Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
Kawasaki Tech Kawasaki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Kawasaki riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #166  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sarajevo
Posts: 7
KLE seat

Quote:
Originally Posted by poppykle View Post
I picked up my KLE two weeks ago and the dealer recommended 30 psi in the front and 30 - 32 in the rear for road work. He said the manual recommends 21 but said the higher pressures would be better.

I am also getting my seat reshaped by an upholsterer, he is moving the "bump" back approx 3". It will mean that the pillion seat will be very short but I never carry a pillion for any great distance. You should be able to get an upholsterer to take a few inches out of the foam to lower the seat height. A friend had his KLR seat reshaped and lowered, he said it was great (he is only about 5'6"). No change to the seating comfort but the lower height makes it easier to place you feet.
thx I will try with seat reshaping
cheers
Reply With Quote
  #167  
Old 5 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1
cold start

Hi All
Thanx for all the info shared heare, for the docs and for the thoughts.
I could just have been (GOD I love these english verbs) a happy KLE owner...but after first seeing and likeing the bike, today when i was suposed to pick her up she just didn't start. i was feeding her with 12V from a car battery, the motor turned a couple of times...and nothing...not at least a little PUF. it was a cold evening (about 2 degrees Celsius) but 3 day ago the actual owner started it after 4-5 tries.
Have you experienced something like that....can u please give me a hint..please...i don't know if i'm going to buy the bike afterall.....help...hel..he...h...,..

Thank you
Reply With Quote
  #168  
Old 20 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
KLE starting prob.

Make sure your choke is working. Full choke, no throttle. As soon as she fires give a little throttle. Even in Summer mine struggles to fire without the choke.

Regards
__________________
Pleco

If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
Reply With Quote
  #169  
Old 21 Nov 2007
TDMalcolm's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: norfolk uk
Posts: 140
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pleco View Post
Make sure your choke is working. Full choke, no throttle. As soon as she fires give a little throttle. Even in Summer mine struggles to fire without the choke.

Regards
Hi All, My KLE's the same, full choke and ease off gradualy not to soon, if i shut off the choke <5mins from cold it will stall, but 5mins and two/three miles up the road and she's fine......do they have a thermostat? hmm!:confused1:
TDMalcolm
Reply With Quote
  #170  
Old 22 Nov 2007
royzx7r's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Liverpool UK
Posts: 225
I start mine on full choke, but I can take it off quite fast and it will tick over quite happy.

Wot rpm does your idle at ??
__________________
"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.
Reply With Quote
  #171  
Old 23 Nov 2007
TDMalcolm's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: norfolk uk
Posts: 140
Quote:
Originally Posted by royzx7r View Post
I start mine on full choke, but I can take it off quite fast and it will tick over quite happy.

Wot rpm does your idle at ??
Hi Roy, About 1200rpm, which is wat it should be +/- 200 (accoring to the manuel)
These machine are like us really:confused1: Individuals!
TDMalcolm
Reply With Quote
  #172  
Old 26 Nov 2007
muthaf9cka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
Quote:
Originally Posted by royzx7r View Post
That seems quite a lot extra pressure to me, dont forget that the psi will go up quite a bit when the tyre gets hot.

I would stick to 21psi if I were you and 32psi in the rear.

If you go off road, you would lower those pressures.



good look!
I've done a bit of research on this after over a year of wearing out front tyres before rears. Apparently, the pressure in the manual is only for the OE tyres, not after market ones. Best to stick to the tyre manufacturer's recommendation as they are the only ones that tested it.
__________________
"On that? You're nuts!" - My cousin's boyfriend

Current Bikes - Kawasaki KLE500 '05 (May 06)
Previous Bikes - Hyosung GF125 (Oct 05 to May 06)
Reply With Quote
  #173  
Old 26 Nov 2007
Jedkel's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: U.K.
Posts: 19
Accessory fuse - permenently live.

I fitted heated grips to my KLE at the weekend. Noticed a spare fuse in junction box , I thought great - nice neat job and the grips will have a dedicated fuse with all the others. Ran a wire from the empty connection on the block connector up to the grips - only to discover the accessory fuse is permenantly live. Not suitable for heated grips because it is certain to lead to a drained battery when they are inevitably left switched on. I checked the wiring diagram and the accessory switch is fed from the same source as the radiator fan - yep I should have checked the diagram before I started DOH! I guess the fuse is for an alarm or something. I ended up breaking into the horn circuit down by the radiator and feeding the grips from there - nowhere near as neat a solution though. Is the 10amp horn fuse suitable for the grips ? , ran them for about 40 minutes and everything seemed O.K.
I certainly had nice warm hands when I took it for a test run.
Reply With Quote
  #174  
Old 30 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 26
Quote:
Originally Posted by pandulinu View Post
Hi All
Thanx for all the info shared heare, for the docs and for the thoughts.
I could just have been (GOD I love these english verbs) a happy KLE owner...but after first seeing and likeing the bike, today when i was suposed to pick her up she just didn't start. i was feeding her with 12V from a car battery, the motor turned a couple of times...and nothing...not at least a little PUF. it was a cold evening (about 2 degrees Celsius) but 3 day ago the actual owner started it after 4-5 tries.
Have you experienced something like that....can u please give me a hint..please...i don't know if i'm going to buy the bike afterall.....help...hel..he...h...,..

Thank you
The KLE floods easily IMHO, especially in the beginning when you don't know the bike, best not to touch the throttle at ALL unless it fires and wants to go.


Mine starts fine in summer without choke and a little bit of throttle, say 2k rpm.

Nicki
Reply With Quote
  #175  
Old 28 Mar 2008
john_aero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 111
I am in the looking again for a dual sport touring bike. transalp too expensive and there is either a kle500 or a 660 tenere for handy money near me.

so the kle is 2000 year bike and i am looking to put a bill of parts together to turn it into a nice tourer.

so i walk up cash in hand what do i get?

i will be making my own panniers and rack.

what are the main mods or items to get?

oh nice thread by the way about time a decent kle500 forum was set up in english as i have been looking at this bike for some time now
__________________
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted
Reply With Quote
  #176  
Old 30 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: ENGLAND
Posts: 23
Query New Bike

Wondered if someone could give me some help -
New bike, just a few weeks old and seat is starting to ruck up (have loose material) where I sit. Is this normal?

Fitted centre stand (sw motech) and it came with 2 springs of similar length but different diameter. Can get smaller diameter on with struggle but cannot get larger one on. For those who have fitted stands did you get 2 springs and which did you use?

Running in - did people keep to 4000prm for 800km and then 6000rpm for a further 800km?

Any help greatly appreciated

Neil
Reply With Quote
  #177  
Old 30 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: cumbria
Posts: 54
springs

hi nwil.
i got 2 springs the small one goes inside the big one.
hard work but u will manage

nmc
Reply With Quote
  #178  
Old 31 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CORNWALL
Posts: 2
centre stand springs

Quote:
Originally Posted by nwil View Post
Wondered if someone could give me some help -
New bike, just a few weeks old and seat is starting to ruck up (have loose material) where I sit. Is this normal?

Fitted centre stand (sw motech) and it came with 2 springs of similar length but different diameter. Can get smaller diameter on with struggle but cannot get larger one on. For those who have fitted stands did you get 2 springs and which did you use?

Running in - did people keep to 4000prm for 800km and then 6000rpm for a further 800km?

Any help greatly appreciated

Neil
Hi Neil,
Richard's (voleurs) got a pics of the centre stand showing 2 springs, the small one looks like inside the big spring.
Cheers. Dan
Reply With Quote
  #179  
Old 31 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: ENGLAND
Posts: 23
Thanks Guys,
:confused1:

A bit of lateral thinking goes a long way!!!! Will start an exercise regime to build up enough strength for the task at hand

Neil
Reply With Quote
  #180  
Old 31 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: cumbria
Posts: 54
running in

hi nwil
u are best to stick to 4000 revs.
if u use all the time round town u will soon have the miles on and get first service then take it up to 6000 revs.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

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

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

 
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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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.

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 14:01.