 |
|
18 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: northern ireland
Posts: 15
|
|
|
Kle 500 Should I???
hi there im thomas and im new to this! i ride a varadero 125!
rite basically im 19 bout to do my test in a month and looking for my bike!
take all into consideration
1. im 6ft 1
2. intend to travel europe next summer for 3-4 weeks 
3. will be goin possible 5-6 trips to and from northern ireland and mainland each year
4. bike may sit in garage for long spells i.e not ridden!
rite got that rant out of the way!
now problems i hear bout the KLE!
1. rust on frame and exhaust
2. slow
3. accessories hard to find!
i personally like the look and idea of the kle 500 but can anyone advise me!
cheers
|
18 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: the haque, the Netherlands
Posts: 127
|
|
|
rust: some on the exhaust, espacialy where it joins the silencer. but as far as i can see none on the frame.
Slow: allroads bikes are never very fast. there just not made to be.
accesorries hard to find: true, but you'll be amazed by what you can make yourself, adapt from other bikes or by what you simply don't need.
The KLE is a rugged, cheap, easy to maintain yourself allroad. and i thinks its a ideal first bike. you'll probably love it.
|
18 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: ENGLAND
Posts: 23
|
|
|
Thomas, As all KLE owners will tell you - for the price and running costs it is a good machine, bargain even. The finish may not be quiet up to the standards of some of the others it will still take abuse and last.
With your size you should have no issues with the height of the bike/saddle.
If you look though the KLE posts you will see that screen, pannier racks, centre stands, crash bars, luggage etc is all available. Maybe with the KLE you do not have the range of accessory suppliers but there is still plenty of add-ons around.
Owners ride their bikes with pillion, and equipment over distances.
The known complaints centre around the seat, brakes, screen and for some a lack of power.
My bike will cruise happily at 80mph, even with passenger and others tell that the bike will get close to 100mph if worked hard.
Check through the posts to find out more about the bike.
Do not think you will be unhappy if you buy.
If buying new then get in quick before the last of the bikes disappear from dealers.
N
|
19 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: northern ireland
Posts: 15
|
|
oh i sounds the bizz! well as you say about the rust on the exhaust i will be replacing the standard can with a aftermarket one jus for the crack! 
so yea KLE's nearly gone off the shelf very hard to find a decent one in northern ireland i.e 2007 model orange low miles cheap like hens teeth!
yes well i intend to do touring next year and back and forth to england so sound great workhorse!
centrestand i think would definatly need to be purchased!
yes been looking at other kle's on the site and forum some tasty add-on's like that tall screen very nice!
do you no about aftermarket exhausts??? 
|
24 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Brisbane Aussie
Posts: 32
|
|
|
I've only had mine for a couple of months, last of the 2007 model. I ride it daily to work and has plenty of power for around town, get off the lights etc. They're no sports bike put easily do the speed limit and more. I just did a day trip today on dirt and open country roads and was happy with it! Wound it up to 160Ks on one stetch of road so they're not that slow. They are a bit soft on suspension on the rough stuff but find it's limits and you'll love it for what it is!
__________________
Fun begins when the bitumin ends!
|
24 Aug 2008
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: london, uk.
Posts: 360
|
|
|
For road touring/gravel they'd be fine, but as a young fella (no offence intended) you'd probably have to put up with a bit of ribbing from your mates - i mean it's no ktm! (i'm 41 so that wouldn't bother me, but i remember being your age and image is important). And if you don't get on with it you'll be taking a bit of a hit selling it on. But for getting you to Europe on a budget, ideal...
|
27 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: northern ireland
Posts: 15
|
|
here! cheap way is the way forward! ino what you meana bout image blahhhhh but when it comes to bikes image is dam all! i want a bike that will do what i want it to do! before the kle i wanted a cb400sf! that idea was sacked due to the lack of touring i could do! i want to pull up to lights with my big crash bars, steel panniers big bash plate extra lights not this carbon fibre tight leathers fart in a bottle type game! i want a bike for what i can do! i want a big chunk of a bike! 
there we go rant over!
|
27 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saintfield N Ireland
Posts: 148
|
|
|
Well boss
So im the other guy that is going to europe and told him to take a look into the horizons unlimited forum to see how the kle is and from what i read the kle is not a bad bike.
I will be travelling on a Yamaha XT660 so the bikes are near the same for the europe trip, just wanting to see if any people know more about the finish and exhausts.
The finish. Ive read a few things about the finish of the link pipe and silecner both rusting quiet alot but does any one know how it can be put right. Is there any paint or covering that works best.
Exhaust. Ive just bought some nice cans for me XT so its also made bell there want some too but we neither could find that many, and the ones we did find where expensive
|
27 Aug 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
|
|
|
As I have said before,
the KLE500 last model is not as well made as some others, eg BMW, xt etc.
It is a tad slower, bit soft round the edges etc.
BUT, It is the best valuefor money bike ever, a 1/3 of the price of the competitors, reliable, 55mpg at main road speeds. It will sit quite happily at 70+mph. servicing on the old GPZ motor will be cheap, locknut valves etc.
The seat is regularily slated, but I have put a few hours on mine without any sore arse issues.
The only fault I have spotted with mine is the clanky gearbox, not as nice as my 10 year old zrx1100.
It is horses for courses, I wouldn't want to do the paris-dakar on it, or around the world with a pillion and luggage, but solo, for roads and trails, fine!
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
|
28 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Ankara / Turkey
Posts: 9
|
|
With my four years of experience on the KLE, I never ever worried about any rust or lack of accessories at all, if that remains the only question in mind. And it ain't 'slow' either. Obviously KLE won't hold up against an R1 but it will still blow your tongue away at 120mph in case you badly need some fresh air.
I agree that you can create miracles with home-made accessories if you are not an 'off-the-shelf' addict. The rear and front panniers I bought at the local market are simple gym bags and cost me only 20€. Actually thank god there are no accessories or I would probably be relieved of some 400€ to do same job. I am now working on a few ideas to reduce the wind blast at the helmet. Probably next week I can post the pics of the results. Notice the huge screen, another home-modified item.
Oh btw, just make sure you don't install enduro 3 tires on either bike. They are extremely noisy on tarmac.
Last edited by Goblin; 28 Aug 2008 at 00:34.
Reason: forgot to include the second pic
|
28 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Singapor
Posts: 2
|
|
|
New KLE500 Rider
HI guys, i m from singapore and i have just got a new KLE500...its a very nice bike.......Only thing is that not many are riding it in singapore. 
|
28 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saintfield N Ireland
Posts: 148
|
|
|
Goblin
Those are a few nice photos.
Sounds like the KLE is the bike. I was looking at getting one but got a 250 instead to get me started so then the kle went by the way side. Thats why i know quiet alot about them.
|
28 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: northern ireland
Posts: 15
|
|
goblin,
im loving ur style with those panniers well done jobs a gun un! any pics close up! i am very interrested! haha! 
|
29 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 20
|
|
Hi there, yes the bike can everything but is really good in nothing. I've been driving the KLE for 3 years now.
For accessories there is not too much, for example touratech told us, that we are not enough KLE 500driver that they would start a whole section for this bike. But there are alot of things you can create also on your own.
The only big minus which is difficult and many people are complaining about is the small tank. So if you know a good welder you could try to design it on your own, spare parts are pretty common on ebay...
But one thing is clear: this is the cheapest bike by far that has a 500cc and is so undestroyable!
One more thing: Try to buy one that is not older than from 1996. They had some problems with the cam chain tensioner (if this is the word  ).
I would say (it is just my opinion): get one that is also not too new, for example a 2000-2002 and spend the money that you saved on spare parts that will make the KLE very good: better breaks, better springs, central stand and a comfortable seat.
Cheers
|
30 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Singapor
Posts: 2
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Micki
Hi there, yes the bike can everything but is really good in nothing. I've been driving the KLE for 3 years now.
For accessories there is not too much, for example touratech told us, that we are not enough KLE 500driver that they would start a whole section for this bike. But there are alot of things you can create also on your own.
The only big minus which is difficult and many people are complaining about is the small tank. So if you know a good welder you could try to design it on your own, spare parts are pretty common on ebay...
But one thing is clear: this is the cheapest bike by far that has a 500cc and is so undestroyable!
One more thing: Try to buy one that is not older than from 1996. They had some problems with the cam chain tensioner (if this is the word ).
I would say (it is just my opinion): get one that is also not too new, for example a 2000-2002 and spend the money that you saved on spare parts that will make the KLE very good: better breaks, better springs, central stand and a comfortable seat.
Cheers |
Hi there, any websites which i could view the aftermarket parts for the kle500?
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
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
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...
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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
