Kawasaki KLE500
 | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Also called | KLE500 |
| Production | 1991–2007 |
| Predecessor | none |
| Successor | Kawasaki Versys (Kawasaki KLE650) |
| Class | Dual-sport |
| Engine | 498 cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, parallel twin Bore x Stroke: 74.0 x 58.0 mm CR: 9.8:1 |
| Power | 33 kW (45 hp) at 8300 rpm |
| Torque | 41 Nm (4.2 kgm) at 7,500 rpm |
| Ignition type | Digital CDI ignition |
| Transmission | Primary transmission gear Secondary chain |
| Suspension | Front: hydraulic fork with 41 mm travel Rear: monoshock with adjustable preload |
| Brakes | Front: Single disk 300 mm floating caliper with two pistons Rear: 230 mm single disc with single piston caliper |
| Seat height | 850 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15 l |
| Related | Kawasaki KLR650, Kawasaki Ninja 500R, Kawasaki GPz500, Kawasaki EX500, Kawasaki ER5n |
The Kawasaki KLE 500 is a motorcycle produced by Kawasaki with a displacement of 498 cm3, and powered by a parallel twin four-stroke engine. As a dual-sport motorcycle, it can be used both on roads and in light off road conditions. The model was introduced in 1991.
Description
It has a sump guard which protects the oil pan off-road use. Aerodynamic protection relies on a small windshield and depending on the height of the rider, the head and upper torso are exposed to the wind. The situation can be improved considerably with the use of windshield accessories, available as an accessory for the original Kawasaki model but also other brands for the latest series, thanks to the interchangeability of parts with the widespread Z1000. The seat is wide enough to accommodate driver and passenger. The bike is equipped with a large rear rack.
The instrumentation includes speedometer, odometer, tachometer, indicators for the turn signals and high beam. Does not have the a light indicating the use of the fuel reserve. For this, use the fuel valve manually operated to allow passage to the "reserve" position.
From the model year 2003 onwards, for all motorcycles, the low beam can not be turned off by a switch on the handlebar and thus remain always on.
2005 Model Year
The changes in the 2005 model year stem from the need to update the KLE's anti-pollution system to the Euro 2 standard. Previous model characteristics were within the Euro 1 guidelines.
Given the need to renew the model, the parent company included a facelift that rejuvenated the line. In particular, it redesigned the windshield making it similar to that of Kawasaki Z1000 and Kawasaki Z750, using the same glass unit. They also changed the direction indicators and the instrument panel. The earlier fairing of the disc brake was removed.