Kawasaki KLE 500

[Irn-Bru]

First bike since selling the KTM last August, quite a downgrade and not really my kind of bike but my dad doesn't use it anymore (it's done 1,500 miles miles the past 5 years he's owned it ), so it'll do for now Not a bad bike, but the brakes are rubbish and the screen does a great job of directing all the wind directly into my helmet Here's a few pics:

https://i.imgur.com/LCZpLVx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nOzkTFt.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ZvyMjG9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XS49VZ4.jpg

Previous owner did drop it, my dad got it resprayed white and they did a crap job of it tbh but I don't mind. Will need a full service soon as it's never really been touched. P-reg & 17K miles, this is my service goodies so far, just waiting on the braided brake lines to arrive:

https://i.imgur.com/3ljWCBy.jpg
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[Alpha-9]

I quite like it, except for the purple fork protectors

Not seen one of them before
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Fzr-600 1999

[Irn-Bru]

Aye these bikes had some funky colour schemes on the early models, the fork gaiters were next on the to-do list for my dad but I can't be bothered with changing them

Braided lines just came though the post just now Should make a huge difference, they did on my DRZ anyway.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[Alpha-9]

[Irn-Bru]

They're rubber brake lines as usual, but they are surrounded by steel mesh, so where standard lines will bulge under braking these do not, so more pressure goes to the calliper which = more braking force. They do look nice too. I had them on my DRZ and they made a massive difference. You're meant to change brake lines every 4 years or so as the rubber ages it bulges a lot more, I think this 16 year old bike is still on the it's stock lines
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[stevo as b4]

I would have personally gone for sintered metal HH pads for the front brake if it's a stainless steel disc, as every bike I've had with organic pads has been massively improved by fitting sintered pads. You pay for it with reduced disc life, but that's a small price to pay for good brakes!

I wonder what the KLE500 would be like with a 17" supermoto wheel conversion, and the engine tuned back up to the 60bhp of the GPZ. I imagine it would be pretty fun to ride and an easy project too!

[Irn-Bru]

Meh it's too heavy for supermoto wheels 180KG dry, but I read getting the engine to 60hp isn't too hard at all really, GPZ cams, exhaust & carb rejet. I miss supermotos though, the extra weight of this bike is quite noticeable compared to my previous bikes. Once the funds are available I'd love another 690
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[Irn-Bru]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/484357_10200827770602549_39295315_n.jpg

Would DRZ wheels fit a KLE?
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[drzsta]

I still can't get my head round the fact you SOLD your 690


Even my bed would go before the SMC! And there are next to no used examples for sale ATM

[Supermoto_Fan]

[Irn-Bru]

Really? I think it looks ugly but my mate has a DRZ that is currently engineless so I could possibly borrow his SM wheels to see how it is with 17's on.

[Dischord]

[Irn-Bru]

There was a 2010 SMC with an akrapovic slip-on about 10 miles from me that sold for £4,900. It had 270 miles on the clock. 270. If only I had the money I suppose it was for the best, I don't want a minter but that bike was a bargain and a half.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[Vracktal]

It's good to know there's at least a few decent condition KLE-500s out there!

Also I believe some of the older ZX-7 swingarms can bolt on to the KLE and mean it can support rear tyres up to 180/50/17 (But this is based on junkyard measurements so don't take my word for it yet.)
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2007 BMW R1200R: On road
2009 BMW G650X Challenge: On road
1975 Norton Commando 850: Off road, awaiting recommissioning

[Nexus Icon]

I actually think they're better looking than the Versys even if the Versys is a better bike.
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Greetings from Shitsville!

[Irn-Bru]

Meh, it looks ok from the side and back but the front is a bit minging and the purple fork gaiters don't help. It's definitely a good bike though, does everything you ask it.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM