KAWASAKI KLE500 (1991 - 2007) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £170
Power: 47 bhp
Seat height: Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm)
Weight: Medium (430 lbs / 195 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
2 out of 5 (2/5)

The original Kawasaki KLE500 was made from 1991-1998. Kawasaki’s idea of a parallel twin commuter-cum-trailie then lay dormant for a few years before being reanimated in 2005. It’s hard to see why Kawasaki bothered to be honest. The new KLE500 is uncomfortable, underpowered, uninspiring and uncommonly greedy. You’d be better off with the old Kawasaki KLE500.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
2 out of 5 (2/5)

The standout feature of the Kawasaki KLE500’s handling is the seat. The Kawasaki KLE500 is so thin and so uncomfortable that it’s as if man had suddenly reverted to stone as his principle furniture. Thankfully an unhealthy appetite for petrol means you don’t have to suffer it long. Higher speed braking on the Kawasaki KLE500 provides unwelcome excitement by a combination of a weak single disc brake, the soft suspension and woeful tyres. Kawasaki KLE500 is good at U-turns and light trails, though.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
2 out of 5 (2/5)

The Kawasaki KLE500 DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin struggles to pump out 37bhp, even though it’s almost identical to the older model. That’s because the Kawasaki KLE500 has a battery of three catalysers that suck the life, as well as the emissions, from the motor. Consequently the Kawasaki KLE500 feels flat, lifeless and quite uninspiring. The KLE500 copes with town bound trips reasonably well, though, and the gearbox is unremarkable.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Kawasaki’s older KLE500 is poorly finished, though the new one looks somewhat better. The Kawasaki KLE500 brakes quickly go off if not kept clean and free of grit.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Suzuki’s DL650 V-Strom aces the Kawasaki KLE500 in terms on crucial criteria like refinement, performance and handling, as does BMW’s F650 and Honda’s XL650 Transalp. The Kawasaki KLE500 is much cheaper, but that doesn’t make it better value necessarily though as a city commuter it’s as good as any of the others. Find a Kawasaki KLE500 for sale.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Handguards, a bash plate and a luggage rack come as standard on the Kawasaki KLE500, though a taller, aftermarket screen is most welcome should you press the KLE500 (unwillingly) into a touring or longer distance commuting role.

Specs

Engine size 498cc
Engine type 8v parallel twin, 6 gears
Frame type Tubular steel cradle
Fuel capacity 15 litres
Seat height 850mm
Bike weight 195kg
Front suspension None
Rear suspension Preload
Front brake 230mm disc
Rear brake 230mm disc
Front tyre size 90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size 140/80 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 37 mpg
Annual road tax £84
Annual service cost £170
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 9 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 47 bhp
Max torque 32 ft-lb
Top speed 105 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 15.2 secs
Tank range 150 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1991-1998: Kawasaki KLE500 made around 50bhp with its ex-GPZ500S motor. Amazingly uncomfortable seat.
2005: Kawasaki KLE500 reintroduced with a weaker performance and the same bone-like seat.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI KLE500 (1991 - 2007)

18 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI KLE500 (1991 - 2007) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KAWASAKI KLE500 (1991 - 2007)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 3.6 out of 5 (3.6/5)
Engine: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Equipment: 3.1 out of 5 (3.1/5)
Annual servicing cost: £170
4 out of 5 juliankaminski2005@gmail.com
07 May 2024 by kle 500 rider

Year: 1992

Good beginner bike

Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5

off road the bike is very rattily and the suspension is so soft its basically pointless.The brakes are ok in my option for a 500 they should be better, my tdr 125 had better brakes and was more comfortable.

Engine 4 out of 5

The bike is fast but not too fast in my option its perfect I would like a bit more of bottom end power.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Had this bike for 8k kms bike has over 60km on the clock only problems to mention is the auto tension needs adjusting every so often but that's pretty simple and air filter is a foam one which needs regular cleaning and its hard to get to, but with minimal maintenance this bike will run forever but bike. My bike is ridden fairly hard on off-road and on road never broke down only a flat tire.Also the exhaust rusts really easy.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Bike is very cheap for what is it I bought mine for 1300 euro and its prefect other than the high mileage but the fuel consumption is awful worse than my 2 stroke tdr and many other bikes I owned on a fuel tank I average around 180kms.

Equipment 3 out of 5

would be nice to have a fuel gauge especially with such a high fuel consumption. I have nearly ran out of fuel too many times to count and fully ran out twice.

Buying experience: bought used

4 out of 5 Functional reliable, Zero bragging rights
02 May 2023 by Mycos

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £50

Much better than the “professional” reviews would have you believe. Good beginner bike that can withstand many adventures without worry of breaking down. Maintenance is cheap and easy.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

They work. Not particularly powerful but well suited to light and off road / green lanes.

Engine 4 out of 5

Not that powerful, characterful or efficient. But it won’t let you down when you are in the middle of nowhere. For me reliability is primary concern.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Never broken down or given one bit of trouble. 20years old with 50k on the clock. Nothing but basic maintenance is needed.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Annual service if done yourself will be less than £50 Fuel economy isn’t amazing but not so bad it’s a problem. If pushed at higher speeds it does drink, around 60mph it’s pretty good. Gravel tracks and light off road is where it’s in its element.

Equipment 3 out of 5

It has indicators, There are no features.. lol.

Buying experience: Private sale. £1500

5 out of 5 It may suit you
08 December 2021 by Pieter Loftus

Year: 2007

I put 119000km on a KLE400. Most of it on gravel, the rest commuting 50km a day. I sold it in perfect condition – never needed an engine overhaul, no major repairs (apart from the huge prang off a cliff). When I had the opportunity to buy another, I tested everything in that range and bought a KLE500. I think that says it all. I found it quite comfy. Drove 6 -7 hour drives with a few brakes many times. Yes if you compare technicalities, it does not come out tops, It is not the fastest. To me however it is about what I like. Do I really want to win with specs or do I want a smile on my face, can I pick the bike up from the mud and ride on and does it ALWAYS bring me to the next place…

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes - Could be better. I love the seat.

Engine 4 out of 5

Lovely engine - more power? Only for those who want it. For its purpose though, I feel it is enough.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

It just never breaks. Service it well. Change the oil more than necessary and it keeps going.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Living in South Africa - parts are expensive and scarce

Equipment 3 out of 5

How about a petrol gauge?! Geeze in this century that should be possible?

4 out of 5 Rules
18 July 2020 by Rule

Year: 2006

Brilliant small engined tourer and easy going. Easy to ride for all skill levels. Good tyres allow the bike to be pushed and can upset a lot of faster bikes when the going gets twisty. Comfortable max cruising speed 80mph at me being 1.73m

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Cheap suspension is obvious if going fast. Braking is only just acceptable for fast road riding but perfect for greenlaning.

Engine 4 out of 5

Bullet proof. Fast enough. Vibe free. Bit thirsty over 75mph.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Nothing breaks and very easy to maintain. Frame has started showing some rust at 13yo and 30k.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

I do all my own maintenance so costs are not relative to shop prices.

Equipment 2 out of 5

Absolute basics. But it all works and does not break. Better handlebars are recommended. Better footpegs if you are greenlaning. Plastics are not enduro type so break easily off road.

Buying experience: Private purchase. £1500 advertised. Paid 1500 in 2018.

4 out of 5 Rule's KLE
18 June 2020 by Rule

Year: 2006

The best quality: Do-it-all daily ride and occasional weekend green laning. The worst quality: The seat is only good for about 25min of riding.The original handlebars are too rigid. fit braceless bars and remove the buzz from motorway speeds.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Front brake is too weak. Ride quality is very good except for the original seat.

Engine 4 out of 5

Fast, torquey. Power tails off after 85mph.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

After 27.000mls corrosion is showing on the frame and had 2 flat tyres. Nothing else has gone wrong at all.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Home servicing only. Thirsty on fuel when ridden with gusto.

Equipment 2 out of 5

As basic as you can get. Favourite tyres: Heidenau K60 Long life, grippy and genuinely off road capable

Buying experience: Private buy. £1250 in 2017

5 out of 5 seriously underrated
07 May 2018 by Hairyrickdgw

Year: 1992

The most fun you can have on or off-road on a small bike.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Only 4 stars because the front brake is not up to much but the handling is superb, especially if you fit anchee tyres. Regularly scrape bits off the centre stand!

Engine 5 out of 5

So much better than the big singles, average circa 60+mpg on the original full power bike. Easily able to keep up with sports bikes through the twisties. Later bikes with detuned engine will do up to 75mpg but have less grunt.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Two faults with a KLE: The magnets come off the rotors, but a replacement is available from Electrex. Second, the swing arms rot from the inside, no paint.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Needs a centre stand which you can buy as an extra from Motorrad.

Buying experience: Crap MCN review means the bikes are seriously underrated and thus cheaper to buy. A good early KLE500 with full power can be picked up for under £1k.

4 out of 5 Overly Satisfied
15 September 2016 by Bono

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £60

The engine is rather dull and the off road capabilities mostly limited, but it's an honest bike that is supposed to perform fairly to all conditions

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Vibration prevents long distance trips

Engine 3 out of 5

The engine is quite dull

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Some tiny rust spots appeared in exhaust, in just after two years, apart from tha,t no burden.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: I bought it when local dealership offered it as a promotion 30% lower than the new at the time Versys.

4 out of 5
03 March 2016 by kostas

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £200

very nice bike. value for money

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 A little gem
30 October 2015 by ranorthe

Year: 1991

Annual servicing cost: £150

Hugely underrated. I sold a 2004 VStrom 650 to buy my 1991 KLE500 and it's better in every respect. It's lighter and much simpler and just as quick.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Rides very well, long travel suspension and 21" front wheel soak up the potholes and it goes pretty well off road to. Could be viewed as a tad underbraked if ridden hard.

Engine 5 out of 5

A little gem.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

No problems, fit and finish about on par for 1990's give it a going over with the ACF50 and it'll be fine. I've knocked one star off for the mild steel exhaust which needs bi-annual welding to the collector. But to be fair most 1990s bikes had mild steel exhausts.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Absolute peanuts to run. A spin on oil filter is £7, the air filter is washable and screw and locknut tappets can be adjusted in your garage with no need for shims or special tools. There's no need to ever take the KLE to a dealer for service.

Equipment 4 out of 5

One star off because I'd like a temperature gauge, rather than just a warning light.

4 out of 5
08 June 2015 by HM

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £400

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 KLE 2009
20 September 2013 by

I've just rode around the UK coastline for charity, 3820 miles roughly in two weeks. There were three of us; the others had a Suzuki Bandit and a new 2013 Triumph Sprint GT both with panniers. Whilst they have a quick pick up on the open roads the KLE smashed them on all other roads from twistys to narrow B-roads, it loved Applecross pass in the highlands, I had to keep slowing down for the others to catch up lol. I didn’t have panniers, just a bag strapped to the back which helped me whip through tight spaces, i.e. hedges and cars around corners!. We were also accompanied by other riders along the way, one had a new Triumph Tiger, I kept up with him without any effort. When I bought it 3 months ago the first thing I did with it was to get an OS map and find some green lanes to see what it was capable off, an hour later I was climbing a muddy hill the local farmer said 'you'll never get up there with that thing snigger' ha! Proved him wrong didn’t I. First time off-road too. It’s simple, no gimmicks like abs blah blah blah, you can make this bike what you want. I'm thinking about Africa at the moment and would be very comfortable taking around the world. I do totally recommend upgrading the lights and reupholstering the seat for long days in the saddle. The trip I've just done, I did drop it a lot due to being knackered but it’s tough as old boots and nothing’s scratched or broke, fitted crash bars but that’s it, awesome bike. See Zen Overland for your Ali panniers, getting my own design made for £250 a pair, yes please.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 2008 KLE 500
24 September 2012 by kevberlin

I nearly dismissed the KLE as a bike option because of the MCN review. I am glad I did not. An old codger told me they were cracking bikes available at sensible money. As soon as I saw one, I liked it as it was different, and to my mind, quite handsome. It stands out from the crowd you might say. I had tried the g650gs and the v strom. The Beemer disappointed while the v strom was good, but somewhat boring. When I rode the Kwak, it's 500 engine reminded of the v strom. There is no clock, centre stand or petrol gauge. The standard seat is awful as it continually threw me forwards into the tank and compromised the otherwise commanding riding position. Other than that I found it be be a little stunner. Great riding position with wide bars. Plenty of go for my needs and easy to ride and steer. It's one of those bikes you should never want to put your feet down at low speed. Handling is fun and the motor sounds great if you open it up. Maintenance is easy and cheap. Mine returns an average of 70mpg. It's good for motorway and local town riding. While he tank is small, I can still do over 200 miles before hitting reserve. Friends have been surprised by it and it has many admirers when I park up. Fifty pounds spent on resulting the seat has sorted that little issue easily. In summary, a cracking bike for very sensible money. Its a bit like owning a grown up CG 125. Cheap transport with plenty of fun. Don't be put off by the MCN review. I think it is nonsense!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 2 out of 5
4 out of 5 tHUMPERACE
28 March 2012 by tHUMPERACE

I have done 123000km on my KLE500 (1994 model) in Africa,tank is a bit small for the long haul but still over 200km comfortably. It is NOT an uncomfortable bike, in fact I think very comfortable!Smooth and fast enough for touring, but also reasonable in the dirt.Certainly knocks the shit out of a BMW GS650 AND a lot cheaper!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 Great dual purpose bike
11 August 2011 by Throttled

MCN's terrible review of the KLE500 meant I dismissed it as a possible first big bike. That was until I saw one in the flesh and had a chance to ride it. The ride is soft, but I find that very comfortable. I find the handling is fine, but it is not a sports bike and I am not a speed freak. The brakes are not brilliant, MCN got that right. It will sit at 70mph on the motorwway perfectly happily. What it beats many other bikes hands down is coping with bad weather. Its low centre of gravity, wide handlebars and big wheels with dual purpose tyres mean you can ride in rain like there is none there. It is well equiped. I disagree about the discomfort of the saddle, it is not as bad as MCN make out, but I have added a gel seat pad. I am tall, so will eventually get the bigger screen as the standard one puts the air right into my face. Mine is 6 years old and apart from some pitting on the spokes people think it is brand new. There is no doubt that this bike, with a coat of protectorant spray will last for a long time. As a second hand bike it is very good value indeed. The engine is nosy and vibrates a lot and has limited performance. But it is in a lower tax band than most and by reputation is very reliable. I have no idea how MCN only got 35mpg out of it. I can only assume they drove it like it is a sports bike and want it to be a sports bike. Without trying I get 55mpg around town. I love its road presence due to its height and mean looking headlights. I have had cars pull in to let me passed where on the other bikes I have ridden they would have ignored me. Overall, as an analogy I would say that as the the BMW GS1200 is the Landrover Discovery of dual purpose bikes, the KLE500 is the Suzuki Jimny. Tough, cheap, characterful and capable of embarrassing much more exotic competition.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 KLE A1-A5
04 November 2009 by sdv9r

I have two of these kle's and one is standard, it's soft and bouncy with a crap front brake very low rear end and not the best thing to ride but not unpleasant. Now the other is completely different and has re-worked suspension front and rear, with gpz 500 wheels and good brakes but it keeps its standard looks as well as engine and exhaust and in this format makes riding a kle so much fun but i digress . It's engine is heavy for a twin but very reliable, this year i have covered 22.000 miles without a hick-up. Seating position is good but the seat can be bum numbing on motorways, with heated grips and a rack to boot value for money it's right in the ball park although it's big downfall for me is the finish, over time it starts to look tatty.If you are tall'ish and want good mpg bike that's a bit different (looks like it can do more than it can)this is for you. A word of warning don't travel over soft ground as the ground clearance is bad and if they get stuck they are heavy to drag out. Have fun.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 1 out of 5
2 out of 5 Budget bike but so uncomfortable
29 September 2008 by paulwt

I purchased the KLE 500 as my return to biking. I was attracted by the size (I am quite tall) and price (£2,750 new). I found the bike a little top heavy but soon got used to that. It was certainly powerful enough for me and the styling was great but that is a personal thing. On the downside the seat wasn't long enough for a pillion and I ended up placing a pad onto the rack for the pillion to move back onto slightly. Also the front brake was very poor and caused a few heart stopping moments. But what finally did it for me was the seat. I could not believe how uncomfortable it could get. I tried cushions and pads to no avail and after one 4 day tour of the UK I eventually gave up and sold the bike. Shame really as other than the seat I would proably have liked the bike a lot. I am sure sintered pads and new brake hoses would ahve cured the front brake problem.

Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
3 out of 5 Budget Big Bike
29 March 2007 by turneri

I have to say that the KLE500 is a reasonable tool for commuting and Sunday rides into the country, and for the price it does what it says on the tin. However, it does have soggy front suspension that dives dramatically under braking, the brakes are a little too weak and unresponsive... and as for the seat, well I last about an hour on it before my bum goes to sleep and I have to get off an walk around a bit! I've found the performance to be adequate for my needs (I'm only a nervous newbie) and the economy is actually very good, as is the rediculously cheap insurance! So in summary, a great bike for those new to bigger bikes or those who want a general hack that does all the things you need it to in a reliable manner. Certainly no superbike, but you wouldn't want a trailie in that case anyway would you...?

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 2 out of 5
4 out of 5 Reliable and fun
10 March 2007 by muthaf9cka

This bike may not be to everyone's taste, but it's cheap, reliable and can be good fun if you wring it's neck. Naturally, if you're used to Fireblades and ZZR1400s, then 47 bhp isn't going to set the world alight, but if you live in London and only get outside of London occasionally, then it's near perfect. I travelled to Monza and back on mine and it never missed a bit or let me down. Good for pillions and the seat actually softens up considerably after a few thousand miles. Also, the wide bars mean you can just chuck around corners. The only criticisms I have are the crappy front brakes, the stock tyres and it's a bit thirsty. Other than that, a pretty good bike.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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