KLE500

[c-m]

Is it really that bad?

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Kawasaki/Kawasaki-KLE500-2005-current/

It uses the GPZ500 engine, but about 12BHP less, weights nearly 20KG more, and returns only 37MPG?

Either the review is wrong, or Kawasaki really produced a shitter.

[Irn-Bru]

It's not great. I've got a '97 one and it's not that bad on fuel, around 50mpg. Very heavy, slow, poor brakes, low tank range, ugly etc. I suppose on the plus side they are cheap and reliable. The most dull bike I've had so far and not really that comfortable either.
____________________
KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[gdj444]

I had the newer shape one (2005) for a year, virtually the same mechanically as the older one with a bit jazzier body work. I really liked it but it depends what you want to use it for. I rode the bumpy (very) back roads of Devon and it was perfect for that, tall, soaked up the bumps and very easy to ride, I did a few trips and it would bimble along quite happily at 70ish but wasn't that keen on going much above 80 and could be a bit buzzy, the seat is not the most comfy but not the worst when you get used to it.

Very reliable but I would say the build quality ain't great so avoid rusty ones if possible, unfortunately mine developed a gearbox fault and I sold it on and bought a fazer 600, but had it not gone wrong I definitely would have kept it and would buy another one, as long as it was the right price and condition.

Jonesy

[cdlxxvi]

tl;dr: It is OK, would buy again. I bought mine almost a year and 4k miles ago only because I wanted a tall bike, 2007 model with 20k miles on the clock now.

Cons:
- Narrow, uncomfortable seat. Numb bum after 2-3 hours.
- Rusts.

+-
* Big softie. Comfy ride on poor roads, but dives deeply under braking. Then again, I developed a habit of braking gently and early.
* Not a rocket ship. Nippy enough if you are not into licence-threatening speeds.
* Average 60mpg over 4k miles.

Pros:
+ Tall, so suitable for my large self, nice upright position, good visibility.
+ Rock solid reliable. So far it needed only the number plate bulb. Spent long weeks under cover outside during winter, after which started 1st time without charging battery etc.
+ Luggage rack as standard.
+ Somehow likeable. The looks grew on me (especially compared with the Versys's bug-eyed snout), it has a nice gurgling sound at low revs, because of the vibrating twin and footwork required (you have to change gears a lot to keep it moving) I feel that I am riding.

Off for an evening ride now, in fact.