KAWASAKI KLE 500 (2004-2005) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Kawasaki KLE500 was a dual-sports motorcycle manufactured by Kawasaki from 1991 until 2007 when it was replaced by the Kawasaki Versys 650 (KLE650). As a dual sports machine, it handled both paved roads and light off-road paths.

The bike featured an engine cover that protected the oil pan during off-road riding and a small windscreen that only slightly protected the shorter riders, leaving the torso and head exposed to the wind for taller riders.

In the visual department, the bike packed standard features, such as a single headlight unit in a small front cowl, a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with a small luggage rack, a high-mounted exhaust system, and lightweight wire-spoke wheels.

The 2004 Kawasaki KLE 500 had installed underneath its fuel tank a 498cc four-stroke parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine managed by two Keihin carburetors, delivering an output power of 45 hp at 8,300 rpm and 41 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.

The bike's engine was tied to a six-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-disc clutch linked to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the motorcycle to a top speed of 191 kph (118 mph).

From top speed to a complete stop, the bike relied on a 300 mm brake disc with a dual-piston caliper on the front wheel and a 230 mm brake disc with a single-piston caliper on the rear wheel, offering excellent stopping power.