Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
Another new KLE 500 Another new KLE 500
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Kawasaki Tech Kawasaki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Kawasaki riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Sep 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 3
Another new KLE 500
Hey all,

Just bought a 2006 KLE 500 and took it for her maiden voyage today. I only got my learners licence today so the only thing I'd ridden before was a Honda CB250 when doing my pre learners competency assesment.

My KLE 500's only got 1,960km on the clock and no modifications. I'll probably invest in a givi box or panniers in the future as I'll use the bike to commute to work and maybe on weekends away.

I did notice that the engine feels a bit lumpy and isn't as smooth as the CB250 when going through the rev range. Is this just standard for this engine or could it be the engine's out of tune? It sounds a bit like a old VW beetle dak dak or single pot 650 bike.
Attached Images
 
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Sep 2008
royzx7r's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Liverpool UK
Posts: 225
they all sound like that, kawasaki's always have had a rougher sound due to the way the spark plugs fire.

Welcome to the forum, lots of info on here for you.


Regards
Roy
__________________
"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Sep 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: northern ireland
Posts: 15
nice bike is that a different seat???
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Sep 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 3
Stock seat as far as I know. It might just be the way the light is hitting it.

The seat is comfortable enough, but after 4 hours on the bike this afternoon my butt was begging to go back to the couch for a rest.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 20
Sorry to hijack the thread but here's my new (well 56 plate) KLE. Stock apart from Scottoiler.

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Sep 2008
john_aero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 111
does anyone else notice the vibes from the fairing though when accelerating, especially the screen and sun visor over the instruments?
__________________
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Brisbane Aussie
Posts: 32
vibes
The vibes can be fixed by relocating the foam support underneath the instrument cluster using double sided tape. One of the guys on here has mentioned this so just relaying it. hope it helps.

Stevo nice bike I have the 07, last model. If you get a rear rack such as ventura, I'd advise not to get the ventura "tapered" bag I was told if I want the rack i have to buy the bag as a package. Long story short the bag is a pain to get any thing in and out of due to the small opening..... but hey it's 50 ltrs I use it as my work bag and bought a motodry bag for trips (had to mod the rack to suit the motordry bag).

You'll have a ball on it, It handles fast dirt rds well but the tyres let it down abit and the soft front feels abit hazardous when braking.
I'm doin a trip with another KLE owner in August next year.....Bring it on.
You'll find you'll soon have a list you want for it....I do!
Goodluck Mick
__________________
Fun begins when the bitumin ends!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Sep 2008
john_aero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 111
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keater View Post
The vibes can be fixed by relocating the foam support underneath the instrument cluster using double sided tape. One of the guys on here has mentioned this so just relaying it. hope it helps.
ya will try this at weekend as it gets annoying at the best of times
__________________
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 49
Welcome to the site. There is a lot of useful info in here.

The weather is getting warmer in Sydney so we can get rid of the winter linings and start enjoying the summer rides.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 22 Sep 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keater View Post
If you get a rear rack such as ventura, I'd advise not to get the ventura "tapered" bag I was told if I want the rack i have to buy the bag as a package. Long story short the bag is a pain to get any thing in and out of due to the small opening..... but hey it's 50 ltrs I use it as my work bag and bought a motodry bag for trips (had to mod the rack to suit the motordry bag).
I ended up buying a 29 litre RJays top box. The box fits my jacket, pants and gloves and I use the helmet hook on the side of the bike if I don't want to carry all my gear. The only problem I have is swinging the leg over now is a bit harder with the box in the way. I just had to drill 4 holes in the luggage rack to fit it and it hasn't made the bike feel any different to ride which is good.

I thought most of the Ventura bags attached with velcro and occy straps? I didn't realise you had to have a special rack.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Brisbane Aussie
Posts: 32
Bags
Quote:
Originally Posted by steve-o View Post
.

I thought most of the Ventura bags attached with velcro and occy straps? I didn't realise you had to have a special rack.

I only wanted to buy the rack and get a bag I wanted, but had to buy the package The tapered bag design slides over the rack and another bag can be zipped to it. It's a good concept just the bag is a pain as it doesnt open well and has a "halve moon" shape entry when it's open...... I've since just started using my Motodry bag as it's easier to get into. It has the velcro and straps which takes longer to put on and off the bike but I'd rather that than piss fart around trying to get stuff in and out of the bag. M2c
__________________
Fun begins when the bitumin ends!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:47.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top