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
  #76  
Old 14 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
KLE extra electrical

Hello Roy.

Have a look in the manual, and see what the alternator output is in amps. Then clamp an ammeter over the battery wire while you have everything switched on and the headlights on bright. Do not start the bike. Check how much current you use. You should be able to add additional stuff safely up to 80% of the alternator output.
Remember the alternator must charge the battery as well, about 2.5 amps as well as pull all the electrics. You should have enough power to run heated grips and some extra driving lights. The smaller metal 4x4 lights should work quite well.
Send some info and pics after you have done this.

Regards
__________________
Pleco

If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
Reply With Quote
  #77  
Old 14 Mar 2007
AussieMasada's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Honiara, Solomon Islands
Posts: 15
Thanks for the update. I am planning on fitting crash bars. I was going to fit the lights to the these bars. When I do get it done I will post pics. We have 238 watts total so I need to work out how much is getting used and go from there.
__________________
I have only one eye. Do you want me to look at the road or at the speedometer. Moshe Dayan

חובה
גאווה
כבוד
שנפלו הלוחמים עבור

Last edited by AussieMasada; 16 Mar 2007 at 04:11.
Reply With Quote
  #78  
Old 16 Mar 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 2
are '92 kle parts the same as the 2001 ones?

Hi guys,

Inspired by the postings of this forum I bought a 2001 KLE 500 in pretty bad conditions (dropped on both sides, so with some aesthetic defects, but a good engine, 25000 km on board). Now I 'm about to buy some missing/broken parts, such as clutch lever, brake pedal and hand protectors. I found a bloke sending the parts of his '92 KLE 500, I wonder whether they will fit mine. The difference between the two models is 9 of years, but as I understood KLEs did not undergo any radical upgrade during this period. Does anyone know it by chance?

regards,

Boti
Reply With Quote
  #79  
Old 17 Mar 2007
muthaf9cka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
From what I understand, there are virtually no differences between the A version and the B version. The only differences are mostly cosmetic, such as new nose fairing and different colour schemes. The other key difference is the exhaust system. Clutch lever, brake pedal and hand guards should be the same.
__________________
"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
  #80  
Old 18 Mar 2007
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: nottingham
Posts: 20
lowering kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by DannyKLE View Post
Hi Ash,
You wrote that you bought lowering kit - you mean kit for rear end, front end (as I know) is lowered just by untigthning screws and lowering stem ?

You wrote that handling feels better, you mean because of hight or feeling when driving?

BR Danny

hi danny lowering kit was different dog bones and inserts from the front forks the better handling is due to the bike being lower which felt better when cornering
Reply With Quote
  #81  
Old 25 Mar 2007
Kumuya's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Planet Earth
Posts: 105
Hi guys,

I have a big question and maybe you can help me solve the problem.

I was on a very bad road (hole near hole) around Bucharest (never mind the location, is not real important) something like a 100Km trip and I put gas on it - something like 80km/h and I managed to lose some screws and some other accessories from vibration and of course bad road. (Next time I'm afraid that I will get back home only with a wheel )

After noticing those parts are missing I noticed that my signals are not working :confused1: but my signal regulator works on other bikes, fuses were checked, wires are on their places ... I really have no idea where to check:confused1:

If someone has an idea ....
__________________
See me,
Feel me,
Touch me,
BEER ME!
Reply With Quote
  #82  
Old 26 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: London/Oxford/Warsaw(PL)
Posts: 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kumuya View Post
I was on a very bad road (hole near hole) around Bucharest (never mind the location, is not real important) something like a 100Km trip and I put gas on it - something like 80km/h and I managed to lose some screws and some other accessories from vibration and of course bad road. (Next time I'm afraid that I will get back home only with a wheel )
My reply isn't very important either. Just wanted to say that I also ended up loosing some parts of my KLE on a road near Bucharest.

It must be an unlucky place for KLEs. Lost my sidestands an had to lean it on trees and fences for another 5000km in Turkey until I got a new one.
Photo documentation at: Picasa Web Albums - Witek - Travel Albums

KLE500 rules!

Regards,
Wicjo
Reply With Quote
  #83  
Old 26 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
KLE signals

Hello Kumuya.

Nice to see u are still around. If all turn signals stopped working, you might have a loose earth wire somewhere. It is the only common point among them if your signal relay is working. If the relay is not working, check the connectors under the tank. I have had a few problems with those.

Just a tip I got from Nicki. If you take any bolts loose, add Loctite when you refit them.

I had the screws of my camera's body come out while it was wrapped in cushioning in the back box. The vibration gets worse the further you get away from the centre of the bike.

Happy travels.
__________________
Pleco

If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
Reply With Quote
  #84  
Old 26 Mar 2007
muthaf9cka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
Just thought I'd keep you updated with the continuing saga of my KLE500.

Having changed the tyres and rear brake pad, I then took my bike in for it's 8,000 mile service. The first thing they said was that it needed a new chain and that would be 100 pounds plus 80 pounds for labour. Is that included in the service? I asked. No, they replied. I then waited for a day to get my bike back only to pick it up the next day to discover a fairly terminal fault 20 miles down the road. Basically, the engine was just dying for no apparent reason everytime I got on the gas in low gears.

Naturally, they couldn't find the fault and told me to come pick the bike up. I did and I got 1 mile down the road before it happened again. I don't know how they test ride these things, but I think it involves looking at it with a cup of tea in their hands.

After this, they lent me another bike, an Aprilia Pegaso 650 Trail, which is shit. Unfortunately, I crashed it. No major damage, but the forks are twisted and the rear brake pedal is bent and the mirror and indicators are broken, but all in all, it was my kit that came off worse and the bike is mostly cosmetic damage.

Anyway, long story short, I hope that warranty agreement covedrs damage to courtesy bikes. I'm pretty sure my insurance doesn't.

Also, that bloody warranty has been more of a curse than a blessing. The last two times I've taken my bike in for a service, I've been without it for two weeks or so after. How can you screw up a bike changing the oil and filters? Not only that, but the minor service was 150 pounds and a major was 280 pounds. Not funny.
__________________
"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
  #85  
Old 26 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Langholm,Scotland,UK.
Posts: 155
Stealers, smealers, dealers I wouldn't let any of those grease monkeys within a mans trap distance of my bike Rip off UK, you buy a bargain bike, and they try to take your pants down for servicing
Aquire some mechanical skills and do your own servicing/repairs


Trophymick
Reply With Quote
  #86  
Old 27 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
Servicing

I fully agree with T/ Mick.

Use the manual, and do your own servicing / repairs. Have your chain fitted by any bike shop other than a dealership. With all things, where mechanics are involved, take a day off, and spend it in the workshop with them and your bike. Tell them you do a lot of far away travels, and you need to see how to fix these things. If they do not want you to watch, they have something to hide, and take your business elsewhere.
__________________
Pleco

If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
Reply With Quote
  #87  
Old 27 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 303
Talking

Hey, Pleco, do you know how my pricing works?

1hour of mechanics work: R 200
You want to watch: R 400
You want to help: R 600
You have tried to fix it yourself: R 800
Reply With Quote
  #88  
Old 27 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
Mechanics

My sincere apologies "Oh Great One''.

Please note to all. The above issues with mechanics does not apply to Le Cap.

If you can find a proper mechanic like himself, you may leave the bike with him. Of course they are scarcer than tanzanite.

Le Cap, the extra rates per hour will be worthwile to watch an artist.

Regards
__________________
Pleco

If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
Reply With Quote
  #89  
Old 28 Mar 2007
AussieMasada's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Honiara, Solomon Islands
Posts: 15
This is the response I got from Kawasaki Australia in regrds to my Wattage quirey.

Thanks for your enquiry. The official stance of Kawasaki Motors Pty. Ltd. regarding your question is that any modifications to your electrical system away from standard are not recommended. The Kawasaki KLE500A6F has been designed to operate with the electrical system fitted by the factory & by adding additional amperage draw such as accessory driving lights an adverse affect may occur to various electrical components especially to the charging system. The maximum rated output of the charging system on you model is 17amps. If however you, or an experienced technician perform an amperage draw test on your battery with the engine running & all the lights operating you would be able to deduce how many amps you have in reserve. This can then be converted into a safe working capacity for how extra many watts your standard charging system may cope with. This type of test could be performed at any authorised Kawasaki motorcycle dealer by a trained Kawasaki technician. The formula is watts = amperage x voltage. If you believe you have enough spare amperage to run an extra set of lights then it would also be advisable to fit a relay to the accessory lighting circuit to reduce the extra load to the charging system.
__________________
I have only one eye. Do you want me to look at the road or at the speedometer. Moshe Dayan

חובה
גאווה
כבוד
שנפלו הלוחמים עבור
Reply With Quote
  #90  
Old 28 Mar 2007
muthaf9cka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
Quote:
Originally Posted by trophymick View Post
Stealers, smealers, dealers I wouldn't let any of those grease monkeys within a mans trap distance of my bike Rip off UK, you buy a bargain bike, and they try to take your pants down for servicing
Aquire some mechanical skills and do your own servicing/repairs


Trophymick
Personally, I am of exactly the same opinion. However, a warranty is a warranty and as I have neither a garage nor all the correct tools, then dealer servicing it is until I win the lottery so I can buy a house with a garage in London. Also, should anything hideously expensive break, then at least Kawasaki have to pay for the repairs. Add to that the fact that I just crashed their courtesy bike...
__________________
"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: 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 14:09.