presentation of the KLE 500 2006
There are machines with simple charms, certain but little-known qualities, and limited distribution that remain on the market for years without anyone really paying attention.
Introduced in '91 and virtually unchanged since '94, the KLE has made a name for itself among trail bikes thanks to its twin engine and sporty styling. It's getting a makeover for 2005, with an eye-catching Z 1000 look. The machine itself doesn't change, it just gets a fresh face to please again: its new fork head identifies it completely with the Z series.
To be fair, there have been some changes: the exhaust is now catalyzed, the frame is painted orange, the instrumentation is new and the seat is better designed.
Frankly more cheerful, the 2005 KLE also deserved a little boost in price. Kawasaki has thought of this and now offers the new-generation KLE for €500 less than the old version. Something to think about.
"On the right, it looks nicer...!" Pals riding Sukayada GXW-1000 RR² Ultraboost look less convinced. With their super-stiff wheels and racing suspensions, they don't really want to go down that little road leading to the lake. What a shame! With the KLE and its long travels, it's easy to venture out on dirt and gravel roads. With its easy handling, outstanding manoeuvrability, slim tires and wide handlebars, the little Kawasaki trail bike drives itself, quite simply, almost by instinct. 45 horsepower may not sound like much (especially in these over-mediatized times, when every 600 sports more than 120 horsepower), but when driven hard on mountain roads, the KLE is capable of making a lot of people laugh. And yet, its twin is not a thunderbolt; and in any case, that's not what's asked of it. At the revs, this mill has lost a little of its potency, but has gained in flexibility at low revs. Compared to the previous generation, the twin-cylinder is more user-friendly. While it doesn't shy away from the task in hand, a little more character and spirit would be appreciated, if only to match its new, more aggressive look. Fitted with the Z family's mini windscreen, the machine provides adequate protection and allows you to ride at highway speeds without straining your neck. If you push the gears, it's possible to climb to 170-180 rpm.
The machine is remarkable in the city, and if the absence of an under-seat trunk causes you a few problems in the urban environment, you'll surely appreciate these little extras that make all the difference: a package holder with good grab handles, hand guards (when it's raining and cold, you're glad you've got them), real mirrors, and above all a comfortable, thick seat like this.
M.B
(Test text inspired by V. Vallon's article - Moto-Journal n° 1 658
manufacturer's photos)
Key facts Kawasaki KLE 500 (2006) : What you need to know before you buy
Highlights
- Restylage sympa
- Twin and chassis
- Coloris orange
Weak points
- No under-seat storage
- Protection a little tight
Prices
| Basic version | |
|---|---|
|
4,999€
|
Performance
- Max speed : 180 km/h (111.80 mph)
Specifications Kawasaki KLE 500 2006
- Chassis
- Frame : double tubular steel cradle
- Fuel capacity : 15 liters (3.96 US gallons)
- Seat height : 850 mm (33.46 in)
- Length : 2,215 mm (87.20 in)
- Width : 880 mm (34.65 in)
- Min height : 1,270 mm (50 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,510 mm (59.45 in)
- Dry weight : 181 kg (399 lb)
- Weight when fully loaded : 200 kg (441 lb)
- Front axle
- Telescopic fork Ø 41 mm, Wheel travel : 220 mm (8.66 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 300 mm (11.81 in), 2-piston caliper
- Front tire : 90 / 90 - 21 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 1.5 bar
- Transmission
- 6 stage gearbox
- Secondary by chain
- Rear axle
- Mono-damper, Wheel travel : 220 mm (8.66 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 230 mm (9.06 in), 2-piston caliper
- Rear tire : 130 / 80 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 1.5 bar
- Motor
- two-cylinder online , 4 strokes
- 2 carburetors Ø 34 mm
- Cooling system : liquid
- 2 ACT
- 4 valves per cylinder
- 498 cc
- 45 ch (44.40 hp) to 8,500 rpm
- 4.20 mkg to 7,000 rpm
- Power-to-weight ratio : 4.08 kg/ch
- Weight / torque ratio : 43.1 kg/mkg
- Compression : 9.8 : 1
- Practical information
Used
Competitors
Compare the KLE 500 to its competitors
Acceleration
Fuel consumption
Range
Torque
Power
Power-to-Weight ratio
Torque-to-Weight ratio
Speed
FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the KLE 500 2006
- What is the power of the KLE 500 2006?
-
The KLE 500 2006 develops a power of 45 ch (44.40 hp)
- What is the torque of the KLE 500 2006?
-
The maximum torque of the KLE 500 2006 is 4.20 mkg to 7,000 rpm.
- What is the maximum speed of the KLE 500 2006?
-
The KLE 500 2006 is capable of reaching a top speed of 180 km/h (111.80 mph) on the track.
- What is the weight of the KLE 500 2006?
-
The KLE 500 2006 has a a dry weight of 181 kg (399 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 200 kg (441 lb).
- QWhat is the seat height of the KLE 500 2006?
-
To ensure good accessibility, the KLE 500 2006 offers a minimum seat height of 850 mm (33.46 in).
- What is the price of the KLE 500 2006?
-
The price of the KLE 500 2006 is 4,999€ in France
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Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 31 reviews
Same bike as in 2012, but
75,000km more, still no breakdowns!!!!! Rating : 5/5 Respond to squezzer
V TO ALL Rating : 5/5 Respond to macadam 62
I've had a GPZ, and the engine is ultra reliable
So with the trail aspect and the low-end torque, it's excellent for city driving
I'm ordering one next month
Lentin, "c trop moche", do you think the XT is better?
"Why don't you have it...." well, because it's not a supermotard, nor a full-fledged road bike... it's a TRAIL bike, like they don't make anymore these days
So if you want a real trail bike that's super-friendly, versatile, inexpensive to maintain, and doesn't guzzle too much fuel: KLE! Rating : 5/5 Respond to JC-Andorre
it amazes me that there isn't more competition on this market. I'm going to have to order one! Rating : 5/5 Respond to huchca
The twin-cylinder engine is nice and the chassis is actually pretty well built, and it never failed me. Maintenance costs are virtually non-existent, it's easy to get to grips with, and it's not shy about taking you far either... Except that you'll have to put a bit of effort into it, as the saddle on older models is rather uncomfortable over long distances. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Graouh
christian Rating : 5/5 Respond to cgh
I'm just discovering this new 2005 version. And one thing's for sure, I'm going to fall for it (again) ! Indeed, I have a 1993 KLE (red) and I'm very happy with it. Nearly 100,000 kilometers on the titanium, but not a wrinkle, and very few problems in 12 years; it still allows me to send on the small winding roads where my "buddies" with their sports cars are less at ease. Be careful, though, on TTs, or even down sidewalks, it's still "borderline" because it's so low, and it's not uncommon to tap underneath it I just hope it hasn't lost too much horsepower with Euro 2 (a priori 3 hp less). To be seen... Rating : 5/5 Respond to bruno
the front. The weight distribution can't be too good. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Vincent
Kawasaki is hoping to make a big splash with this medium-displacement trail bike
It's true that at the moment it's hard to find a trail bike that's not too expensive, far from the big, expensive cubes.)
FAUTEA tell us if you've negotiated the purchase, or reaped any benefits. Personally, I'm waiting to see a model before ordering
After 20 years of motorcycles (only trail bikes), we're starting to look at bikes with fewer cubic centimeters.....COUIC COUIC COUIC Rating : 5/5 Respond to L'ancien
Going back in time, I'm going to own the bike I learned to ride in motorcycle school 10 years ago: you become reasonable with age, but the passion remains. Rating : 5/5 Respond to fautea
Too late I found a second-hand KLE for even less and almost brand new... otherwise I'd buy the new one. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Tan
It's true that this machine has been forgotten by motorcyclists (including myself), yet the owners speak very highly of it
I'm waiting for it to come out, so I can swap it for my old Dominator, which just can't take it anymore. Rating : 5/5 Respond to L'ancien