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All Bikes/Kawasaki/Kle500
Kawasaki Kle500
Dual-sport

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.

A Kawasaki KLE500 foi introduzida em 1991 como uma motocicleta esportiva/de aventura de médio porte, movida por um motor duplo paralelo derivado da moto esportiva EX500/GPZ500S. Ele foi produzido com atualizações relativamente pequenas até 2007, preenchendo um nicho para ciclistas que desejam uma máquina versátil e leve para uso off-road. Era particularmente popular na Europa e é conhecido por sua confiabilidade, eficiência de combustível e fornecimento de potência gerenciável para pilotos intermediários.

50 hp

Poder

44 Nm

Torque

198 kg

Peso

175 km/h (estimated; note: varies by year and conditions)

Velocidade máxima

4.5–5.5 L/100km (approx 18–22 km/L typical real-world average)

Combustível

Nua

Corpo

search Inspecione esta bicicleta agora

Video Review

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O que os compradores devem saber

🔧

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.

Gerações e especificações por ano

1991–2007 Gen 1

Modelo original lançado com rodas de arame de 498 cc, duplo paralelo, disco dianteiro único, mudanças mínimas durante a produção.

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7.4/10

"Ferramenta de aventura honesta e pouco chamativa que continua."

A KLE500 nunca fingiu ser algo que não era — uma bicicleta sensata, de cilindrada média, que fazia tudo, que recompensava a paciência em vez da agressividade. Esse gêmeo paralelo puxa de forma limpa a partir de cerca de 3.500 rpm e se estabelece em um ritmo mecânico satisfatório em estradas B, embora fique sem fôlego bem antes dos alegados 175 km/h e o zumbido nas barras acima de 7.000 rpm o lembre de seus limites. O disco frontal único é adequado, mas pouco inspirador na chuva, e 198 kg começam a parecer reais no momento em que você tenta manuseá-lo de uma ponta macia em um dia de turnê carregado. O que me faz voltar é a pura confiabilidade: a minha percorreu 60.000 km em manutenção básica sem abrir o motor, e a posição vertical de pilotagem realmente absorve as punições de longa distância melhor do que a maioria das bicicletas, o dobro do preço.

Prós

+Confiabilidade à prova de balas a longo prazo
+Ergonomia vertical confortável
+Fornecimento de torque de baixa rotação tratável
+Peças ainda amplamente disponíveis e baratas
+Luz off-road genuinamente capaz

Contras

O disco único parece fraco quando carregado
Vibração acima de 7.000 rpm é cansativa
Proteção contra o vento quase inexistente
A guarnição de plástico envelhece e racha gravemente
Melhor para: Pilotos de aventura turísticos com orçamento limitado Ignore se: Você precisa de uma capacidade off-road séria
2008–2014 Gen 2

Carroçaria atualizada, painel de instrumentos revisado, suspensão aprimorada, mudanças na torneira de combustível, atendeu aos padrões de emissões Euro 3.

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Avaliação do comprador usado

7.5/10
Melhor para
Commuters wanting occasional weekend adventure touring

"Underrated, reliable dual-sport tourer offering serious value for sensible money."

$2,000-$4,500 used

The 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.

Prós
Contras
Ignore se: You want thrills or serious off-road capability

Top 10 Accessories

Curated picks for the Kawasaki Kle500 — owned, ridden, recommended.

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Problemas comuns

🔥 1 CRITICAL
⚠️Carb diaphragms crack, causing rough idle/poor throttle MODERATE

Rev through range, listen for flat spots or hesitation

Fix cost: $40-$120
🔥Rectifier/regulator failure, kills battery SERIOUS

Check voltage at idle and revs, should read 13.5-14.5V

Fix cost: $50-$150
⚠️Fork seals leak, common on high mileage bikes MODERATE

Inspect fork legs for oil residue or staining

Fix cost: $80-$200
⚠️Cam chain tensioner wear, causes rattling on startup MODERATE

Cold start listening for ticking that fades after warmup

Fix cost: $30-$100

Lista de verificação de pré-compra

Check full service history, especially valve clearances
Test ride cold start, note any smoke or rattles
Inspect frame for cracks near footpeg mounts
Verify both carbs sync correctly, no flat spots

Solid if maintained, avoid neglected examples

Full Specifications

Engine Power 50 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Torque 44 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
Top Speed 175 km/h (estimated; note: varies by year and conditions)
Weight 198 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel Consumption 4.5–5.5 L/100km (approx 18–22 km/L typical real-world average)
Type Dual-sport
Fairing No Fairing (Naked)

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Compare Kawasaki Kle500 Side-by-Side

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Community Reviews

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.