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Kle 500 Should I??? Kle 500 Should I???
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  #1  
Old 18 Aug 2008
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Location: northern ireland
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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
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  #2  
Old 18 Aug 2008
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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.
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  #3  
Old 18 Aug 2008
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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
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  #4  
Old 19 Aug 2008
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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???
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  #5  
Old 24 Aug 2008
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Location: Brisbane Aussie
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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!
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  #6  
Old 24 Aug 2008
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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...
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