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RIDE COMPARISON I 2026 KTM 390 ADVENTURE R VS. KAWASAKI KLE500 SE ABS
there's plenty to play with on the
KTM if electronics are your thing.
Both bikes offer slick TFT
dashes, though the KTM's looks
more sophisticated, and both are
fairly intuitive.
The KTM offers a far more so-
phisticated suspension package
than the Kawasaki. The KTM fea-
tures a 43mm WP Apex fork with
9.1 inches of travel and adjust-
able compression and rebound
damping. The WP Apex shock
also provides 9.1 inches of travel,
with adjustable rebound damping
and spring preload.
The Kawasaki uses a 43mm
KYB inverted fork with 8.3 inches
of travel and a Uni-Trak rear sus-
lation, making slow-speed riding
even easier.
With the KLE, you don't get
bogged down by rider aids and
buttons because it doesn't really
have any. Besides its selectable
ABS, the Kawasaki keeps things
refreshingly simple. It does offer
smartphone connectivity through
Kawasaki's Rideology The App
Motorcycle. That's about it.
The KTM, on the other hand, is
loaded with electronics. It has cor-
nering traction control, cornering
ABS, Offroad ABS and three ride
modes—Street, Rain and Offroad.
Quickshifter+ and cruise con-
trol are optional extras that will
increase the price. In other words,
crusher. You still must deal with
the usual single-cylinder vibes
in the handlebars and seat, but
they're acceptable for medium-
length hauls on the road. You
won't notice the buzz, or care
about it, on the trail.
Both engines also perform
exceptionally well at low speeds,
neither ever threatening to stall.
Despite their different configura-
tions, the Kawasaki's parallel-
twin and the KTM's single deliver
smooth, controllable, predictable
power just off idle, with excellent
tractability that less-experienced
riders will especially appreciate
off-road. Both also have light
clutch pulls and excellent modu-
The KTM and Kawasaki are affordable, easy to ride and good performers
for new adventure riders and even experienced ones.
