- Newest variant in the KLE500 lineup
- Gets a centrifugal clutch
- Unlikely to come to India
Kawasaki has unveiled a new variant of the KLE500, called the Kawasaki KLE 500 SE SmartRide. The biggest change is the addition of a centrifugal clutch, which lets riders shift up and down without engaging the clutch lever.
Kawasaki’s approach to building a semi-auto transmission differs significantly from Honda’s. The Honda E-Clutch system uses electronic actuators inside the clutch case to engage and disengage the clutch, whereas the Kawasaki SmartRide system is fully mechanical, similar to the BMW Easy-Ride-Clutch.
The centrifugal clutch system should be quite useful when riding in stop-and-go traffic, reducing the need to constantly work the clutch lever, thus reducing rider fatigue. Apart from this addition, the adventure bike remains mechanically unchanged. It continues to be powered by the same 451cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor producing 45 bhp and 42.6Nm.
The motorcycle gets a KYB inverted fork and monoshock, and rolls on a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheel setup. Braking duties are handled by a 300mm front and 230mm rear disc brake setup with dual-channel ABS.
