Kawasaki KLE500 SE SmartRide Unveiled Globally: Gets Clutch-Free Gear Shifting
Kawasaki has introduced the KLE500 SE SmartRide, a new variant of its adventure motorcycle featuring a mechanical centrifugal clutch. This innovation allows riders to shift gears without using the clutch lever, enhancing convenience in heavy traffic and during long rides.
Kawasaki KLE500 SE SmartRide Unveiled Globally: Gets Clutch-Free Gear Shifting
Kawasaki has unveiled a new variant of its adventure motorcycle, the KLE500, called the Kawasaki KLE500 SE SmartRide. The new version gets a mechanical centrifugal clutch system that allows riders to shift gears without using the clutch lever. The addition is aimed at making riding easier, particularly in stop-and-go traffic and on long journeys.
Apart from the new clutch technology, the motorcycle remains mechanically unchanged and continues to use the same engine, suspension setup and braking hardware as the standard model.
Key Highlights:
- Kawasaki KLE500 SE SmartRide unveiled with a centrifugal clutch system.
- The new system allows clutch-free gear shifts without using the clutch lever.
- It continues to use a 451cc parallel-twin engine producing 45 bhp and 42.6 Nm.
- Hardware includes KYB suspension, spoke wheels and dual-channel ABS.
Kawasaki KLE500 SE SmartRide: How Does The New Clutch Work?
The biggest update on the Kawasaki KLE500 SE SmartRide is its mechanical centrifugal clutch. The system allows riders to shift up and down without manually operating the clutch lever, reducing the effort required when riding in heavy traffic.
Kawasaki's approach differs from Honda's E-Clutch technology, which uses electronic actuators inside the clutch assembly to engage and disengage the clutch. The SmartRide system, meanwhile, is fully mechanical and works on the centrifugal clutch principle, similar to BMW's Easy Ride Clutch.
The new setup could make frequent stops and starts less tiring for riders. However, it does not change the motorcycle's engine output or overall mechanical package.
Kawasaki KLE500 SE SmartRide: Engine and Performance
Powering the adventure motorcycle is the same 451cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine. It produces 45bhp and 42.6Nm of peak torque.
The engine remains unchanged, with the main difference being the addition of the centrifugal clutch system. The new technology is designed to reduce the need for manual clutch operation while retaining the motorcycle's existing performance figures.
Kawasaki KLE500 SE SmartRide: Suspension, Wheels and Brakes
The Kawasaki KLE500 SE SmartRide retains its existing hardware, which includes a KYB inverted front fork and a rear monoshock suspension setup. The motorcycle rides on a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheel combination, a configuration commonly found on adventure motorcycles. Braking duties are handled by a 300mm disc at the front and a 230mm disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is also available.
With the SmartRide variant, Kawasaki has focused on improving everyday riding convenience rather than making major changes to the motorcycle's mechanical package. Further details, including market availability and pricing, have not been provided in the information available.
End Article
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