KAWASAKI KLE 500 (2006-2007) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2006, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Kawasaki KLE 500, a dual sport machine that debuted in 1991 and continued production until 2007, when it was replaced by the Kawasaki Versys 650 (KLE 650).

In 2005, the bike was upgraded to pass the EURO2 emission regulations standards and featured a facelift that rejuvenated the range. Other modifications included a redesigned windscreen, removing the disc brake fairing, and changing the turn signals and instrument panel.

In the aesthetic department, the 2006 machine remained essentially unchanged, packing the same standard features as the previous model, including a front cowl with a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seat, a small luggage rack, an engine cover, a high-mounted exhaust system, and wire-spoke wheels.

The bike's backbone was a double cradle high tensile steel frame with a 41 mm telescopic fork on the front and a bottom-link uni-trak shock absorber on the rear, offering optimum handling capabilities.

The braking performance was handled by a 300 mm brake disc with a dual-piston caliper on the front wheel and a 230 mm disc with a single-piston caliper on the rear wheel, offering excellent stopping power.

As for the power figures, the 2006 Kawasaki KLE 500 had its soul brought to life by a 498cc four-stroke parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine that delivered 45 hp at 8,300 rpm and 41 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.