KLE500
 

Anybody know anything about the new Kawasaki KLE 500 - they seem to be advertising it as a dual purpose bike here in the UK.

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Richb
http://www.postmaster.co.uk/~richardbeaumont/60684/

Guess "new" KLE500 isn't that different from previous KLE models. The basic mechanics have stayed the same ever since KLE was first introduced in '90. '05 KLE has re-designed fairing and screen + some small new details.

Great bike but that 500cc twin feels a bit underpowered (48hp) compared to 600/650 TransAlp and 650 V-Strom; it's more like something between single cylinder thumpers and twins. Fine for one-up touring but for two-up with full luggage it would need a bigger / more powerful engine.

New KLE?
 

Hi all, from the photos I've seen it looks as if the fairing/headlight/dash is the only cosmetic difference plus 3 cats in the exhaust. Power is down to about 45bhp now. I've just bought one, its ok for my 65 mile rtw and I'm getting 55+mpg and it copes fine with A12 traffic flow which is anything between 0-70ish mph.

Cheers, Richard.
:stupid: