(Top left) Both come with handguards.
(Left) One notable difference between the KTM
and the Kawasaki is their rear wheels. (Above) The
KTM's high front fender gives it a more off-road
look. (Below) The Kawasaki holds more fuel, but
both will cover a lot of ground on a tank.
VOLUME 63 ISSUE 41 OCTOBER 13, 2026 P101
pension system with 7.7 inches of
travel. The fork is non-adjustable,
while the shock offers spring-
preload adjustment.
The KTM's suspension is
stiffer and tuned more for off-road
riding, letting you ride it more ag-
gressively on the dirt than the Ka-
wasaki. On the flipside, the KTM
feels harsher on the pavement.
The KLE's suspension works well
in the dirt, but it isn't in the same
league as the KTM; it doesn't take
much to reach its limits. Until
then, though, the off-road ride
is better than you might expect.
The KLE's suspension shines on
the tarmac, offering a smooth,
comfortable ride that makes high-
