For decades, Kawasaki's KLR 650 has been a go-to choice for riders looking to take on big adventures on a budget. First introduced in the 1980s, the KLR 650 has held fast to a less-is-more ethos in terms of tech and performance, trading typical keep-up-with-the-competition temptations for simplicity and familiarity - reasons that thousands of riders chose it over more powerful and sophisticated bikes. Simple, affordable, tough, and easy to kit out and repair, the KLR 650 didn't see major changes until just a few years ago, when it gained fuel injection (likely to meet EU emissions standards) and some other minor modernizations while retaining its low price point and single-cylinder "thumper" charm.

But time and markets march on, and "adventure bikes" are now one of the most popular motorcycle market segments, even though, like many SUVs, most of the bikes will not embark on far-flung pole-to-pole or "RTW" ('Round The World) odysseys. Most are ridden like standard motorcycles, and for good reason: they typically feature a comfortable sit-up riding position rather than cruiser posturing or a sportbike crouch, they have fuel-sipping motors that will embarrass most hybrid cars on gas mileage, and longer-travel suspension that is perfect for conquering crumbling urban roadways. And if you do get the urge to head off into the veld, they can scratch that itch as well with a few accessories and some off-road riding skills.

Now, Kawasaki has just introduced what may eventually replace the KLR 650: the new $8,799 KLE 650, which features a much more powerful P-Twin engine instead of the single-cylinder plant on the $6,999 KLR 650, along with modern bits like cruise control, a digital display, upgraded brakes, and more. Like the KLR, the asking price is clearly on the affordable side. It also has a stablemate, the even more affordable $6,599 KLE 500, which is currently in my garage for review.

The KLE 650 includes many of the features KLR owners have been asking for, and perhaps a few they haven't. Upgrades include dual front disc brakes instead of a single-rotor setup, enhanced digital instrumentation with a color screen on the up-spec $9,999 SE version, and anti-lock brakes as standard, with a simple "off" switch on the handlebars so riders have full control over the brakes, a critical feature for off-road riding. There's now a sixth cog in the gearbox for lower-rpm highway riding, along with cruise control, traction control, and a quick shifter for clutchless gear changes. A taller "rally"-style adjustable-height windshield should cut a larger hole in the wind for those highway stints. Of course, the biggest change is the switch to a 70-horsepower liquid-cooled parallel twin engine from the 40-horsepower single in the KLR. Torque output remains the same at about 39 pound-feet, but the twin should spin up quite a bit higher and be smoother on the highway than the single.

Weight will be around 470 pounds with fuel. The base bike comes in highly visible Pearl Blizzard White with colored accents, while the SE is available in Pearl Storm Gray or Metallic Bluish Green. The SE variant also includes hand guards, an aluminum fat-type handlebar, a USB-C port, and a larger aluminum skid plate. Those options can be installed as accessories on the base bikes as well, and there will be options for seats and luggage among a long list of accessories. Front suspension is not adjustable, while the rear suspension has preload controls for managing added weight.

While many KLR riders outfitted their bikes with all manner of touring and exploration gear for long trips off the pavement, the KLE models appear to be a bit more biased towards on-road adventures with perhaps some less technical off-road riding in the mix - a recognition of how these motorcycles are used more often than not.