Classic Bikes Custom Bikes Individual Racing Bikes AJP AJS Aprilia Ariel Avinton / Wakan Bajaj Benelli Beta Bimota BMW Brough Superior BRP Cam-Am BSA Buell / EBR Bultaco Cagiva Campagna CCM CF Moto Combat Motors Derbi Deus Ducati Excelsior GASGAS Ghezzi Brian Gilera GIMA Harley Davidson Hero Highland Honda Horex Husaberg Husqvarna Hyosung Indian Jawa Kawasaki KTM KYMCO Laverda Lazareth Magni Maico Mash Matchless Mondial Moto Guzzi Moto Morini MV Agusta MZ / MuZ NCR Norton NSU Paton Peugeot Piaggio Revival Cycles Roland Sands Royal Enfield Sachs Sherco Sunbeam Suzuki SWM SYM Triumph TVS Ural Velocette Vespa Victory Vincent VOR Voxan Vyrus Walt Siegl Walz Wrenchmonkees Wunderlich XTR / Radical Yamaha Zero Video Technical
Complete Manufacturer List

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.