KLR650 or KLE500?

[preachan]

Any thoughts on the KLR650 vs KLE500 for adventure touring? Both are similarly priced. I was considering the KLR650 but the 6th gear of the KLE is appealing, small tank is obviously a drawback. I've narrowed my choice to these two (based on their availability and price), need some help making my decision. Looking for a direct comparison pros and cons of these two bikes, thanks!

[savorau]

i made Finland - Mongolia tour (16.000km / 5 weeks )month ago with KLE -95. Its surprisingly good bike after some modifications. Crash bars with 5+5 extra jerry cans, and better seat are in " must to do" list if you going to ride long days..

[preachan]

Nice, were you using stock suspension? Have you ridden a KLR650, how would you compare them?

[savorau]

Yep i have stock suspension. Front is soft with original settings, but its fine when using 20W oil ( 0.5l each telescope) and 0.5 bar pressure.
Shock absorber is too soft with heavy load, and its welded so cant do service..
I havent drive klr so cant say anything about it, but kle is underrated bike and you can get good bike at very cheap price.

[peter-denmark]

The KLR 650 has a stronger rearframe and is more suitable for luggage than the KLE 500.

I belive that the KLR 650 has more "grunt"/low-down-power. But how often this is really essential is all up to individual riders.

Any bike will do! Just a matter of the riders skill-set and patience :-)

[peter-denmark]

If you plan to go stateside or to south america then the KLR650 is much better since spares are plentifull!

I bought my KLR650 in California. 4000USD with everything upgraded and ready for travel. I would recommend buying a bike over there to anyone. The americans really like to "farkel" their bikes and they often sell them off really cheap when they find a new toy.

[trackdayrider]

What about the KLE650?





I've got a picture of my old KLR650 riding over the Pyrenese in 2002,



Great little bike, but the twin cylinder engined Versys is much more rideable in the real world - better road riding with more power. Mine's got upgraded suspension and copes with dirt track easy enough.

Youtube video.... Kazakhstan roads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObU5VEzZ5tI





PS.. I'll be in Aus in late November this year riding the V from Darwin down to Melbourne (Opposite side of the continent to you though)

[peter-denmark]

Is the KLE650 with the DL650 v-twin?

[trackdayrider]

Its a parallel twin - same engine as the ER-6



If you feel you really need it the 19" front wheel from a Vstrom is a relatively easy conversion - details are on the versys forums. But to be honest - do you really need that? A MT60 pirelli or Heidenau will do the job easily. The 17" Heidenau K73 I have on the front has done over 11000km so far and is far from worn out despite hot tarmac, dirt track - wet motorways. you name it it has coped.

[MilanADV]

Originally Posted by savorau

i made Finland - Mongolia tour (16.000km / 5 weeks )month ago with KLE -95. Its surprisingly good bike after some modifications. Crash bars with 5+5 extra jerry cans, and better seat are in " must to do" list if you going to ride long days..

Great tour, I suppose that was very interesting trip.
Otherwise I would like to know more about your KLE, what modifications have you done?
Maybe you can post some pics of crash bars. Is it custom make for a KLE?
Thanks you for a explanation.
Great Ride!

[*Touring Ted*]

The KLE500 is one of the worst bikes I have ever had the displeasure of riding.

When I was working for a Kawasaki dealer in 2007, I rememeber we were selling them off for £3000 brand new because no one in their right mind would own one.

Slow, underpowered, horribly uncomfortable, noisy and they drink fuel.

With the build quality of a Chinese scooter.


It would have to be incredibly cheap or free to be on anyone's list.

[AnTyx]

Back before the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, I helped a couple non-EU guys buy a pair of KLE500s in Estonia. They basically did a service and rode them down to the Silk Road and out as far as Vladivostok, sold them for cheap locally, still in absolutely rideable condition.

Every once in a while I am tempted by the idea of one - as a very cheap beginner dirt machine - just because I've owned a Suzuki, a Honda and a Yamaha, but never a Kawasaki.

[JMo (& piglet)]

Jx