KLE 400 To buy or not to buy?
 

Hi,

Can anyone please give me some advice on their experience with the KLE 400. I'm interested in buying a dual purpose type bike and I can get a '94 KLE400 on a private deal. What must I look out for, what is a good price to pay, how powerful is it comparing to the KLE500 and KLR650, what topspeed is it capable of. I weigh 85kg and is about 1.8m tall, will the bike be comfortable on and off-road. I will really appreciate any info and advice

Buddy
South Africa

Hi,

I have an 94 KLE400, and I'm satisfied with it, I can say that I have a custom exhaust, not the original one and is more powerful than KLE500 with stock exhaust. And new models of KLE500 that have catalyzed exhaust are not as powerful as KLE500 from 92-98 or even 99. Standard power for kle 400 from 94 is 31kw as it is in papers (mine says so). But with a custom exhaust or a sport one you release some extra horse power, a good air filter and spark plugs can bring more horse power.

The only problem with KLE 400 are spare parts in countries where is not sold that model .... even if more than 90% of replacement parts are same as for KLE500, is hard to find kawa codes for them. But once you have the codes you can go at any dealer and ask for those parts. Maybe for cylinders you will have to find an importer from Japan.

94 KLE has a top speed of 160km/h ... but you can go around 130-140 km/h. Is not different in design of kle500 so what other people said here about kle is true for kle 400. It has only a few kg less than kle500.

If you want more off-road the klr is more suitable, if you want more touring than the kle is perfect for touring and a little off-road even with passenger and luggage. If you dream for hard-enduro - go for ktm, yamaha wr or other bikes.

Hi,

Thanks a lot for the info, I sold my previous bike 16 years ago so I'm basically new in this biking game again and will need all the help and advice I can get.
I bought the bike on Saturday after speaking to a local importer and bikeshop owner, he is positive that he can get me any part on the bike but also assured me if you maintain it properly it will last you for years.
The bike needs a bit of TLC and cleaning and the clock says 21 670km, I hope it is right. I will start with cleaning and a good service then I will probably replace the stock exhaust.
Will send you a photo soon.

Cheers
Buddy

good luck in your cleaning and if you need any advice here are some guys who know what they are talking about.

have fun with your new bike :mchappy:

Hello to Buddy
 

Hello Buddy where abouts are you? Nicki and myself are in CT. Let us know how the bike goes. Check out the technical thread started by Kumuya. Lots of tips in there. I blew a hole in a piston on my 400, and got a piston through biker toys within a week. So the parts are available. If you go to Kawasaki for parts, like indicator lights, side panels etc. just tell them you have a 500. They are quite full of shit because you dared to buy a grey import. Good luck and enjoy. Go to widdog.za.net for some trip info. Lots of buddies there as well.

Regards

Hi there Buddy, please see this post: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-10#post161394

Show us a piccie of that bike man!:thumbup1:

Wherein ZA are you?

Hi Pleco

I stay in the Northern Suburbs, Cape Town. I really started to enjoy the bike but then......:confused1:
I took it in to Biker Toyz to adjust the play on the neck bearings and to diagnose a noise from the right hand side of the motor when revving it.
They informed me that the primary chain and guides must be replaced :( which means the motor needs to be taken out etc. Can you perhaps recommend anyone or advise what I must do, I have worked on car engines but don't want to attempt to do this on my own. Can you please advise :helpsmilie:

Thanks
Buddy

KLE probs
 

Hello Buddy.

First take the bike to Jurgen of Le Cap. He is in edgemead.

Phone him, and make an appointment. 072 259 0009

After that, give me a shout again, and lets see what we can arrange. 079 522 8937

Regards