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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 13 Dec 2006
Radiohead's Avatar
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Durban, South Africa
Posts: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by muthaf9cka
I've got a 2005 spec which I bought this year. The covers are copper/magnesium coloured and I have not seen any other colours. However, the cylinders are bare metal and black paint. Maybe they deemed it cheaper to use the same paint all over?
Yup, prob' just a cost cutting exercise! Black covers look pretty pants compared to the nice magnesium ones though! Oh well...I guess there's nothing that a nice respray won't fix... (although I probably won't have the heart to take my new bike to pieces just yet! )
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 13 Dec 2006
Radiohead's Avatar
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Durban, South Africa
Posts: 11
Headlight settings

My 2007 spec KLE500 low beam operates high beam and low beam independently. One globe on at a time only. A lot of other bikes have this system, so I thought that this was the way it was on my bike.

But then I had a squizz through the service manual (that I downloaded from this forum...thanks man!!), and it says that on high beam, both globes should be lit.:confused1:

Before I go searching for blown fuses etc, I want to know what other guys have. Maybe mine is a different spec from the model in the service manual (although they don't suggest this (they usually specify that certain things may not apply to certain spec models)).

Any feedback from other owners would be appreciated.

Cheers
Barry
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 13 Dec 2006
muthaf9cka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
That's incorrect, if the specs are still the same. Mine operates both globes separately so that the pass light still works on high beam.
__________________
"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
  #34  
Old 13 Dec 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Liverpool, UK
Posts: 13
I remember reading a hint on another forum about another bike that used to commonly burn out voltage regulators...the accepted solution was to stick a small 12 fan to the regulator [the type that is used to keep pc processors cool]. If you were to wire this fan up through the ignition switch so it runs whenever the bike is turned on [might be best to do it via a 12v relay] it should keep the regulator cool and prevent it burning out. The cheaper regulator and a cheap fan still work out a quarter of the price of a new Kawasaki replacement!
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 26 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
Regulator problems

Hello Brian.

Thanks for the feedback.

I went through the faultfinding file which link i posted previously, and found that I had 2 bad joints on the signal wire that runs from the battery through the ignition and back to the sensing wire on the regulator. White towards the ignition, and brown from the ignition to the regulator. It was telling the regulator that the battery was at 11.5 volts, while it was at 14volts already. It then tried to over cook the battery, and then blew the regulator. A small file and lots of contact cleaner, and all is well again. Had a 2 day run of 11 hours and 9 hours one after the other, and no more regulator problems. I would suggest you guiys download the charging fault finding diagram, and add to the service manual. Also, I am sure the same fault will show up in all the bikes some time or later.

Hope this info helps.

Regards
__________________
Pleco

If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 26 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: the haque, the Netherlands
Posts: 127
pleco, where can i find this charging fault finding diagram?
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 27 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
Charging fault finding

Hello Luuk.

First, all my thanks and gratefulness to you for making the manual available. You are THE MAN!

You should find the file at this link:

http://www.electrosport.com/Images/fault_finding.pdf

Otherwise pop me a mail, and I will send it to you. I suggest printing it and adding it to the manual. It will save you a few bucks, and sort out any breakdowns like I had.

Regards
__________________
Pleco

If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 28 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 26
I'm sure this fault finding procedure will be well used, thanks to all for providing. Glad you found the fault, pleco.
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 28 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: the haque, the Netherlands
Posts: 127
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pleco
Hello Luuk.

First, all my thanks and gratefulness to you for making the manual available. You are THE MAN!

You should find the file at this link:

http://www.electrosport.com/Images/fault_finding.pdf

Otherwise pop me a mail, and I will send it to you. I suggest printing it and adding it to the manual. It will save you a few bucks, and sort out any breakdowns like I had.

Regards

thanks mate. ill sure use it
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 12 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1
Hello guys, I am a new member riding a 96 model kle500.
I am riding this bike for app.3 years and fully satisfied and never had a problem but last week, I tried to start the engine but it didn't work. It never happener before. I am not riding it for 3 months but it stayed more than that before and runned perfect. I don't feel that it is because of battery, but maybe due to a failure at the starter.
Doe anyone have an idea.
Also can you please e-mail me the manuel.
Thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 12 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: the haque, the Netherlands
Posts: 127
he robassi, check the KLE manual thread, one of the last pages tels you where to find the manual. good luck finding the gremlin in your bike
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 13 Jan 2007
muthaf9cka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
Quote:
Originally Posted by rotbasi
Hello guys, I am a new member riding a 96 model kle500.
I am riding this bike for app.3 years and fully satisfied and never had a problem but last week, I tried to start the engine but it didn't work. It never happener before. I am not riding it for 3 months but it stayed more than that before and runned perfect. I don't feel that it is because of battery, but maybe due to a failure at the starter.
Doe anyone have an idea.
Also can you please e-mail me the manuel.
Thank you.
You'll have to be more specific. What exactly happened?
__________________
"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
  #43  
Old 16 Jan 2007
Kumuya's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Planet Earth
Posts: 105
Hi rotbasi,

in general can be more causes for your starting failure - a starter problem, battery problem etc .... but I never had this kind of problem .. just another big problem.
When I pushed the start buton it was making a noise like a click. After several I got an ideea .... KLE has a lot of safety systems for starting the engine or run it like: if is not in neutral, if you have your stander down etc .... so I started to look at those ..... finaly I found that I had a bad contact .... that one who prevent engine start if you are not in neutral .... even if it was on neutral ... so I put it on first gear ... few front-back movements, returning to neutral .... and it started ... after that I opened the gearbox to take out that contact and clean it ..... now it works fine.

Maybe this helps you.
__________________
See me,
Feel me,
Touch me,
BEER ME!
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 26 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
KLE 400 spark plugs

Hello Guys.

I see this thread has gone quite quiet. It means all our KLEs are running fine!

I just finished servicing the bike for the 25000 km service. I changed the plugs back to the 8ea, as I had problems previously as discussed in this thread and changed to the 9ea.

It seems the previous set of 8ea plugs were duds, as the new set runs fine. I would like to see if I can get an improvement on the fuel figures, as I was only getting 20km/L at best. (cruising 80 to 90km/hr in 5th on open rd. I was accompanying another rider on a 125) I am sure the economy should be better than that.

Just a note, that the oil that came out there was almost like water, so it would be a bad idea to wait longer than 6000km for service intervals.

Regards
__________________
Pleco

If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 27 Jan 2007
muthaf9cka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
Not quite true, mine has knackered its front tyre.

We really have to find out what the correct pressure is for the front tyre. Although my rear tyre has squared off a bit, I must be the first person in the world to wear out a front tyre before the rear and I'm guessing it has something to do with running fairly random tyre pressures throughout last year ranging from 22 to 32 psi.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what the real correct pressure is?

Also, after nearly 7,500 miles, the chain needs to be tightened a little. Not bad for riding mostly in London.
__________________
"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
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 5 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 5 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.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

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. 11-15
  • 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 15:26.