KLE500 questions

johnymst · L Plate Warrior Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Karma :

Hi guys,

So I viewed 2007 KLE500 today and after a good research, I have decided to go with that model and make.

The one I viewed is in great condition, I had 3 bikes before and done the work on them myself (suzukis) but never had any Kawa so I am posting my question here:

The bike I want to buy is currently on 58k km. Having checked the forks, sprockets, chain and suspension it seems to be great. Idle is perfect and no backfires. Carbs look clean and engine has no scratches except the usual ones.

Is 58k km high for KLE500? specially from 2007? I really like it and it really seems in good condition but I do not want it blowing on me after a month :@

Meatybeaty · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Apr 2016 Karma :

Hi John what price is he asking Thumbs Up

johnymst · L Plate Warrior Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Meatybeaty · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Apr 2016 Karma :

Hi works out about £1360 Thumbs Up

johnymst · L Plate Warrior Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Karma :

yeah something like that. it's the cheapest online in sydney area currently but also the highest km done. owner seems to be trustworthy too.

Meatybeaty · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Apr 2016 Karma :

Yeh seems a decent price for UK , but dunno the OZ market, maybe wait for someone else to give you a verdict Thumbs Up

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Most of the problems they have are down to rust, not such a problem down under.

I'm resurrecting my one after being sat for 6 years and it's in a fucking state. Red rusty all over. The tanks tend to spring a leak down near the stupid petrol tap and there are no viable alternatives. A shame, because they are pretty small too, a larger replacement would be handy.

Some people hate the riding position so make sure you've actually sat on one. Seat isn't terribly comfy but is improved vastly by a sheepskin.

Check the unitrack bushes (prop the back end off the road so the swingarm is hanging free, check for vertical play by lifting the rear wheel up).

It's a detuned EX500 motor with a coaster enricher on the carbs. If they have one fault it's cam wear if oil changes are neglected.

They tend to develop a bottom-end clatter with age, it's just primary chain noise.

58,000km is starting to get a bit old in UK terms, maybe time to start thinking about fitting a new camchain? (you can measure them to check for wear) That said, most bikes in the UK die due to terminal chassis rot rather than engine failure. Second hand motorcycles in Australia actually have time to wear out. The engine in my KLE has done about 70k miles (115k km).

A mate of mine agrees it would be a great bike for in Australia. You can't speed much anyway so it's plenty quick enough, it's got enough offroading ability to take it along dirt roads in comfort (and fit appropriate tyres) and the twin engine is far smoother and more comfortable to sit at highway speeds for long distances than the single cylinder bikes. Little screen keeps the worst of the wind off.

Not really a very capable offroad bike, it's pretty heavy an would be a sod to drag out of a ditch. You don't really want to be dropping it either, mine fell off the stand and fucked the gearbox.

Also consider a transalp (which is what my mate bought in the end because the KLE was too uncomfortable for him).
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.