Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
KLE 500 Starting Issues KLE 500 Starting Issues
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Kawasaki Tech Kawasaki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Kawasaki riders only.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Oct 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 1
KLE 500 Starting Issues
I have a 2007 KLE 500 that seems to have an electrical problem when starting. About 50% of the time I try to start there is nothing and then all of a sudden it fires and starts as it should so that's why I think it is electrical. Can anybody please help me if they have heard of this issue or at least where I should start looking for the problem?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Oct 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
My kle hasn't had this problem, but have had this on other motors.
a common culprit is the starter relay, you have a heavy copper contacts that are shoved together by a solenoid, a bit of arcing gives corrosion and a dicky contact.
I have unsoldered, stripped and cleaned contacts before successfully, if it comes apart, it's worth taking a bit of fine emery to the contacts, cleaner alone wont shift the arc damage.
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Gold Coast ,Australia
Posts: 27
Plus one on the starter relay solution. May also pay to use an electrical cleaner spray on the handlebar switchblock as well. Spray a suitable cleaner lubricant into each switch and operate a dozen or so times whilst giving an extra squirt now and again. Doesn't hurt to do this every six months or so, to minimize surface corrosion. More so if it is not being used everyday, left outside in the elements etc.

Hope you have already solved the initial problem without drama.

Enjoy the ride.

Shaun
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Apr 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: kent
Posts: 74
Hi. a good idea is to work out if it is sparking, this is pretty easy, you can take the spark plug out, put it back in the spark plug cap and turn it over with it next to the engine so it earths, there should be a visible spark jumping across. if it is sparking it is probably a fuel problem.
i had a similar problem on my kle and it was the pilot jets on the carbs needed cleaning. i gave all the jets a good clean and got a little piece of copper wire and threaded it through the pilot jets a few times back and forward. . .
not too difficult but need the right screwdrivers and need to be careful with the carb screws as they seem to be pretty weak - i ended up replacing them with stainless steel ones after mangling one or two of them. . .
good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 65
I have had starting issues as well. The lights etc turn on and I push the starter button and nothing.

The culprit is the side stand switch getting gunked up and sticking. WD40 and jiggling it about has got the bike going again.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: NSW, Australia
Posts: 62
There is also the clutch switch on the bars which can have issues (my side stand switch was disconnected years ago..)
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Issues logging on realmc26 Website Feedback 57 21 Jun 2011 00:05
Issues with TS 185 CstrikerDan Suzuki Tech 2 27 Nov 2010 05:57
Issues with KLR 650 rasjay South America 18 27 Oct 2010 18:46
GS1100 Issues - Should I buy one? Pip the Scotsman BMW Tech 10 25 Aug 2010 22:13
Newbee with KLE 500 Issues avakad Kawasaki Tech 4 6 Oct 2009 13:18

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 16:34.

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