Another new KLE 500

**steve-o** · #1 12 Sep 2008

Hey all,

Just bought a 2006 KLE 500 and took it for her maiden voyage today. I only got my learners licence today so the only thing I'd ridden before was a Honda CB250 when doing my pre learners competency assesment.

My KLE 500's only got 1,960km on the clock and no modifications. I'll probably invest in a givi box or panniers in the future as I'll use the bike to commute to work and maybe on weekends away.

I did notice that the engine feels a bit lumpy and isn't as smooth as the CB250 when going through the rev range. Is this just standard for this engine or could it be the engine's out of tune? It sounds a bit like a old VW beetle dak dak or single pot 650 bike.

**royzx7r** · #2 12 Sep 2008

they all sound like that, kawasaki's always have had a rougher sound due to the way the spark plugs fire.

Welcome to the forum, lots of info on here for you.

Regards
Roy

**belltj** · #3 13 Sep 2008

nice bike is that a different seat???

**steve-o** · #4 13 Sep 2008

Stock seat as far as I know. It might just be the way the light is hitting it.

The seat is comfortable enough, but after 4 hours on the bike this afternoon my butt was begging to go back to the couch for a rest.

**Ruud** · #5 15 Sep 2008

Sorry to hijack the thread but here's my new (well 56 plate) KLE. Stock apart from Scottoiler.

**john_aero** · #6 16 Sep 2008

does anyone else notice the vibes from the fairing though when accelerating, especially the screen and sun visor over the instruments?

**Keater** · #7 16 Sep 2008

The vibes can be fixed by relocating the foam support underneath the instrument cluster using double sided tape. One of the guys on here has mentioned this so just relaying it. hope it helps.

Stevo nice bike I have the 07, last model. If you get a rear rack such as ventura, I'd advise not to get the ventura "tapered" bag I was told if I want the rack i have to buy the bag as a package.

Long story short the bag is a pain to get any thing in and out of due to the small opening..... but hey it's 50 ltrs

I use it as my work bag and bought a motodry bag for trips (had to mod the rack to suit the motordry bag).

You'll have a ball on it, It handles fast dirt rds well but the tyres let it down abit and the soft front feels abit hazardous when braking.
I'm doin a trip with another KLE owner in August next year.....Bring it on.
You'll find you'll soon have a list you want for it....I do!
Goodluck Mick

**john_aero** · #8 16 Sep 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keater

The vibes can be fixed by relocating the foam support underneath the instrument cluster using double sided tape. One of the guys on here has mentioned this so just relaying it. hope it helps.

ya will try this at weekend as it gets annoying at the best of times

**poppykle** · #9 16 Sep 2008

Welcome to the site. There is a lot of useful info in here.

The weather is getting warmer in Sydney so we can get rid of the winter linings and start enjoying the summer rides.

**steve-o** · #10 22 Sep 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keater

If you get a rear rack such as ventura, I'd advise not to get the ventura "tapered" bag I was told if I want the rack i have to buy the bag as a package.

Long story short the bag is a pain to get any thing in and out of due to the small opening..... but hey it's 50 ltrs

I use it as my work bag and bought a motodry bag for trips (had to mod the rack to suit the motordry bag).

I ended up buying a 29 litre RJays top box. The box fits my jacket, pants and gloves and I use the helmet hook on the side of the bike if I don't want to carry all my gear. The only problem I have is swinging the leg over now is a bit harder with the box in the way. I just had to drill 4 holes in the luggage rack to fit it and it hasn't made the bike feel any different to ride which is good.

I thought most of the Ventura bags attached with velcro and occy straps? I didn't realise you had to have a special rack.

**Keater** · #11 3 Oct 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve-o

.

I thought most of the Ventura bags attached with velcro and occy straps? I didn't realise you had to have a special rack.

I only wanted to buy the rack and get a bag I wanted, but had to buy the package

The tapered bag design slides over the rack and another bag can be zipped to it. It's a good concept just the bag is a pain as it doesnt open well and has a "halve moon" shape entry when it's open...... I've since just started using my Motodry bag as it's easier to get into. It has the velcro and straps which takes longer to put on and off the bike but I'd rather that than piss fart around trying to get stuff in and out of the bag. M2c