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Kawasaki has introduced a new KLE500 SE variant that pairs a semi‑automatic centrifugal clutch with tubeless tires, a combination aimed at easier low‑speed riding and urban commuting. The Smartride model was initially confirmed for Europe, and subsequent filings and announcements point to U.S. availability as well.
How the Smartride clutch works
The KLE500 SE Smartride adds a built‑in mechanical centrifugal mechanism to the bike’s conventional clutch. At very low engine speeds—when you’re pulling away from a stop or crawling in traffic—the system automatically modulates engagement so riders don’t always need to operate the clutch lever.
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This behavior is comparable to systems from other manufacturers, such as BMW’s Easy Ride Clutch on the F 450 and MV Agusta’s Rekluse‑based arrangements. Riders still shift gears manually, however, and because Kawasaki has not fitted a quickshifter, the clutch lever remains necessary when changing gears at higher revs.
Grip and styling: tubeless tires and small visual changes
Visually the Smartride KLE500 SE is close to the standard model. The only noticeable mechanical difference is a slightly larger clutch cover.
The more visible change comes at the wheels. The standard KLE500 ships with tubed IRC Trail Winner tires, rated about 80% road and 20% off‑road. The Smartride swaps those for tubeless Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires with a roughly 90%/10% road bias. That shift toward a street‑oriented tire, combined with the semi‑automatic clutch, makes the Smartride variant better suited to city riders than the base model.
It’s worth noting Kawasaki packaged the clutch and tubeless tires together rather than offering them as separate options.
Potential rollout and other models
Kawasaki has so far announced the Smartride KLE500 SE for Europe only, but the company’s engine family suggests wider use. The semi‑automatic clutch is likely to be compatible with other models powered by the same 451cc parallel‑twin engine, such as the Ninja 500, Z500 and Eliminator, and could appear on those bikes in time.
U.S. regulatory filings add to the expectation of a broader release: California Air Resources Board paperwork lists a new variant under the codename KLE500E, which observers suspect corresponds to a Smartride‑equipped model. It is not yet clear whether U.S. versions will pair the Smartride clutch with tubeless tires or offer different configurations.
UPDATE: Oct. 27, 2026
Kawasaki has announced U.S. availability for the KLE500 SE ABS, offered with or without the Smartride system. Pricing is $7,999 for the Smartride‑equipped SE ABS and $7,499 for the SE ABS with a traditional clutch. Both versions are available in Pearl Blizzard White or Metallic Bluish Green. Kawasaki will also sell the base KLE500 ABS in Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony for $6,599.
Photos by Kawasaki.
