EICMA: Kawasaki showcases CORLEO, Ninja 650 and KLE500 SE Smartride

Kawasaki has showcased a full-scale mock-up of its hydrogen-powered CORLEO robotic vehicle at EICMA 2026 in Milan, providing another look at its unconventional approach to future personal mobility.

First revealed in 2025, CORLEO is a four-legged robotic vehicle designed to traverse difficult off-road terrain, combining Kawasaki’s experience in motorcycle development with the wider Kawasaki Group’s expertise in robotics.

Power comes from a 150cc hydrogen-fuelled engine that generates electricity, with hydrogen stored in canisters at the rear of the vehicle.

Rather than conventional handlebars and wheels, CORLEO uses four independently articulated legs, with the rider controlling its movements through changes in body weight, similar to riding a horse.

Kawasaki is also developing a navigation system capable of detecting weather conditions, temperature, terrain characteristics and wildlife to help identify suitable routes. Information would be displayed through the vehicle’s instrumentation and compatible smart devices.

Although the model displayed at EICMA is a full-scale mock-up rather than an operational production vehicle, Kawasaki says development is continuing, with commercialisation targeted for around 2035.

Back on two wheels, Kawasaki is also displaying its updated Ninja 650 and a new KLE500 SE Smartride adventure bike.

The 2027 Ninja 650 receives a 37mm Showa Separate Function Front Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside-down fork, replacing the conventional telescopic arrangement fitted to the outgoing model.

The front brakes have also been upgraded from axially mounted two-piston calipers to radially mounted four-piston units, while the rear suspension receives a revised spring rate.

Power continues to come from a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, housed in a lightweight steel trellis frame.

Other updates include a redesigned 4.3-inch TFT instrument display and expanded smartphone connectivity through Kawasaki’s Rideology app, adding navigation and voice-command functionality, although availability of the latter varies by market.

A quickshifter is also available as an accessory for the first time, allowing clutchless upshifts, while the existing two-mode traction control system carries over.

The Ninja 650 retains its 785mm seat height, with three colour schemes announced for overseas markets.

Meanwhile, Kawasaki has expanded its KLE500 adventure range with the introduction of the 2027 KLE500 SE Smartride.

The new variant features Kawasaki’s mechanically operated Smartride centrifugal clutch, which automatically engages and disengages when the motorcycle moves away from a standstill or comes to a stop.

The system eliminates the need to operate the clutch lever during these manoeuvres, although riders continue to change gears using the conventional gearshift and clutch lever when riding. Unlike electronically controlled automatic transmissions, Smartride operates entirely mechanically.

The KLE500 SE Smartride also receives tubeless tyres and retains the standard SE’s adventure-focused equipment, including a 21-inch front wheel and protective skid plate.

The new variant will be offered in Pearl Blizzard White, with standard and SE versions of the KLE500 continuing alongside it.

Australian pricing and availability for the 2027 Ninja 650 and KLE500 SE Smartride have yet to be confirmed.