Kawasaki Kle500
The Kawasaki Kle500 has a top speed of 175 km/h (estimated; note: varies by year and conditions), produces 50 hp and weighs 198 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
De Kawasaki KLE500 werd in 1991 geïntroduceerd als een middelgrote dual-sport/adventure tourer, aangedreven door een parallel-twin-motor afgeleid van de EX500/GPZ500S sportbike. Het werd tot 2007 met relatief kleine updates geproduceerd, waardoor het een niche was voor rijders die op zoek waren naar een veelzijdige, lichtgewicht forensenmachine en een lichte terreinwagen die geschikt is voor off-road gebruik. Het was vooral populair in Europa en staat bekend om zijn betrouwbaarheid, brandstofefficiëntie en beheersbare vermogensafgifte voor gemiddelde rijders.
50 hp
Kracht
44 Nm
Koppel
198 kg
Gewicht
175 km/h (estimated; note: varies by year and conditions)
Topsnelheid
4.5–5.5 L/100km (approx 18–22 km/L typical real-world average)
Brandstof
Naakt
Lichaam
Video Review
Wat kopers moeten weten
Proven Reliable Engine
The KLE500's parallel-twin engine is derived from the GPZ500S sportbike, giving it a well-proven, robust powerplant with a strong reputation for longevity when properly maintained. Many examples easily surpass 100,000 km with regular oil changes.
Watch the Carburetors
The dual carburetors are a known weak point — ethanol-blended fuel can degrade rubber seals and jets, leading to poor idle or fuel leaks. Always inspect for signs of varnish buildup or recent carb cleaning before buying.
Stable, Affordable Resale
The KLE500 holds modest but stable resale value due to its niche dual-sport appeal and relatively low production numbers. It remains an affordable used buy, making it a smart entry point into adventure-style riding without depreciation risk.
Generaties en specificaties per jaar
Origineel model gelanceerd met 498 cc parallel-twin, enkele voorschijf, spaakwielen, minimale wijzigingen tijdens de hele productierun.
"Eerlijke, onopvallende avonturentool die gewoon doorgaat."
De KLE500 heeft zich nooit voorgedaan als iets wat hij niet was — een verstandige fiets met een middencilinderinhoud die alles kan doen en waarbij geduld werd beloond in plaats van agressie. Die parallelle twin trekt netjes vanaf ongeveer 3.500 tpm en komt op B-wegen in een bevredigend mechanisch ritme terecht, hoewel hij ruim voor de geclaimde 175 km/u buiten adem raakt en het gezoem door de balken boven 7.000 tpm je aan zijn limieten doet denken. De enkele schijf aan de voorkant is voldoende, maar weinig inspirerend op nat wegdek, en 198 kg begint echt aan te voelen op het moment dat je hem van een zachte berm probeert te krijgen op een drukke tourdag. Wat ervoor zorgt dat ik steeds terugkom, is de pure betrouwbaarheid: de mijne heeft 60.000 km gereden bij basisonderhoud zonder de motor te openen, en de rechtopstaande zitpositie absorbeert echt veel betere straffen op lange afstanden dan de meeste fietsen die twee keer zo duur zijn.
Pluspunten
Nadelen
Bijgewerkte carrosserie, herzien instrumentenpaneel, verbeterde vering, vervanging van de benzinekraan, voldeed aan de Euro 3-emissienormen.
Beoordeling van gebruikte kopers
"Underrated, reliable dual-sport tourer offering serious value for sensible money."
$2,000-$4,500 usedThe KLE500 is one of those bikes that nobody talks about but should. It's a proper parallel twin adventure tourer that Kawasaki built from 1991 to 2007, and it's genuinely underrated in the used market. The 498cc engine is essentially bullet-proof — these things run forever with basic maintenance, and parts are still surprisingly accessible. It'll cruise comfortably at highway speeds without feeling stressed, and the upright ergonomics make longer days genuinely enjoyable rather than a punishment. Buying used, your main concerns are the carburettors — they gum up badly if the bike's been sitting. Budget for a carb clean or rebuild immediately. Check the front forks for leaks and look carefully at the frame around the footpeg mounts for cracks, particularly on higher-mileage examples. The suspension is soft by modern standards, but it's not a dealbreaker unless you're riding two-up loaded. For the money, nothing else gives you this combination of reliability, comfort, and genuine usability on mixed roads. It's not exciting, but it's deeply competent.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Kawasaki Kle500 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Veel voorkomende problemen
🔥 1 CRITICALRev through range, listen for flat spots or hesitation
Check voltage at idle and revs, should read 13.5-14.5V
Inspect fork legs for oil residue or staining
Cold start listening for ticking that fades after warmup
✅Checklist vóór aankoop
Solid if maintained, avoid neglected examples
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Kawasaki Kle500
Kawasaki Versys 650
Kawasaki Klr 650
Kawasaki Klr 650 Adventure
Swm Superdual 650
Suzuki Dr 650
Compare Kawasaki Kle500 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Kawasaki Kle500 vs Kawasaki Versys 650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Kle500 vs Kawasaki Klr 650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Kle500 vs Kawasaki Klr 650 Adventure
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Kle500 vs Swm Superdual 650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Kle500 vs Suzuki Dr 650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Kawasaki Kle500 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Kawasaki Kle500? +
Carb diaphragms crack, causing rough idle/poor throttle: Rev through range, listen for flat spots or hesitation (moderate) | Rectifier/regulator failure, kills battery: Check voltage at idle and revs, should read 13.5-14.5V (serious) | Fork seals leak, common on high mileage bikes: Inspect fork legs for oil residue or staining (moderate)
Is the Kawasaki Kle500 a good motorcycle? +
Underrated, reliable dual-sport tourer offering serious value for sensible money. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Commuters wanting occasional weekend adventure touring. Avoid if: You want thrills or serious off-road capability.
What is the horsepower of the Kawasaki Kle500? +
The Kawasaki Kle500 produces 50 hp @ 8,500 rpm, with 44 Nm @ 7,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 175 km/h (estimated; note: varies by year and conditions).
Is the Kawasaki Kle500 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Kawasaki Kle500 is a reasonable choice for new riders (50 hp is manageable), weighing 198 kg. Commuters wanting occasional weekend adventure touring
Is the Kawasaki Kle500 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Kawasaki Kle500, notably: Rectifier/regulator failure, kills battery (Check voltage at idle and revs, should read 13.5-14.5V). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Kawasaki Kle500 good for daily use? +
Commuters wanting occasional weekend adventure touring Fuel: 4.5–5.5 L/100km (approx 18–22 km/L typical real-world average).
How fast is the Kawasaki Kle500? +
The Kawasaki Kle500 reaches a top speed of 175 km/h (estimated; note: varies by year and conditions), producing 50 hp at 198 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Kawasaki Kle500? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Kawasaki Kle500, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/kawasaki/kle500/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
