Kawasaki KLE500 SE Smartride: The clutch takes a break

More everyday comfort without taking all the clutch work away from the rider: that's the approach Kawasaki is taking as it expands the KLE500 family for 2027. Alongside the KLE500 and KLE500 SE, the KLE500 SE Smartride joins the line-up. According to the manufacturer, it is aimed particularly at riders who value easy operation. The name refers to a new mechanical clutch solution designed to take over the work when pulling away and coming to a stop. In other words, exactly where the next stop is often just a few metres down the road. On top of that come tubeless cross-spoke wheels. What's behind the technology, and where does operation stay the same as usual?

The centrepiece is a compact centrifugal clutch that Kawasaki integrates into the conventional clutch unit. When pulling away, it engages the drive by itself. The rider doesn't have to feather the friction point with the left hand. According to the manufacturer, the KLE500 SE Smartride can also be brought to a stop with a gear engaged without pulling the clutch lever or stalling the engine. When decelerating, engine braking is maintained until just before coming to a standstill. Only at very low speed does the centrifugal clutch disconnect the engine from the gearbox. The system is purely mechanical and requires no electronic control. According to Kawasaki, the clutch unit gains around 1 kg in weight.

We've known a very similar system since earlier this year from the BMW F 450 GS. It can be equipped with the Easy Ride Clutch, which also uses centrifugal force to control the clutch automatically.

The rider still sorts the gears. On the move, the clutch lever and gear lever are used for gear changes as usual. The new technology therefore specifically targets pulling away and stopping. Kawasaki primarily expects it to make life easier in stop-and-go traffic. Whether the clutch really works as unobtrusively in everyday use as you'd hope when constantly switching between rolling and stopping can't be judged from the press release alone. What is clear from the described function: anyone who opts for the Smartride gets assistance with these two processes. It doesn't relieve the rider of responsibility for choosing the gear.

The second innovation concerns the cross-spoke wheels, which carry tubeless tyres on the Smartride. According to Kawasaki, they are meant to combine the shock-absorbing properties of classic spoked wheels with the advantages of tubeless construction. In the event of a flat, this could make repairs easier, as no inner tube needs to be removed and replaced. Up front, the KLE500 SE Smartride rolls on a 21-inch wheel. Kawasaki lists Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour as the stock tyres, with the rear in the new 150/70-17 size. This format is intended to widen the choice of tyre models on the aftermarket.

Visually, the new variant sticks to the rally styling of its model family. A tall, multi-adjustable windscreen, the compact fuel tank and fairing elements borrowing from the KX mx bike models define its look. The engine guard and large front wheel suit its intended use on paved and unpaved roads. Beneath the fairing sit a trellis frame and a parallel-twin engine that Kawasaki describes as torquey. Their interplay is meant to deliver balanced, easy-to-control riding performance. The upright seating position and wind protection are designed to provide comfort both on tour and in city traffic. Off the asphalt, Kawasaki promises suspension that soaks up bumps with composure. These are manufacturer claims that a ride test still has to verify.

Kawasaki offers three accessory packs for the KLE500 model family. The Rally pack includes an Akrapovič titanium silencer, a radiator guard, a low pillion seat and a USB-C socket.

The Adventure Tourer pack combines an engine crash bar with two side cases including matching mounts. Each case offers 21 litres of capacity.

Those who prefer a top case will find a USB-C socket, a luggage rack and the eponymous top case in the Top Case pack. The press release doesn't give prices for the three packs.

The Kawasaki KLE500 SE Smartride is set to be available from spring 2027 in Pearl Blizzard White. For Austria, Kawasaki quotes a recommended retail price of 8,399 euros. The target group for the new variant is thus clearly defined: riders looking for relief in everyday operation who still want to change gears themselves. Whether the left hand really gets to enjoy a well-deserved break remains to be seen in practice.

How does the clutch of the 2027 Kawasaki KLE500 SE Smartride work? A mechanical centrifugal clutch engages when pulling away and disconnects the engine from the gearbox just before coming to a standstill. The system requires no electronic control.

Does the 2027 Kawasaki KLE500 SE Smartride shift automatically? Gear changes are still made by the rider using the clutch lever and gear lever. The clutch works automatically when pulling away and stopping.

What wheels and tyres does the 2027 Kawasaki KLE500 SE Smartride have? It has tubeless cross-spoke wheels with a 21-inch front wheel. Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tyres are fitted as standard, with the rear in 150/70-17.

How much does the 2027 Kawasaki KLE500 SE Smartride cost in Austria? Kawasaki quotes 8,399 euros as the recommended retail price including NoVA (Austrian vehicle registration tax), 20 percent VAT and all additional costs.

When is the 2027 Kawasaki KLE500 SE Smartride coming? Kawasaki announces availability from spring 2027. The manufacturer lists Pearl Blizzard White (WT2) as the colour.