kawasaki KLE500

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Kawasaki KLE 500

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.