KLE 500 Restrictors. Where are they located?
 

Hi there. I have been reading a lot about people talking about "restrictors" in their KLE 500 bikes. They apparently limit the enjine to 33HP. I am assuming they are on the newer model KLE's, '05 onwards.

I have a '07 model and was wondering if mine has one.

QUESTIONS:

1) What are they?
2) Where are they located?
3) Can it be removed? Has someone attemted to remove it?
4) Will it make a great differance if it can be removed?

Thanx
SPYE :confused1:

These shouldn't be restricted from new.

If you pass your standard test in the UK you are restricted to 33hp for the 1st 2 years (its a very stupid idea) restricting can be done in different ways but on the KLE its just a pair of washers in the intake manifolds which takes the diameter down to 20.5mm thus limiting the power. As tedmagnum has said they won't be present on a new bike.

As for making a difference 0-60 on a 33hp kle is about 8 secs on a 50hp KLE its about 5.3secs

Kawasaki KLE 500 1992 Specs and Photos
Kawasaki KLE 500 2001 Specs and Photos

Thanx for the info, that clears that up. What I am trying to exactly figure out is what changes did Kawasaki do to the post 2005 model to to de-tune it from around 50HP to the present 44HP. Besides the exhaust, were there any carb/cam or ignition changes? My ultimate goal is to at least return it to the 50HP mark.

Cheers
SPYE

I think its just the exhaust thats detuned it to 44hp 3 cats for a 500cc bike seems a bit excessive as for getting it to 50hp you will need to either remove the cats from the downpipes or buy new ones with no cats not just replace the end can

you may find this useful
Technologie & Ecologie : Tuning 500 KLE

Thats interesting. I have always heard rumours of cats. in each header downpipe. Has anyone tried to remove them yet? You dont have any exact jetting specs for the older full power KLE 500?

Sorry don't have any jet specs for the older kle i'm guessing its still #92/95 like the newer ones maybe someone else can chip in

Here in South Africa you can ride a '09 170HP Yamaha R1 at 17 years old on a Learners Licence. Can you beleive it!

Its stupid really a 22year old can do a direct access test and ride anything they want and clock up 3000miles a year only on bright sunny days
whereas i'm restricted to 33hp (got licence at 17) do about 13000miles a year and ride in all weather including the icey spell we had in the UK a few months ago.
Now who is more experienced and capable of riding a high power bike?