New wheels!

[Mister James]

Well, I've finally decided to buy something to replace my dearly-departed Fazer, to keep me safe on the daily commute until my fat compensation cheque comes winging my way and I can buy something with a bit of stomp.

I've gone for a KLE500, as I figure it will give me a few years service as a decent commuter, without me worrying too much about mucking up a shiny bike like the Fazer. Thanks to Carlnicholsony2k for his advice, as well as Stinkwheel, who's also unwittingly sung the bike's praises on occasion.

I've bought new, as usual (2nd hand nazis can keep schtum - I'm well aware I lose money blah blah blah, I just like buying new, ok? Someone has to, so that all you lot can cash in!) and took it for a gentle spin this evening.

Gentle, because the bike is being broken in, and because I am broken down!

First impressions were that it's very tall, untill I put my full weight on it and depressed the suspension, I was worried about whether I'd be able to get my feet on the ground! As a result, visibility is good, helped by decent lights and an upright position.

The seat is very comfortable, although I'm struggling a bit with getting my leg over, (oh-err missus etc!) no doubt a combination of torn muscles, broken bones and over-exertion at work and the gym. Once in motion, both the seat and the suspension are very plush, although the fork dive seems excessive at times - something I'm probably going to have to get used to with these off-road styled bikes.

Engine is the same as in the ER5 I did my DAS on, so it is remarkably familiar, especially as I took it out on a few of the roads I trained on. It's a little agricultural, but it makes a lovely noise when revved, much more brutal than the Fazers girly (but more powerful) scream.

Brakes seem a little weak, but that's probably a combination of new pads/new tyres/riding a bike again, rather than a scooter, so I'll give them time. Seems to be much less chance of locking them than on the much fiercer Yamaha jobbies.

I quite like the styling, while I realise it's barely changed for years, it looks quite pukka, and my little brother things it's cool. It's not pretending to be a race-rep like the Fazer, so perhaps people will cut it a little bit more slack. I just like the fact that it's got a fair bit of road presence - hopefully it will deterr eastern european ladies from trying to kill me.
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>Soultrader Mister James, I bet you are a copper
>Bazza Wow. Eyes like a shithouse rat, you...

[phantomtek]

Lovely bike mate, and good to see you back on two wheels again, I know it can't have been easy.



EDIT:

[McGee]

You got her then mate Awesome and congrats.

Enjoy her
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◙◙► K6 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 1000 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► 96 RF600r ◄◙◙
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Its pronounced Jixxer!

[Mister James]

[phantomtek]

[McGee]

One of you record your bike so I can hear it

You show me yours.

Ill show you mine
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◙◙► K6 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 1000 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► 96 RF600r ◄◙◙
◄◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙►◄◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙►◄◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙►
Its pronounced Jixxer!

[veeeffarr]

Hey Mr James!

Can't belive I almost missed this post

You're an inspiration for us all.

Good work on the bike (Keep the second hand market going! ) and here's to a speedy recovery.

GWS.

T

[Mister James]

[Andy C]

its a V-twin 500 isnt it? Well if t anything like the V-Twin in the SV i find the best sound (probably need a aftermarket can to get full benifit) is slowing down and makes like lovly sound, cant really discibe it.

Any also when you come of the throttle a tiny bit it makes a tiny gurgle sort of (my explanation for both are very bad i think)

Have fun with it, looks nice
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99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

[Delvard]

Nothing wrong there, nice looking bike.

Found the spec incase anyone is interested.....

Specifications
Maximum Horsepower 50HP, 36.8KW @ 8,500 rpm
Maximum Torque 4.6 kg-m, 33.3 ft-lb @ 7,000 rpm
Minimum Turning Radius 2.4m, 94.5 in
Length 2,215 mm, 87.20 in
Width 880 mm, 34.65 in
Height 1,220 mm, 48.03 in
Wheelbase 1,510 mm, 59.45 in
Road Clearance 180 mm, 7.09 in
Seat Height 885 mm, 34.84 in
Dry Weight 178 kg, 392 ib
Engine Type DOHC, 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, liquid cooled
Displacement 498 cc
Bore x Stroke 74.0 x 58.0 mm, 2.91 x 2.28 in
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Starting System Electric starter
Carburetors Keihin CVK34 x 2
Ignition System Battery and coil (Transistorized ignition)
Transmission Type 6 speed, constant mesh, return shift
Clutch Type Wet, multi disc
Driving System Chain drive
Fuel Capacity 15.0/2.0 lt, 3.3/0.44 gal
Top Speed 176 Km/H, 110 mph

https://www.fuzzyspace.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/KLE500.html



Andy
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A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.