KAWASAKI KLE 500 (1991-1998) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Kawasaki KLE500 was a dual-sports motorcycle introduced in 1991 and manufactured until 2007, when it was replaced by the Kawasaki Versys 650 (KLE650). It was powered by a parallel-twin engine and handled both on-road and light off-road conditions.

In 2005, the bike was updated from Euro1 to Euro2 emission standards and included a facelift that rejuvenated the line. The windscreen was redesigned, making it similar to the one used by the Z1000 and Z750 models, turn signals and instrument panel were changed, and the disc brake fairing was removed.

In the visual department, the bike packed standard features, such as a half fairing with a small rectangular headlight, an engine sump guard, a one-piece dual seat large enough to accommodate a passenger, a small luggage rack with passenger grab rails, a high-mounted exhaust system, and wire-spoke wheels.

Suspension-wise, the Kawasaki KLE500 was fitted with a 41 mm air-assisted telescopic fork on the front and a single shock absorber on the rear, delivering optimum on-road and off-road capabilities.

The wire-spoke wheels were fitted with a 300 mm disc coupled to a dual-piston caliper on the front and a 230 mm disc tied to a single-piston caliper on the rear, offering optimum stopping power.

The 1991 Kawasaki KLE500 had a 498cc four-stroke parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine underneath its fuel tank, delivering 50 hp with a peak force at 8,500 rpm and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) torque at 6,500 rpm.