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Kawasaki KLE 500

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Make Model

Kawasaki KLE 500

Year

1996 - 98

Engine

Four stroke, parallel twin Cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valves per cylinder

Capacity

498 cc / 30.4 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 74 x 58 mm
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio 10.8:1

Induction

2x 34mm Keihin carburetors

Ignition 

CDI
Starting Electric

Max Power

44.8 hp / 33 kW @ 8500 rpm

Max Torque

41 Nm / 30.2 lb-ft @ 6500r pm

Transmission 

6 Speed 
Final lDrive Chain

Front Suspension

41mm Telescopic forks air assisted
Front Wheel Travel 220 mm / 8.6 in

Rear Suspension

Steal awing arm with preload adjustment
Rear Wheel Travel 220 mm / 8.6 in

Front Brakes

Single 300mm disc 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

Single 230mm disc 1 piston caliper

Front Tyre

90/90 VR21

Rear Tyre

130/80 VR17
Seat Height 105 mm / 4.1 in
Wheelbase 1510 mm / 59.4 in
Seat Height 850 mm / 33.5 in
  180 mm / 7.0 in

Dry Weight

178 kg  / 392 lbs
Wet Weight 192 kg / 423 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

15 Litres / 3.9 US gal

Consumption Average

18.2 km/lit

Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0

14.0 m / 40.2 m

Standing ¼ Mile  

13.4 sec / 152.8 km/h

Top Speed

190.7 km/h / 118.4 mph

Road Test

Motosprint Group Test 1992

Kawasaki's KLE500 is a rather unusual design, loosely based around the 'dual sport' concept which mixes road and off-road design elements. A re-tuned parallel twin engine from the GPZ500S was fitted into a steel-tube frame with long-travel suspension, dirt-style spoked wheels, and a small top fairing. The single disc brakes and tyres front and rear are also off-road items. But the off-road styling is just that, and the KLE isn't really suitable for dirt use, where its weight, fragile bodywork and unsophisticated suspension count against it. It does make a useful commuter though; its economical, reliable engine gives dependable service, and the soft suspension tames typically bumpy city streets.