Kawasaki KLE 500

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Kawasaki KLE 500

Eye catcher

Usually it is the first moment,
who decides on sympathy or antipathy. The 2005 KLE 500 also relies on this thesis, which has been confirmed by behavioral researchers
newly designed cockpit fairing in
Styles of the best seller Z 1000, a
aggressive-looking headlights and a small, dark-tinted windshield make the venerable KLE an irresistible youngster. Those who succumb to the temptation of fresh styling and new colors run the risk of being disappointed if they expect extensive model updates under the plastic dress.
Admittedly, not much has changed there. Everything runs as usual right from the start. The 499 cubic centimeter two-cylinder insists on the cold start aid on the left armature, which needs to be regulated with great sensitivity in order to ensure an acceptable idle speed. Once the driver and machine have reached operating temperature, the old strengths, but also the known weaknesses of the 500 series, come to the fore.
In the lower speed range, the KLE engine looks quite tired and slow. The specified 45 HP have to be squeezed out of the two-cylinder at high speeds.
He seems pretty strained at the same time. On the positive side, it should be noted that the consumption of 4.5 liters on the country road is low and the exhaust gases are now dealt with by three catalytic converters, which cost three hp compared to last year’s model, but help to achieve the Euro 2 standard.
With the small windshield it only becomes clear after several kilometers and at a higher speed that it is not
only serves to improve appearance. It flows behind to create turbulence
minimize, and does its job very effectively. Given its size, it offers good wind protection. Another successful change reports the rear of the driver. While the old bench ?? too narrow, too soft and to the front
sloping? everyone on long tours-
Most dearly mistreated, the newly contoured seat cushion proves to be something of a commodity. But although vacation tours with the new KLE lose their great horror, there are still more comfortable spots on travel enduros.
Everything is the same as before, that also applies to that
extremely handy chassis. Unfortunately, because while the shock absorber is designed to be taut but sufficiently comfortable, the fork continues to suffer from its very soft tuning and ours-
sensitive response. Hard brake-
maneuver she acknowledges with an abrupt Ab-
diving, which takes a lot of getting used to. The brake, which manages with a 300 millimeter disc at the front, grips firmly and can be finely adjusted. Disadvantages are a shifting pressure point after several emergency stops and delayed response in wet conditions.
Freshly lifted with new cladding, interestingly made up with metallic paintwork and for a fair ?? because remained the same? Price of 5435 euros too
the KLE 500 of 2005 is more desirable than ever before. It’s a shame that the technical improvements were left out during the revision. A better tuned fork and a more powerful engine would have done well. Maybe it will come next time. Kawasakis KLV 1000 and Suzukis
V-Strom 1000 already have the same genes, one Kawasaki KLE 650 with the
the powerful heart of the Suzuki SV 650 would be a delightful combination, wouldn’t it? gs

Technical data and measurements

Engine: water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke series-
engine, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, four valves per cylinder, constant pressure carburetor,
Ø 34 mm, uncontrolled catalytic converter, six-speed gearbox, O-ring chain.
Bore x stroke 74.0 x 58.0 mm
Cubic capacity 499 cm3
Compression ratio 9.8: 1

Rated output 33 kW (45 PS) at 8300 rpm
Max. Torque 41 Nm at 7500 rpm

Chassis: double loop frame made of steel, telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm, central spring strut with lever system, front disc brake, Ø 300 mm, double-piston floating caliper, rear disc brake, Ø 230 mm, single-piston floating caliper.
Tires 90/90 S 21; 130/80 S 17

Dimensions and weights: wheelbase 1500 mm, seat height * 850 mm, weight with a full tank * 201 kg, payload * 179 kg, tank capacity 15 liters.

Two year guarantee
Colors gray metallic, black / bronze metallic
Price 5435 euros
Additional costs 105 euros

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