Kawasaki KLE 500 
| Make Model | Kawasaki KLE 500 | | Year | 2001-02 | | Engine | Liquid cooled, four stroke, parallel twin Cylinder, 4 Valves per cylinder | | Capacity | 498 | | Bore x Stroke | 74 x 58 mm | | Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | | Induction | 2x Keihin 34mm | | Ignition / Starting | - / electric | | Max Power | 50 hp 36.4 kW @ 8500 rpm (rear tyre 44.55 @ 8400 rpm) | | Max Torque | 45 Nm 4.6 kg-m @ 6500r pm | | Transmission / Drive | 6 Speed / chain | | Front Suspension | 41mm Telescopic forks air assisted. 220mmwheel travel | | Rear Suspension | Steal awing arm with preload adjustment. 220mm wheel travel | | 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 | | Dry-Weight / Wet-Weight | 178 kg / 192 kg | | Fuel Capacity | 15 Litres | | Consumption average | 18.2 km/lit | | Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0 | 14.0 m / 40.2 m | | Standing ? Mile | 13.4 sec / 152.8 km/h | | Top Speed | 190.7 km/h | 
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. |
