00edamos aprendido bastante sobre los lugares donde esta moto se siente como en casa.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u00bb1″ admin_label=\u00bbSection 50\/50″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.23.1″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb background_image=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/texture.svg\u00bb background_size=\u00bbcustom\u00bb background_image_width=\u00bb50%\u00bb background_repeat=\u00bbrepeat\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb0px||0px||false|false\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb0px||0px||false|false\u00bb collapsed=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00bb1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=\u00bbon\u00bb gutter_width=\u00bb1″ make_equal=\u00bbon\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ background_color=\u00bbRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u00bb background_size=\u00bbinitial\u00bb background_repeat=\u00bbrepeat\u00bb width=\u00bb100%\u00bb width_tablet=\u00bb100%\u00bb width_phone=\u00bb\u00bb width_last_edited=\u00bbon|desktop\u00bb max_width=\u00bb100%\u00bb max_width_tablet=\u00bb100%\u00bb max_width_phone=\u00bb\u00bb max_width_last_edited=\u00bbon|desktop\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb0px||0px|\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb0px||0px||false|false\u00bb custom_css_main_element=\u00bboverflow:hidden;\u00bb make_fullwidth=\u00bbon\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb1_2″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ background_image=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-174.jpg\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb0px||0px||false|false\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb custom_padding__hover=\u00bb|||\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00bb1_2″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.23.1″ background_color=\u00bbRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u00bb background_position=\u00bbtop_left\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb9%|6%|9%|6%|true|false\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb custom_padding__hover=\u00bb|||\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ text_font=\u00bb||||||||\u00bb text_line_height=\u00bb1.8em\u00bb header_3_font=\u00bbOswald||||||||\u00bb text_orientation=\u00bbjustify\u00bb module_alignment=\u00bbcenter\u00bb min_height=\u00bb124.8px\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb|0px||0px|false|false\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb1em|0px||0px|false|false\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00bb0″ border_color_top=\u00bb#cb9e64″ text_text_align=\u00bbjustify\u00bb locked=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{%22gcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22%93}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00bb0″]<\/p>\n
Hay motos que necesitan algunos kil\u00f3metros para empezar a entenderlas. La Kawasaki KLE 500 no fue una de ellas. Hac\u00eda tiempo que ten\u00edamos ganas de probarla. El regreso del nombre KLE, la historia de Kawasaki detr\u00e1s de este modelo y el creciente inter\u00e9s por el segmento adventure de media cilindrada hab\u00edan generado bastante expectativa. En Power Motorsports, en Sublimity, Oreg\u00f3n, nos esperaban dos KLE 500 pr\u00e1cticamente nuevas: una versi\u00f3n Standard con apenas una milla en el od\u00f3metro y una SE con menos de cien. Viajar\u00edamos con ambas durante todo el recorrido.<\/p>\n
La KLE tiene una imagen con car\u00e1cter sin resultar voluminosa. El dise\u00f1o de los faros delanteros le da una personalidad muy particular, el conjunto se mantiene relativamente angosto y nada parece innecesariamente grande. Da la sensaci\u00f3n de ser una moto que sabe perfectamente para qu\u00e9 fue creada, sin necesidad de exagerarlo.<\/p>\n
Esa misma sencillez apareci\u00f3 apenas nos subimos. Todo estaba donde esper\u00e1bamos encontrarlo. Los controles resultaron intuitivos, las manetas de freno y embrague son regulables y la posici\u00f3n de manejo se sinti\u00f3 natural desde el primer momento. Con mis 176 cm, normalmente prefiero instalar elevadores de manillar en mis motos adventure, sobre todo para pasar largos per\u00edodos conduciendo de pie. En la KLE nunca sent\u00ed que fueran necesarios.<\/p>\n
El asiento se angosta hacia el tanque, dejando buen espacio para moverse cuando conducimos sobre los pedalines, pero conserva suficiente mullido para pasar muchas horas sentado. Incluso con el equipaje cargado detr\u00e1s nuestro, los espejos mantuvieron una buena visi\u00f3n. Quiz\u00e1s lo m\u00e1s sorprendente fue la rapidez con la que la moto pareci\u00f3 desaparecer debajo nuestro. Los cambios de direcci\u00f3n surg\u00edan con facilidad y, una vez en movimiento, la KLE nunca se sent\u00eda pesada ni torpe, incluso completamente cargada. A los pocos kil\u00f3metros ya hab\u00edamos dejado de pensar en adaptarnos a la moto. Simplemente est\u00e1bamos andando.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00bb1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=\u00bbon\u00bb gutter_width=\u00bb1″ make_equal=\u00bbon\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.23.4″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb width=\u00bb100%\u00bb max_width=\u00bb2560px\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb-32px||||false|false\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb||0px|0px|false|false\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb1_2″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.23.4″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-175-1024×683.jpg\u00bb alt=\u00bbKawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\u00bb title_text=\u00bbKLE500-175″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00bb1_2″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.23.4″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-169-1024×683.jpg\u00bb alt=\u00bbKawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\u00bb title_text=\u00bbKLE500-169″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00bb1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=\u00bbon\u00bb gutter_width=\u00bb1″ make_equal=\u00bbon\u00bb module_class=\u00bb et_pb_row_fullwidth\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ background_size=\u00bbinitial\u00bb background_position=\u00bbtop_left\u00bb background_repeat=\u00bbrepeat\u00bb width=\u00bb100%\u00bb width_tablet=\u00bb100%\u00bb width_last_edited=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb max_width=\u00bbnone\u00bb max_width_tablet=\u00bb100%\u00bb max_width_last_edited=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb0px||0px|\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb0px||0px||false|false\u00bb make_fullwidth=\u00bbon\u00bb locked=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb1_2″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.4″ background_color=\u00bbRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u00bb background_position=\u00bbtop_left\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb8%|6%|8%|6%\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb custom_padding__hover=\u00bb|||\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ text_line_height=\u00bb1.8em\u00bb header_3_font=\u00bbOswald||||||||\u00bb text_orientation=\u00bbjustify\u00bb module_alignment=\u00bbcenter\u00bb min_height=\u00bb124.8px\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb||||false|false\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb1em||||false|false\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00bb0″ border_color_top=\u00bb#cb9e64″ text_text_align=\u00bbjustify\u00bb locked=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{%22gcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22%93}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00bb0″]<\/p>\n
Los primeros dos d\u00edas transcurrieron casi por completo sobre asfalto. Dejamos Sublimity atr\u00e1s, cruzamos las Cascades rumbo a Bend y luego continuamos hacia el sudeste hasta Crystal Crane Hot Springs, combinando algunos tramos cortos de autopista con muchos kil\u00f3metros de caminos de monta\u00f1a. Era una muy buena oportunidad para entender c\u00f3mo se comportaba la KLE 500 como moto de viaje.<\/p>\n
Su bicil\u00edndrico en paralelo de 451 cc no busca impresionar por fuerza bruta. La entrega de potencia es suave y predecible, con suficiente resto para mantener una velocidad de crucero c\u00f3moda y resolver un sobrepaso cuando hace falta. En los sectores de monta\u00f1a, segunda y tercera se convirtieron r\u00e1pidamente en nuestras marchas habituales, mientras que la caja de seis velocidades y el embrague liviano funcionaban con tanta naturalidad que pr\u00e1cticamente dej\u00e1bamos de pensar en ellos. A veces, los mejores controles son justamente los que desaparecen de la conversaci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n
En las curvas m\u00e1s cerradas, la KLE cambiaba de direcci\u00f3n con muy poco esfuerzo y el tren delantero transmit\u00eda una buena sensaci\u00f3n de agarre. Alguna que otra vez entramos un poco m\u00e1s r\u00e1pido de lo previsto, pero los frenos siempre respondieron con buen tacto y la confianza necesaria para corregir sin sobresaltos. Adelante trabaja un disco de 300 mm con c\u00e1liper de doble pist\u00f3n, acompa\u00f1ado por un disco trasero de 230 mm y un sistema ABS Nissin compacto.<\/p>\n
Las horas acumuladas sobre la moto tambi\u00e9n empezaron a mostrar las diferencias pr\u00e1cticas entre ambas versiones. El parabrisas m\u00e1s bajo de la KLE Standard dejaba pasar bastante m\u00e1s aire hacia el piloto, algo que empezaba a sentirse despu\u00e9s de varias horas de ruta. En las ma\u00f1anas fr\u00edas de Oreg\u00f3n, la ausencia de cubrepu\u00f1os tambi\u00e9n se hac\u00eda evidente. Ir alternando entre las dos motos nos hizo valorar cada vez m\u00e1s el parabrisas m\u00e1s alto y los cubrepu\u00f1os de la SE, especialmente cuando se acumulaban los kil\u00f3metros y bajaba la temperatura. Cuando llegamos a Crystal Crane, la KLE ya hab\u00eda demostrado ser c\u00f3moda, predecible y muy f\u00e1cil de llevar durante muchas horas. Pero el asfalto estaba por terminarse.<\/p>\n
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Crystal Crane Hot Springs marc\u00f3 el punto en el que el viaje empez\u00f3 a cambiar de car\u00e1cter. Desde all\u00ed, siguiendo los tracks del Giant Loop Ride, el asfalto comenz\u00f3 a dar paso a los caminos que est\u00e1bamos esperando. Los primeros kil\u00f3metros de ripio nos devolvieron la misma sensaci\u00f3n que hab\u00edamos encontrado sobre el asfalto: familiaridad. Manejar de pie sobre los pedalines se sent\u00eda natural, era f\u00e1cil ubicar la moto donde quer\u00edamos y la respuesta del acelerador ten\u00eda esa progresividad que uno agradece cuando el piso empieza a moverse debajo de las ruedas.<\/p>\n
Abrir gas a la salida de una curva sobre terreno suelto alcanzaba para dibujar una sonrisa dentro del casco sin que la moto llegara a intimidar. El bicil\u00edndrico de 451 cc no pretende convertir cada camino forestal en un tramo de rally, pero entrega toda la potencia utilizable que necesit\u00e1bamos para divertirnos sin perder el control.<\/p>\n
A medida que el terreno empez\u00f3 a romperse, las suspensiones comenzaron a mostrar de qu\u00e9 estaban hechas. Adelante, la KLE equipa una horquilla invertida KYB de cartucho, de 43 mm, con 210 mm de recorrido, acompa\u00f1ada atr\u00e1s por un sistema New Uni-Trak con 200 mm. Sobre el ripio roto de Oreg\u00f3n, serruchos, pozos y huellas cada vez m\u00e1s irregulares, esos recorridos se traduc\u00edan en una moto que manten\u00eda la compostura y rara vez nos obligaba a bajar el ritmo por lo que estaba sucediendo debajo nuestro.<\/p>\n
La configuraci\u00f3n de ruedas de rayos 21\/17 tambi\u00e9n empez\u00f3 a cobrar sentido cuando el terreno se volvi\u00f3 m\u00e1s suelto. El tren delantero segu\u00eda la trayectoria con naturalidad y, aun con el equipaje cargado detr\u00e1s, corregir una l\u00ednea o cambiar r\u00e1pidamente de huella requer\u00eda poco esfuerzo. El ABS puede desconectarse desde el comando izquierdo para circular sobre superficies sueltas, uno de esos peque\u00f1os detalles que empiezan a importar cuando el camino deja de comportarse como un camino. Pero lo que m\u00e1s nos sorprend\u00eda era lo poco que la KLE exig\u00eda de quien iba arriba. Despu\u00e9s, las huellas empezaron a hacerse m\u00e1s angostas. Y finalmente, comenzaron a desaparecer.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u00bb1″ admin_label=\u00bbFull Banner\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb background_image=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-199.jpg\u00bb width=\u00bb100%\u00bb max_width=\u00bb100%\u00bb height=\u00bb53.2vw\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb|0px||0px|false|false\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb160px|30px|160px|30px|true|true\u00bb collapsed=\u00bbon\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.23.1″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb max_width=\u00bbnone\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb218px||218px||true|false\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.20.4″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u00bb1″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.6″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb0px||0px|||\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00bb1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=\u00bbon\u00bb gutter_width=\u00bb1″ make_equal=\u00bbon\u00bb module_class=\u00bb et_pb_row_fullwidth\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ background_size=\u00bbinitial\u00bb background_repeat=\u00bbrepeat\u00bb width=\u00bb100%\u00bb width_tablet=\u00bb100%\u00bb width_last_edited=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb max_width=\u00bbnone\u00bb max_width_tablet=\u00bb100%\u00bb max_width_last_edited=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb0px||0px|\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb0px||0px||false|false\u00bb make_fullwidth=\u00bbon\u00bb locked=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb1_2″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.21.0″ background_color=\u00bbRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u00bb background_position=\u00bbtop_left\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb8%|6%|8%|6%\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb custom_padding__hover=\u00bb|||\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ text_line_height=\u00bb1.8em\u00bb header_3_font=\u00bbOswald||||||||\u00bb text_orientation=\u00bbjustify\u00bb module_alignment=\u00bbcenter\u00bb min_height=\u00bb124.8px\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb||||false|false\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb1em||||false|false\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00bb0″ border_color_top=\u00bb#cb9e64″ text_text_align=\u00bbjustify\u00bb locked=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{%22gcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22%93}\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00bb0″]<\/p>\n
Cuanto m\u00e1s segu\u00edamos el track, menos se parec\u00eda a un camino. El ripio fue dando paso a huellas profundas, piedra suelta, bajadas m\u00e1s pronunciadas y sectores donde elegir bien la l\u00ednea empezaba a ser cada vez m\u00e1s importante. Aun as\u00ed, la KLE segu\u00eda sinti\u00e9ndose sorprendentemente c\u00f3moda en ese terreno. De pie sobre los pedalines, era f\u00e1cil moverla debajo nuestro, cambiar r\u00e1pidamente de huella y encontrar en el acelerador la respuesta necesaria para corregir un error o mantener el envi\u00f3n en un sector complicado.<\/p>\n
Segunda y tercera hab\u00edan resuelto gran parte de los caminos m\u00e1s trabados, pero ac\u00e1 empezaron a aparecer lugares donde la primera era la \u00fanica opci\u00f3n l\u00f3gica. El embrague segu\u00eda siendo liviano y predecible, y el motor respond\u00eda con limpieza a baja velocidad. Lo que nos sorprendi\u00f3 fue que las suspensiones nunca llegaron a ser la preocupaci\u00f3n. Incluso cuando el terreno se volvi\u00f3 m\u00e1s \u00e1spero, con subidas abruptas y bajadas cargadas de piedra, nunca sentimos que estuvi\u00e9ramos cerca de agotar el recorrido disponible. La limitaci\u00f3n apareci\u00f3 en otro lado.<\/p>\n
El despeje al suelo. A medida que las huellas se hac\u00edan m\u00e1s profundas y las piedras m\u00e1s grandes, el cubrec\u00e1rter empez\u00f3 a recibir golpes. Finalmente, mirando hacia adelante y viendo que las condiciones segu\u00edan empeorando, tomamos la decisi\u00f3n l\u00f3gica de dar la vuelta. Eso significaba subir nuevamente todo lo que acab\u00e1bamos de bajar.<\/p>\n
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Hab\u00eda una subida en particular que ya le hab\u00eda dado bastante trabajo al cubrec\u00e1rter durante el descenso. Las huellas se hab\u00edan convertido en surcos profundos llenos de piedras sueltas y, parado abajo mirando hacia arriba, mi primer pensamiento fue bastante simple: ac\u00e1 se nos puede complicar. La KLE, aparentemente, pensaba otra cosa: \u201cTranquilo, Mike. Yo me ocupo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Las dos motos subieron mucho m\u00e1s f\u00e1cil de lo que imaginaba. El conjunto se mantuvo controlable, el acelerador nos dio exactamente lo que necesit\u00e1bamos y las KLE fueron encontrando su camino entre las piedras sin demasiado drama. Ese momento probablemente nos dijo m\u00e1s sobre la KLE 500 que cualquier ficha t\u00e9cnica.<\/p>\n
Su capacidad off-road nos hab\u00eda llevado hasta un terreno donde la moto todav\u00eda se sent\u00eda segura y controlable, pero el espacio disponible debajo del motor empezaba a decidir hasta d\u00f3nde conven\u00eda seguir. Un poco m\u00e1s de despeje al suelo abrir\u00eda nuevas posibilidades, porque el resto del conjunto claramente todav\u00eda ten\u00eda margen para continuar. Dimos la vuelta sabiendo que hab\u00edamos llevado la KLE bastante m\u00e1s all\u00e1 de los caminos de ripio f\u00e1ciles donde probablemente pase buena parte de su vida. Y nos hab\u00eda sorprendido durante todo el camino.<\/p>\n
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Para cuando pusimos rumbo nuevamente hacia Sublimity, ya quedaba poco por descubrir de las KLE. Durante los d\u00edas anteriores nos hab\u00edan llevado por asfalto, caminos de monta\u00f1a, ripio r\u00e1pido, huellas rotas y terrenos lo suficientemente complicados como para hacernos replantear hasta d\u00f3nde seguir. Y en todos esos escenarios se repet\u00eda una misma sensaci\u00f3n: la KLE era una moto f\u00e1cil de entender.<\/p>\n
La posici\u00f3n de manejo funcionaba bien tanto sentado como de pie, el motor entregaba la potencia de una manera amable y utilizable, y el conjunto segu\u00eda sinti\u00e9ndose \u00e1gil incluso con el equipaje cargado detr\u00e1s. Sobre ripio era divertida, y cuando el terreno se complicaba manten\u00eda una respuesta tranquila y controlable. Eso convierte a la KLE 500 en una moto especialmente interesante para quienes est\u00e1n entrando al mundo adventure, aunque su atractivo no termina ah\u00ed. Un piloto con experiencia tambi\u00e9n va a encontrar mucho para disfrutar, sobre todo si valora una moto f\u00e1cil de llevar y que no obliga a pelearse con ella cada vez que se termina el asfalto.<\/p>\n
Si hay algo que le pedir\u00edamos a Kawasaki que revise, es el despeje al suelo. Nuestro viaje dej\u00f3 claro que chasis, suspensiones y motor todav\u00eda ten\u00edan ganas de seguir cuando el cubrec\u00e1rter ya empezaba a recordarnos lo cerca que estaban las piedras. Un poco m\u00e1s de espacio debajo permitir\u00eda aprovechar mejor unas capacidades que la moto claramente ya tiene.<\/p>\n
Finalmente regresamos a Power Motorsports, en Sublimity, y estacionamos las dos KLE pr\u00e1cticamente en el mismo lugar donde hab\u00eda comenzado el viaje. Unos d\u00edas antes, una de ellas ten\u00eda apenas una milla en el od\u00f3metro. Ahora las dos llevaban polvo de Oreg\u00f3n, algunas historias encima y muchos m\u00e1s kil\u00f3metros recorridos. Devolver las llaves cost\u00f3 m\u00e1s de lo esperado. Quiz\u00e1s ese haya sido el mejor elogio que pod\u00edamos hacerles.<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog fullwidth=\u00bboff\u00bb posts_number=\u00bb6″ include_categories=\u00bbcurrent\u00bb excerpt_length=\u00bb200″ show_more=\u00bbon\u00bb show_author=\u00bboff\u00bb show_categories=\u00bboff\u00bb use_overlay=\u00bbon\u00bb overlay_icon_color=\u00bbrgba(0,0,0,0)\u00bb hover_overlay_color=\u00bbrgba(0,0,0,0.22)\u00bb masonry_tile_background_color=\u00bbrgba(0,0,0,0)\u00bb module_class=\u00bbblog-design-2″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.4″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb header_font=\u00bbOswald|600|||||||\u00bb header_text_color=\u00bb#000000″ header_font_size=\u00bb24px\u00bb header_line_height=\u00bb1.3em\u00bb body_font=\u00bbRoboto|300|||||||\u00bb body_text_color=\u00bb#4D463C\u00bb meta_font=\u00bbHind||||||||\u00bb meta_font_size=\u00bb17px\u00bb read_more_font=\u00bbHind|600||on|||||\u00bb read_more_text_color=\u00bbgcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a\u00bb read_more_font_size=\u00bb15px\u00bb pagination_font=\u00bbOswald|500|||||||\u00bb pagination_text_color=\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00bb pagination_font_size=\u00bb17px\u00bb pagination_letter_spacing=\u00bb1px\u00bb pagination_line_height=\u00bb1em\u00bb body_link_font=\u00bbHind||||||||\u00bb body_link_text_color=\u00bb#3423a6″ body_ul_font=\u00bbRoboto||||||||\u00bb body_ol_font=\u00bbRoboto||||||||\u00bb body_quote_font=\u00bbRoboto||||||||\u00bb transform_translate_linked=\u00bboff\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb15px||15px||true|false\u00bb custom_css_main_element=\u00bbbox-shadow: none !important;||border: none !important;||border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0) !important;||\u00bb custom_css_title=\u00bbpadding-left: 4%;||padding-right: 4%;\u00bb custom_css_content=\u00bbpadding-left: 4%;||padding-right: 4%;||padding-bottom: 2%;\u00bb custom_css_post_meta=\u00bbpadding-left: 4%;||padding-right: 4%;\u00bb custom_css_pagenavi=\u00bbfont-weight:400;||background-color: #4d464c !important;||display:block;\u00bb custom_css_featured_image=\u00bbbox-shadow: none !important;||border: none !important;\u00bb custom_css_read_more=\u00bbmargin-top:15px;||display:block;\u00bb border_width_all=\u00bb0px\u00bb border_color_all=\u00bbrgba(0,0,0,0)\u00bb box_shadow_style=\u00bbpreset1″ box_shadow_color=\u00bbrgba(0,0,0,0.22)\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{%22gcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a%22:%91%22read_more_text_color%22%93}\u00bb transform_styles__hover_enabled=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb transform_scale__hover_enabled=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb transform_translate__hover_enabled=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb transform_rotate__hover_enabled=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb transform_skew__hover_enabled=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb transform_origin__hover_enabled=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb custom_css_featured_image__hover_enabled=\u00bboff|hover\u00bb custom_css_featured_image__hover=\u00bbtransition: transform 2000ms ease 0ms,transform 2000ms ease 0ms,transform 2000ms ease 0ms;||transform: scaleX(1.36) scaleY(1.36) translateX(9%) translateY(3%) rotateX(0deg) rotateY(0deg) rotateZ(6deg)!important;\u00bb read_more_letter_spacing__hover=\u00bb0px\u00bb read_more_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=\u00bbon|hover\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00bbpost_content\u00bb][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Como en casa, casi en cualquier parte Probamos la Kawasaki KLE 500 2026 a trav\u00e9s de Oreg\u00f3n, desde el asfalto de las Cascades hasta las huellas que empiezan a desaparecer durante el Giant Loop Ride.Oreg\u00f3n es un muy buen lugar para descubrir de qu\u00e9 est\u00e1 hecha realmente una moto adventure. Nuestra experiencia con la Kawasaki […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17455,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"Main Title\" _builder_version=\"4.27.7\" _dynamic_attributes=\"background_image\" background_color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" use_background_color_gradient=\"on\" background_color_gradient_stops=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0) 38%\" background_color_gradient_overlays_image=\"on\" background_image=\"@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@\" background_position=\"bottom_center\" height=\"800px\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||true|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|\" bottom_divider_color=\"#23232b\" bottom_divider_height=\"50px\" bottom_divider_flip=\"horizontal\" border_width_bottom=\"3px\" border_color_bottom=\"#F3F0D9\" saved_tabs=\"all\" collapsed=\"on\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_2,1_2\" use_custom_gutter=\"on\" gutter_width=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" width=\"100%\" width_tablet=\"54.4%\" width_phone=\"88.2%\" width_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" module_alignment=\"center\" height_phone=\"1000px\" height_last_edited=\"off|phone\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||true|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\" mix_blend_mode=\"screen\" hover_enabled=\"0\" custom_css_main_element=\"display:flex;\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.21.0\" background_color=\"#FFFFFF\" custom_padding=\"100px|50px|0px|50px|false|false\" mix_blend_mode=\"screen\" custom_css_main_element=\"width:70%;\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"|||on|||||\" text_text_color=\"#FFFFFF\" header_text_color=\"#000000\" header_2_font_size=\"1.9rem\" custom_padding=\"2rem||1rem||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"]
Oregon is a good place to find out what an adventure motorcycle is really made of.<\/p>\n\n
Our time with the 2026 Kawasaki KLE 500 began in Sublimity with two nearly new motorcycles, a standard model and an SE, and a route that would take us across the Cascades, through long stretches of pavement and mountain roads, and eventually onto the gravel tracks of the Giant Loop Ride. What started as a comfortable trip across central Oregon gradually moved into rougher territory, until some of those tracks barely looked like roads at all.<\/p>\n\n
It was exactly the kind of terrain that lets a motorcycle reveal itself.<\/p>\n
The KLE 500 arrives at an interesting moment for mid-size adventure motorcycles. Riders are increasingly looking for machines that can handle real travel and real dirt without turning every parking maneuver or technical section into a fight. Kawasaki\u2019s answer brings back a familiar name, this time around a 451 cc parallel-twin platform designed to keep things approachable.<\/p>\n\n
Specifications can tell you what Kawasaki intended.<\/p>\n\n
Several days riding through Oregon told us what the KLE 500 actually feels like to live with.<\/p>\n\n
And by the time we handed the keys back in Sublimity, we had learned quite a bit about where this motorcycle feels at home.<\/p>\n\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"Section 50\/50\" _builder_version=\"4.23.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_image=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/texture.svg\" background_size=\"custom\" background_image_width=\"50%\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||false|false\" collapsed=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_2,1_2\" use_custom_gutter=\"on\" gutter_width=\"1\" make_equal=\"on\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" background_size=\"initial\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" width=\"100%\" width_tablet=\"100%\" width_phone=\"\" width_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" max_width=\"100%\" max_width_tablet=\"100%\" max_width_phone=\"\" max_width_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" custom_css_main_element=\"overflow:hidden;\" make_fullwidth=\"on\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_image=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-174.jpg\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" alt=\"Kawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\" title_text=\"KLE500-174\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.23.1\" background_color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" background_position=\"top_left\" custom_padding=\"9%|6%|9%|6%|true|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_3_font=\"Oswald||||||||\" text_orientation=\"justify\" module_alignment=\"center\" min_height=\"124.8px\" custom_margin=\"|0px||0px|false|false\" custom_padding=\"1em|0px||0px|false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_color_top=\"#cb9e64\" text_text_align=\"justify\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22%93}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]
There are motorcycles you need a few miles to understand. The Kawasaki KLE 500 was not one of them.<\/p>\n\n
We had been looking forward to this ride for a while. The return of the KLE name, Kawasaki\u2019s history behind it, and the growing interest around the mid-size adventure category had created plenty of expectations. At Power Motorsports in Sublimity, Oregon, we collected two nearly new KLE 500s: a standard version with barely one mile on the odometer and an SE showing fewer than one hundred. We would ride both throughout the trip.<\/p>\n\n
The KLE looks purposeful without looking oversized. The front lighting gives it a distinctive face, the bodywork stays relatively slim, and nothing feels unnecessarily bulky. It looks like a motorcycle that knows what it needs to do without trying too hard to prove it.<\/p>\n\n
That same simplicity carried over the moment we climbed aboard.<\/p>\n\n
Everything seemed to be where we expected it. The controls were intuitive, the brake and clutch levers adjustable, and the riding position immediately natural. At 5 ft 9 in (176 cm), I normally prefer handlebar risers on my own adventure bikes, especially for long periods standing on the pegs. On the KLE, I never felt the need for them.<\/p>\n\n
The seat narrows toward the tank, leaving plenty of room to move around while standing, yet has enough cushioning for long hours on the road. Even with luggage behind us, the mirrors remained useful and unobstructed.<\/p>\n\n
Perhaps the most surprising thing was how quickly the motorcycle seemed to disappear underneath you. Direction changes came easily, and once moving, the KLE never felt cumbersome, even fully loaded.<\/p>\n\n
Within the first few miles, we had stopped thinking about adapting to the motorcycle.<\/p>\n\n
We were simply riding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_2,1_2\" use_custom_gutter=\"on\" gutter_width=\"1\" make_equal=\"on\" _builder_version=\"4.23.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" width=\"100%\" max_width=\"2560px\" custom_margin=\"-32px||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"||0px|0px|false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.23.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-175-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Kawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\" title_text=\"KLE500-175\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.23.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-169-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Kawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\" title_text=\"KLE500-169\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_2,1_2\" use_custom_gutter=\"on\" gutter_width=\"1\" make_equal=\"on\" module_class=\" et_pb_row_fullwidth\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" width=\"100%\" width_tablet=\"100%\" width_last_edited=\"off|desktop\" max_width=\"none\" max_width_tablet=\"100%\" max_width_last_edited=\"off|desktop\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" make_fullwidth=\"on\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" background_color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" background_position=\"top_left\" custom_padding=\"8%|6%|8%|6%\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_3_font=\"Oswald||||||||\" text_orientation=\"justify\" module_alignment=\"center\" min_height=\"124.8px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"1em||||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_color_top=\"#cb9e64\" text_text_align=\"justify\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22%93}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]
The first two days were almost entirely on pavement. Leaving Sublimity, we crossed the Cascades toward Bend before continuing southeast to Crystal Crane Hot Springs, with short stretches of highway and plenty of mountain roads in between.<\/p>\n\n
It was a good chance to understand the KLE 500 as a travel motorcycle.<\/p>\n\n
Its 451 cc parallel-twin is not about brute force. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, with enough in reserve to hold a comfortable cruising speed and make a clean pass when needed. Through the mountain sections, second and third gear quickly became our natural working range, while the six-speed gearbox and light clutch were so easy to use that we barely thought about them. Sometimes the best controls are the ones that disappear from the conversation.<\/p>\n\n
Through tighter bends, the KLE changed direction with little effort, and the front end gave us a reassuring sense of grip. A few corners inevitably arrived a little faster than planned, but the brakes responded with good feel and enough confidence to correct the mistake without drama. Up front, a 300 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper handles most of the stopping work, supported by a 230 mm rear disc and compact Nissin ABS.<\/p>\n\n
Longer hours in the saddle also revealed the practical differences between the two versions. The standard KLE\u2019s shorter windscreen left considerably more air reaching the rider, something we noticed after several hours on the road. On cold Oregon mornings, the absence of handguards was equally obvious.<\/p>\n\n
Switching between the bikes made us appreciate the SE\u2019s taller screen and handguards every time the miles and cold air started adding up.<\/p>\n\n
By the time we reached Crystal Crane, the KLE had proved comfortable, predictable, and easy to live with.<\/p>\n\n
The pavement, however, was about to end.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_color=\"#4D463C\" background_image=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-249.jpg\" custom_padding=\"|||\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" title_text=\"KLE500-249\" sticky_enabled=\"0\" alt=\"Kawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_2,1_2\" use_custom_gutter=\"on\" gutter_width=\"1\" make_equal=\"on\" module_class=\" et_pb_row_fullwidth\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" width=\"100%\" width_tablet=\"100%\" width_last_edited=\"off|desktop\" max_width=\"none\" max_width_tablet=\"100%\" max_width_last_edited=\"off|desktop\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" make_fullwidth=\"on\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_enable_color=\"off\" background_image=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-236.jpg\" custom_padding=\"|||\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" alt=\"Kawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\" title_text=\"KLE500-236\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.6\" background_color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" background_position=\"top_left\" custom_padding=\"8%|6%|8%|6%\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_3_font=\"Oswald||||||||\" text_orientation=\"justify\" module_alignment=\"center\" min_height=\"124.8px\" custom_margin=\"2em||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_color_top=\"#cb9e64\" text_text_align=\"justify\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22%93}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]
Crystal Crane Hot Springs became the point where the ride changed character. From there, following the Giant Loop Ride tracks, the pavement began to give way to the roads we had been waiting for.<\/p>\n\n
The first gravel sections brought back the same feeling we had found on asphalt: familiarity. Standing on the pegs felt natural, the bike stayed easy to place, and the throttle delivered the predictable response you want when the surface beneath you starts moving around.<\/p>\n\n
Open the throttle coming out of a loose corner and the KLE had enough energy to put a smile inside the helmet without ever feeling intimidating. The 451 cc twin was not trying to turn every fire road into a rally stage, but it gave us all the usable power we needed to have fun and stay in control.<\/p>\n\n
As the roads became rougher, the suspension started earning its place in the story. The KLE uses a 43 mm KYB inverted cartridge fork with 8.3 in (210 mm) of travel, paired with a New Uni-Trak rear setup offering 7.9 in (200 mm). On Oregon\u2019s broken gravel, washboard, potholes, and increasingly uneven tracks, those numbers translated into a motorcycle that remained composed and rarely forced us to back off.<\/p>\n\n
The 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels also made sense once the surface loosened up. The front tracked naturally through gravel, and even with luggage behind us, quick corrections and changes of line required little effort.<\/p>\n\n
The ABS can be switched off from the left handlebar control for loose terrain, a small detail that matters once the road stops behaving like a road. What impressed us most, though, was how little the KLE demanded from the rider.<\/p>\n\n
Then the tracks became narrower.<\/p>\n\n
And eventually, they started disappearing altogether.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"Full Banner\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_image=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-199.jpg\" width=\"100%\" max_width=\"100%\" height=\"53.2vw\" custom_margin=\"|0px||0px|false|false\" custom_padding=\"160px|30px|160px|30px|true|true\" hover_enabled=\"0\" collapsed=\"on\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" alt=\"Kawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\" title_text=\"KLE500-199\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.23.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"none\" custom_padding=\"218px||218px||true|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.20.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.27.6\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_2,1_2\" use_custom_gutter=\"on\" gutter_width=\"1\" make_equal=\"on\" module_class=\" et_pb_row_fullwidth\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_size=\"initial\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" width=\"100%\" width_tablet=\"100%\" width_last_edited=\"off|desktop\" max_width=\"none\" max_width_tablet=\"100%\" max_width_last_edited=\"off|desktop\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" make_fullwidth=\"on\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.21.0\" background_color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" background_position=\"top_left\" custom_padding=\"8%|6%|8%|6%\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_3_font=\"Oswald||||||||\" text_orientation=\"justify\" module_alignment=\"center\" min_height=\"124.8px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"1em||||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_color_top=\"#cb9e64\" text_text_align=\"justify\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22%93}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]
The farther we followed the track, the less it looked like a road.<\/p>\n
Gravel gave way to deeper ruts, loose rock, steeper descents, and sections where choosing the right line started to matter. Yet the KLE still felt surprisingly comfortable there. Standing on the pegs, it remained easy to move underneath us, quick to change lines, and responsive enough at the throttle to correct a mistake or carry momentum through a difficult section.<\/p>\n
Second and third gear had handled most of the tighter riding, but here there were places where first became the only sensible choice. The clutch remained light and predictable, and the engine pulled cleanly at low speed.<\/p>\n
What surprised us was that the suspension never became the concern.<\/p>\n
Even as the terrain grew rougher, with abrupt climbs and rocky descents, we never felt close to using everything the suspension had available. The limitation appeared somewhere else.<\/p>\n
Ground clearance.<\/p>\n
As the ruts deepened and the rocks grew larger, the skid plate started taking hits. Eventually, looking ahead and seeing conditions continuing to deteriorate, we made the sensible decision to turn around.<\/p>\n
That meant climbing back through everything we had just descended.<\/p>\n
<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_color=\"#4D463C\" background_image=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-235.jpg\" custom_padding=\"|||\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" alt=\"Kawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\" title_text=\"KLE500-235\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_2,1_2\" use_custom_gutter=\"on\" gutter_width=\"1\" make_equal=\"on\" module_class=\" et_pb_row_fullwidth\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" width=\"100%\" width_tablet=\"100%\" width_last_edited=\"off|desktop\" max_width=\"none\" max_width_tablet=\"100%\" max_width_last_edited=\"off|desktop\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" make_fullwidth=\"on\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_enable_color=\"off\" background_image=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-190.jpg\" custom_padding=\"|||\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" alt=\"Kawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\" title_text=\"KLE500-190\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.21.0\" background_color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" background_position=\"top_left\" custom_padding=\"8%|6%|8%|6%\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.7\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_3_font=\"Oswald||||||||\" text_orientation=\"justify\" module_alignment=\"center\" min_height=\"124.8px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"41px||||false|false\" border_color_top=\"#cb9e64\" text_text_align=\"justify\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22%93}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"]
One particular rocky uphill had already given the skid plate a serious workout on the way down. Deep ruts were filled with loose stones, and standing at the bottom looking back up, my first thought was simple: this could get complicated.<\/p>\n
The KLE apparently had a different opinion.<\/p>\n
\u201cEasy, Mike. I\u2019ve got this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both bikes climbed the section far more easily than I expected. The chassis stayed manageable, the throttle gave us exactly what we needed, and the motorcycles found their way through the rocks without drama.<\/p>\n
That moment probably told us more about the KLE 500 than any specification sheet could.<\/p>\n
Its off-road ability had carried us into terrain where the motorcycle still felt composed, but the clearance underneath was beginning to dictate how far we should continue. A little more room below the engine would open another layer of possibilities, because the rest of the package clearly still had more to give.<\/p>\n
We turned back knowing we had pushed well beyond the easy gravel roads the KLE would probably spend most of its life exploring.<\/p>\n
And it had surprised us all the way there.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_2,1_2\" use_custom_gutter=\"on\" gutter_width=\"1\" make_equal=\"on\" module_class=\" et_pb_row_fullwidth\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" width=\"100%\" width_tablet=\"100%\" width_last_edited=\"off|desktop\" max_width=\"none\" max_width_tablet=\"100%\" max_width_last_edited=\"off|desktop\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" make_fullwidth=\"on\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.21.0\" background_color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" background_position=\"top_left\" custom_padding=\"8%|6%|8%|6%\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_3_font=\"Oswald||||||||\" text_orientation=\"justify\" module_alignment=\"center\" min_height=\"124.8px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"1em||||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_color_top=\"#cb9e64\" text_text_align=\"justify\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-51742a31-7307-4c7e-a536-844cc78e4e7a%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22%93}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]
By the time we pointed the KLEs back toward Sublimity, there was very little left to figure out.<\/p>\n\n
Over the previous days, the bikes had carried us across pavement, mountain roads, fast gravel, broken tracks, and terrain rough enough to make us reconsider where we were going. Through all of it, the same quality kept coming back: the KLE was easy to understand.<\/p>\n\n
The riding position worked seated or standing, the engine delivered its power in a friendly and usable way, and the chassis remained light on its feet even with luggage behind us. On gravel it was playful, and when the terrain became technical, it stayed calm and manageable.<\/p>\n\n
That makes the KLE 500 particularly interesting for riders entering the adventure world, but its appeal does not stop there. Experienced riders will also find plenty to enjoy, especially those who value a motorcycle that is easy to live with and does not require a wrestling match every time the pavement ends.<\/p>\n\n
If there is one thing we would ask Kawasaki to revisit, it is the ground clearance. Our ride showed that the chassis, suspension, and engine were willing to continue long after the skid plate started reminding us how close the rocks were. A little more room underneath would allow riders to take better advantage of capabilities the motorcycle already has.<\/p>\n\n
Eventually, we rolled back into Power Motorsports in Sublimity and parked the two KLEs where the trip had begun.<\/p>\n\n
A few days earlier, one of them had shown barely a single mile on its odometer. Now both carried Oregon dust, a few stories, and considerably more miles.<\/p>\n\n
Handing back the keys felt strangely difficult.<\/p>\n\n
Maybe that was the best compliment we could give them.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" background_color=\"#4D463C\" background_image=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-252.jpg\" background_position=\"bottom_center\" custom_padding=\"|||\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" alt=\"Kawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\" title_text=\"KLE500-252\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"Full Banner\" _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_image=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KLE500-237.jpg\" background_position=\"bottom_center\" width=\"100%\" max_width=\"100%\" custom_margin=\"|0px||0px|false|false\" custom_padding=\"230px|0px|230px|0px|true|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" collapsed=\"on\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" alt=\"Kawasaki KLE 500 Big trails motorcycle review\" title_text=\"KLE500-237\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.23.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"none\" custom_padding=\"218px||218px||true|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.20.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"Gallery\" _builder_version=\"4.27.5\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_image=\"https:\/\/www.biketraveladventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/texture.svg\" background_repeat=\"repeat-y\" custom_margin=\"0px|0px|0px|0px|true|true\" custom_padding=\"0px|0px|0px|0px|true|true\" collapsed=\"on\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.27.5\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"#6B6B6B\" width=\"100%\" max_width=\"none\" custom_padding=\"1rem||1rem||true|false\" border_width_bottom=\"4px\" border_color_bottom=\"#E09900\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.21.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.8\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_5_text_color=\"#FFFFFF\" text_orientation=\"center\" custom_padding=\"9px|||28px|false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"et_body_layout\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]