It was built to a budget. It's based on the old 451 Ninja drivetrain and as far as I know they didn't even bother to change the gear ratios to WR which would be better for adventure bike use. And even the higher price S version has no cruise and uses inner tube wheels. Most everything is built to low cost same as their KLR 650.
Honda's CB500X had been a successful, low cost, standard motorcycle with a hint of adventure style. To Honda's credit they made updates to the 500X making it better to actually be used as a mild adventure motorcycle with better suspension, brakes, and 19" wheel. And now with further changes to the display, electronics, a Rally Style appearance, and price drop, should sell better yet. Honda's had this "small, Japanese, 2-cylinder adventure bike" niche to themself..... until now.
I think the KLE is Kawasaki's version of the CB/NX500 only using spoke wheels to make it just a bit more off road capable. I think it's great having a choice now. The NX500 with wider cast wheels, tubeless tyres, and longish travel road suspension that works fine on gravel and mild dirt roads. KLE with narrower spoke wheels, 21" front, and just a bit longer suspension which should work even better on dirt roads as well as some off road.
Both bikes appeal to new riders but also to experienced ones, maybe as a second motorcycle or for older riders who just want something versatile yet lighter and less intimidating. This 500 twin class is enough bike to do most any kind of adventure touring, and do so very affordably.
. Not so much for the consumer
