Kawasaki rivals Honda’s E-Clutch technology with the new KLE500 SE Smartride

A year on from its initial reveal, the Kawasaki KLE500 has now gained an SE Smartride option for 2027, which makes taking off and stopping less demanding than before. 

You might be interested to read our Kawasaki KLE500 review. 

The A2-friendly machine made a significant impact when it arrived on the market, with customers able to purchase the adventure bike for just £5,999. 

As with the standard model, the £6,599 KLE500 SE is also available in standard trim, or with Adventure Tourer, Rally or Urban accessory packs. 

However, the new 2027 SE Smartride option offers something that both of those models do not, which is Kawasaki’s new self-engaging clutch system.

The system features a compact mechanical centrifugal clutch that operates within a conventional clutch assembly. 

According to Team Green, “this significantly reduces the need to use the clutch in stop-and-go urban riding and removes the need for delicate half-clutch (“feathering”) control when pulling away from a stop”.

In other words, riders will no longer need to operate the clutch when taking off or coming to a stop. 

The new system is entirely mechanical and requires no electronic aid. Similar to a conventional manual-transmission motorcycle, the rider still has the option to shift gears while riding by using the clutch lever and shift pedal.

Kawasaki’s Smartride function is similar in principle to Honda’s highly-acclaimed E-Clutch system, although the latter relies on electrical actuators for operation. 

As well as the new innovative clutch system, the 2027 KLE500 SE Smartride arrives with tubeless tyres. The new model is set to be available from January in a Pearl Blizzard White colourway, while pricing will be confirmed soon, says Kawasaki.

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