KAWASAKI KLE 500 (2005-2006) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Kawasaki KLE 500 was a dual sport motorcycle manufactured by Kawasaki from 1991 until 2007 when it was replaced by the Kawasaki Versys 650 (KLE 650). The bike handled both paved roads and light off-road trails.

In 2005, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Kawasaki KLE 500, a dual sport machine with the same package as the previous model, packing the same visual, technical, and performance specifications without any modifications.

In the visual department, the bike remained unchanged from the previous model, packing standard features, such as a single headlight unit integrated into a small cowl, a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seat, a small luggage rack, a high-mounted exhaust system, and wire-spoke wheels.

In the performance department, the 2005 Kawasaki KLE 500 had installed a 498cc four-stroke parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine underneath its fuel tank, delivering 45 hp at 8,300 rpm and 41 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.

The bike's power was handled by a six-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch, spinning the rear wheel to a top speed of 191 kph (118 mph) through a final chain drive.

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.