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Great first post Richard; many people come in with a "hello here I am" type of thing but you have contributed immediately.
Good looking bike there with some very useful add-ons. You are all set to go touring! How effective do you find the MRA screen compared with the original and/or as a screen in its own right? :welcome: :welcome: |
hi
hi dave, thanks for the reply, yes I'm ready to go touring :) I've only done small trips so far, weekend camping down to cornwall (not more than 120 miles one way) and the odd trip here and there. My plans for future after more riding experience will be the lands end to john o'groats :) The screen is a great piece of kit, with the 'flap' all the way down it acts the same as the standard screen, fully upright when it gets to 70+ mph you can feel it slightly but being 6ft 2inches I'm always going to get wind, smaller men/woman would find minimal wind turbulance upto 60mph at least. It has enabled to me to beable to keep a much more relaxed posture on my bike - reducing energy useage therefore can enjoy the ride more :thumbup1:
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Excellent information Richard and thanks for that: the MRA screen looks well designed.
Good luck with your travelling and camping - try to get abroad on the KLE and do some (legal) riding on the wrong side of the road! :rolleyes2: |
excelent post richard. it was really the info what i need.
i have a small question. can you mount the side panniers without the top-box rack? i dont think i am going to use top-box. also can you use this rack with zega alu-panniers? another question is about the bike? is it really bullet-proof? do you have serious problems especially with engine? I am between KLE500 and XL650 thanks |
hi ozhanu
thanks for the questions ozhanu.
The pannier racks has 2 fixings that fit to the original rear carrier. This means you do not have to have a topbox. As with regards to the zega-alu panniers I am not too sure, but i will try and find out. Before I decided to buy a big bike (and have restricted) I researched for months on the most reliable and obviously most suited for my own purposes. I looked on reviews and read about the KLE having the renowned GPZ500 engine. So far I've had not a single problem with the bike. It starts in any weather, after any period of time - first time. It's incredibly smooth and responsive, I don't have a single bad word to say about it. I use it nearly everyday and average 1000 miles a month. My brother has a honda xl 650 transalp and we've both been quite some distances together. So far he has experienced no problems, with it being a honda its of a build quality that is trusted worldwide. The obvious differences between our bikes is the size. The KLE is slightly taller, thinner and lighter whereas the transalp is more expensive, heavier, has a larger fuel tank, wider seat, faster and has more available aftermarket accessories. But I chose the KLE over the Transalp because of the rugged look and it was alot more cheaper (which matters when your a student with minimal income). cheers richard |
thanks
thanks for all the info richard.
I you could just give me the inner diameter of the racks that would really help. I can measure my pannier mounts and see whether they fit or not. This weekend I'll go to see the KLE on the dealer. As you said it is cheap and gives you the enough power. Even with the accessories it is cheaper then XL650 or 650GS. Thanks |
You got the bike set up very well there Richard.
Ive just sold my fireblade and so I have some spare cash to spend on my KLE. Im gonna get the rack and side boxes and also the centre stand. I fitted the oxford heated grips last winter and they work well. Also I got a taller screen but not the wing type like yours, I just thought they were too expensive. How do you find the centre stand, is it of solid construction and do u have any ground clearance problems now? Cheers Roy |
hi
hi sorry for late reply I have been busy the past few days.
ozhanu: the pannier racks diameter is 16mm royzx7r: The centre stand is very solid construction and does the job brilliantly. here are a couple of pics showing the main fixings. Also note that you will have to use a longer bolt for the left hand side pannier fixing if you are going to buy both items (pannier racks and centre stand). I used a 45mm, size 8 bolt, and always use loctite. Also the ground clearance is pretty much the same. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14...s/IMG_3329.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14...s/IMG_3331.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14...s/IMG_3337.jpg ^ showing ground clearance with centre stand fitted on KLE ^ cheers :thumbup1: |
Cheers for that Richard,
Deffo got your bike sorted out there, looks good. I saw another Kle the other day on a ride out up the lakes, It had the engine bars on. It looked quite cool. Ive sold my blade coz I just kept choosing the kle for every ride. Strange, Ive always been a sports bike man untill I bought the kwak as a bit of a hack. I just fell in love with the dam thing and its great going off the beaten track with it. Nice to have you on here. Roy:thumbup1: |
Really nice and very complete KLE. The centre stand will be my next purchase. Is it strong? Does it worth the investment? Did you have any problems installing it?
I'm sure it will make chain adjustments and tire changes far much easier. Cheers Jules |
hi
jules: the centre stand is very strong and really worth the investment. Its nice to be able to adjust the chain so much more easily, also changing tyres as you say will become a more manageable job.
the centre stand comes in 3 pieces: the 2 brackets and the centre stand itself. Its relatively easy to install but the only hard part was mounting the spring. only 3 parts of the motorbike will have to be removed to be able to install the centre stand. They are: the two front foot peg bracket and the left rear foot peg bracket. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14...IMG_3331-1.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14...IMG_3329-1.jpg hope this helps. cheers. |
Thank you very much for the information, Richard.
These details will be very useful. I will post photos of my bike as soon as I install the centre stand next month (I hope). Best regards Jules |
A bit more enduro?
Afternoon all,
Does anyone have spiked footpegs on their KLE? I went to a bike show at the NEC years before I bought my bike and bought some motorcross boots with a flat soal. When riding off road they dont have the gip I want due to the lack of the heel to hook over the ped. Today I went all round Barcelona looking for some spiked ones - to no avail. One chap said they had one for the KX but I think i will have to go to a show room and see if they are the same brackets. I picked up some hand protectors with the metal bars -Acerbids which I think will do better than the standard to protect hands if I go down. Anyone else seen owt for`t kLE? Cardy Spain PS) I am looking forward to going up to the mountain roads next month! Will get photos:thumbup1: |
Thanks Richard
That is very very usefull information Richard . I just ordered a KLE yesterday and I'm certain you've saved me hours of searching for accessories. I was beginning to think a rack for hard luggage was'nt available. I'm gonna fit all that stuff just as soon as I can afford it. Thanks again.:thumbup1:
Steve. |
Question for voleurs
Hi Richard,
I've been reading your post about accessories for your KLE and went to the site you got your pannier racks from and they only have delivery in Germany on the checkout page. I have emailed them to find out about UK delivery and had no reply. How did you contact them to get UK delivery. Thanks for any help you can offer. Regards Ian. |
contact
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The person I have contacted is Sebastian Apel Sales office Email: apel@jfmotorsport.de I also used the same checkout page and instructed them to add another 7 Euros to my bill as they seem not to have any special instructions with regards to selling items out of Germany. Why 7 Euros? It is because their order form automatically charges shipping within Germany which is 5 Euros. It took less than 5 days for the product to arrive. Mr. Apel originally quoted me 12 Euros for freight of the pannier rack to the UK. Please let me know how you get on. Regards, Richard |
Thanks for your response Richard,
I have sent an email to Mr. Apel and still no reply. I'm reluctant to send any money to someone who does not reply to my mail, I'll give it a few more days then if I still have no joy then I will have to look into making my own racks as my bike is pretty well obsolete as far as accesories go (1986) Honda XL600lm. Thanks again. |
Hi Richard,
In one of your early posts on this thread you mentioned having your KLE restricted, a friend has just bought a KLE and asked me if I'll ride it the 100 miles home for him as he will need to have it restricted to 33bhp before he can legally ride it ( he's just passed his test ). Can you remember roughly how much it cost to have it restricted ? thanks in advance. Cheers Mike |
KLE restriction
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My KLE restiction to 33bhp is a part of the deal with the dealer but I knew all along that it cost around £100 to have it done. The unfortunate thing about restriction is it's got to be done by an authorized garage who will issue you a certificate and the document has to be sent to the DVLA so details of your bike registration can be amended. The restriction still allows me to ride it to the speed of 90 mph knowing that unrestricted KLE can only do a mere 100mph. My KLE can still do 80 mph uphill with loaded panniers, top box and tank bag. I hope this helps. Regards, Richard |
KLE luggage racks
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Five stars motorcycle luggage rack for Kawasaki KLE 500 is available locally at: www. getgeared.co.uk for £94.99 Just go to the racks section and there it is. I didn't know this before but knowing now the make of the product, it is easy to surf the net for it. I hope this helps. Cheers, Richard |
Quote:
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Hi Richard,
Cheers for the response - my mate will be pleased with those performance figures - he's getting rid of his TDR 125 this week and picking up the KLE saturday, the KLE sounds like a decent step up in power ( even when restricted ) I 've got an XT600E and the top speed I've had is 96 mph (downhill with a strong following wind), that's with no screen!! the benefit is that at anything over 70 mph on the XT you REALLY KNOW you're speeding!! Cheers Mike |
winter riding
updated on the first post aswell.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14...s/CIMG0240.jpg Fully loaded with the addition of an Air Hawk seat and Oxford hot grips ready for winter riding. |
Airhawk which size
Richard, I see the airhawk seats can be ordred from Bykebitz Motorcycle Accessories - UK importers for AIRHAWK ,but can you let us know which size you have fitted to your bike. :thumbup1:
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18"x12"
Hi Jedkel. I bought Airhawk premium neoprene seating system, size small 18"x12". It has made a world of difference. I don't feel any discomfort on rides 200miles +. It's a well worth investment.
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another accessories
these are not my images
HEPCO & BECKER: PANNIER RACK & TOPBOX RACK Hepco&Becker Black Complete Rack Kawasaki KLE 500 - £159.. - Motorbikes and Parts - Givi / Kappa Motorcycle Luggage Specialists - hepcobecker-black-complete-rack-kawasaki-kle-500-p-10235.html?makes_id=12 fitting illustration: http://www.hepco-becker.de/anbauanle...50258.0001.pdf & http://www.hepco-becker.de/anbauanle...50258.0101.pdf JOURNEY PANNIERS Hepco&Becker Journey Panniers 42LTR (Pair) - £272.60 - Motorbikes and Parts - Givi / Kappa Motorcycle Luggage Specialists - hepcobecker-journey-panniers-42ltr-pair-p-9237.html CRASHBAR Hepco&Becker Black Engine Bars for Kawasaki KLE 500 - £1.. - Motorbikes and Parts - Givi / Kappa Motorcycle Luggage Specialists - hepcobecker-black-engine-bars-for-kawasaki-kle-500-p-11919.html?makes_id=12 fitting illustration http://www.hepco-becker.de/anbauanle...02200.0001.pdf http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/voleurs/klehb.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/voleurs/klehb2.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/voleurs/klehb3.jpg :thumbup1: |
Richard, can u remove the airhawk pad without having to undo the seat?.
cheers Roy |
airhawk
yes it is possible, you just unclip it from the straps. This means the straps will be hanging loose there but they do stay in, and to remove the straps you remove the sidepanels and pull them out. It's also possible to put the straps underneath the seat without removing the seat itself (you have to remove the side panels), it's a bit fiddly.
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SW Motech Centre stand Kawasaki for KLE500 issues
Hi. has any one had any issues with the SW Motech centre stand, I fitted my one a couple of days ago and it seems to be very hard to get the bike onto it, also when on the stand it does not balance front to back easily, though it does add benefit for changing the rear tyre and fixing rear punctures I can't see how I can get the front safely in the air :( , I had thought about lifting front and putting one of my aluminum panniers under engine bash plate but seems like a struggle.
Any thoughts ? Cheers John |
hi
hi john, yes it is quite hard to get the bike onto the centre stand (especially when fully loaded) mainly because the centre stand isn't positioned centrally on the bike. This is also why it isn't easy to tilt the bike from front to back, you have to really lean on the back for the front to come up. But considering the SW MOTECH is are the only people I can see who make the centre stand I guess there not much we can do :(, but on the good side it really does make great use when parking on uneven surfaces or when servicing :thumbup1:
richard |
Centre Stand
Thanks for the information Richard.
Well at least I know that I am not going mad, or just getting weak and as you say this seems to be the only option so it will have to do. its better than trying to balance the bike some other way to get the wheel out. I will get the knack of using it. All in all a worthwhile addition to the bike I just wish they had fitted one as standard. Cheers John |
Hi Richard Im interested in the KLE it looks to be a bit of a bargain. Whats it like for maitanace as i see it has a fair bit of plastic on it. How easy do the side panels come off ?
what about the fairing, how many allen bolts are there ? Had a Pegaso 650 in the past and there were lots of fastners to undo to do any work on the bike. Cheers Great Post by the way and the Bike looks Good |
I mastered the center stand in no time.
You really need to step on the centre stand hard while using the force of your leg to pull the bike up and pulling backwards with the handle bar and the just lifting a bit the rear rack. Haven't done it with a fully loaded bike but my topbox is always full. If you put something under the bash bar the front wheel gets free to work on it. Make sure that whatever you put down there is not going to slip away. Will |
Centre Stand
I found lifting on the rear rack difficult as it is a little high, what I do is grab the passenger footrest arm and just stand up straight as I put my foot on the stand...job done
regards richie |
new crashbar
.. here is the new addition to my KLE. Five Stars crashbars, i did like the look of the SW MOTECH crash bars but being 6ft 2" I realised my knees/shins would touch them so I opted for these, which I am extremely pleased with :thumbup1:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14...s/IMG_4097.jpg a few more angles photos have been added to the original post at the beginning. Cheers, Richard. |
Engine bars
Great pic, do they protect the plastics well? or are they mainly to save the engine etc....:confused1:
TDMalcolm |
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TDMalcolm - It seems as though the crash bar is mainly for engine protection but I'm sure as its quite chunky it'll protect the plastic very well :thumbup1:
here is a diagram of the fitting instructions: http://www.jfmotorsport.de/shop2k5/c...1020000500.pdf http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14...s/IMG_4095.jpg cheers Richard |
how much
hello there richard if you dont mind me askin how much are the panniers and top box thanks m8:funmeteryes::mchappy:
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Hi craig - sorry for the delayed reply, the panniers I obtained on ebay for £75 for the pair and the Top Box was £100.
recent end to end trip with my brother on his honda transalp :thumbup1: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14...s/IMG_5008.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14...s/IMG_5010.jpg |
nice pics Richard, What route did you take on your run?
regards Roy:mchappy: |
My mods
Just thought I would list the mods that I have done to my KLE500
1) Heated grips. 2) Pannier rails "though they were modified to fit better" 3) Aluminum boxes "picked up cheap on ebay" 4) Hid front lights, now only uses 35 watts for more light :thumbup1: 5) Scottoiler 6) Extra rear LED stop tail light homemade. 7) Center stand 8) Rear LED indicators, smaller and allows panniers to be tighter into the bike 9) Crash bars, handy when you park you bike next to a tree on mud bike is used all year in all conditions, has not missed a beat and its cheaper to run than my BMW. picture link below KLE500 with mods |
After weeks of waiting I finally got my centrestand. Apparently they'd gone out of production. I used your pics to help me fit it, but it was a bit confusing at first because SW Mototech are now making the silver fixing plate in black, and the black plate in silver. Don't ask me why… It whould all be black IMO. Anyway, it was easy enough to fit (thanks to the pics), and it's a well made piece of kit, but I don't think it's very stable. The slightest push will knock the bike off the stand. I'm going to tie down the front brake lever whenever I'm working on it.
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Just fitted my five stars racks and went for a kappa 42ltr topcase and 21ltr panniers. Ive also fitted a mount for my tomtom. You may also notice the alteration of my seat when I had the pillion raise cut back 6".
Happy days Roy:thumbup1: http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/q...x7r/kle004.jpg |
Thanks
Hi, thanks for this post.
I have just joined the site, after recently bying a black and gold KLE. You links to online shops have helped me find the parts I want and seeing them no you bike made it easier too. Thanks Ross:D |
Heres some recent pics of mine
http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/35...600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/35...600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/45...600x600Q85.jpg Mods/accessories Renthal trials bars Acerbis multiplo handguards EBC disk and pads MRA vario screen SW-Motech crash bars Hella Micro DE fog lights Full Arrow Exhaust Stage 3 K & Ns Stage 3 Dynojet kit |
Just wanted to try and get some photos up-loaded.
If it worked here are some pic of the bike on Windmill lane in Torquay. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...a&id=661571661http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...f&id=661571661 |
shaunj
Shaunj - really like the look of those fog lights :-) how effective are they ?
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hi
keeping in mind that they are fog lights not driving light they are very effective at making you more visible have not had a single car pullout on me when there on. As for lighting the road they fill in the darker patch between the front of the bike and the top of the low beam if that makes sense and they light the kerbside up very well which is useful for country lanes. They can be adjusted to light the road more but that dazzles oncoming drivers although i think alot of the time its more a case of the lights are higher up than on a car so people assume youv'e got the highbeams on |
Hi guys,
some very nice pics, some nice bikes you got there, good on you. I felt two of the most important issues with my 06 Kle 500 was the change of the stock front fork springs towards progressive Wilbers Racing Springs Germany (ebay.de, 73 Euros) and the change of the front brake hose towards a steelflex one, Aussie made. The bike is now so much more precise to ride, with more feedback when cornered hard or when the road surface is shit. And the brakes are up to their task now as well, very much worth the money. This soft, vague feeling is gone. No couch potato anymore. The tyres I am using for mainly on road use are Michelin Sirac, again worth their money (85% on/ 15% off road). They suit me. Kind regards and happy riding Michael |
Hi
joined the forum as it has so much info on my new bike, a 2005 KLE 500. This thread is brilliant and so informative. I know it has not been updated for a while, but it still seems the best place to ask how stable/unstable is the centre stand? I want to be sure it is worth £150! Thanks. |
Here is mine now with various additions
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6072/6...31a2b165_b.jpg Powerbronze flip screen Fenda Extenda Mirror extenders Gel seat pad in cover covered with non slip webbing 51 litre top box. |
Looks good, Throttled! Does the Powerbronze screen make any difference in the real world? Have you thought about doing up the brakes (as suggested by somebody higher up in this thread)?
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I find there is less buffeting and wind noise has decreased to an extent that makes the £55 worthwhile.
The brake mods are going to be next, but I need to save up! |
Hi all
Just joined and after seeing this posting on the net when i was trying to decide what bike i was after, it was a choice of three to choose from, BMW (couldn't aford to buy), Transalp(couldn't aford to insure) and the KLE which i could aford to buy and insure and boy am i glad i went for the KLE. Mine is a 2008 model with just about all the extras you could imagne i wish i could say i put them on the bike but i was very lucky to get mine with all the hard work done.I will try and get some pics on later today but to give you an idea of whats on the bike heres a list. KLE Touring Screen OME Driving Lights Sat Nav Mount UK and Continantal Power Sockets Crash Bars Scott Oiler MK7 Centre Stand (not fitted at the moment) Five Stars Pannier Rack Top Box Extra Tail and Brake Lights Pics to follow shortly:thumbup1: |
A few updates to the bike. Original screen now back in use as I found the Power Bronze one gave me a sore neck with too much wind blast onto my helmet. I had the peg brackets and bash plate powder coated and removed all the gold stickers to go for a more black look. Since the photo was taken the side stand has also been powder coated black.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6...9812a853_b.jpg |
5 years!!!! Surprised to see my one and only post is still alive.. Hello again. My KLE is still with me. I can't see myself parting with it. 35000 miles on the clock and still going strong. Nice to see all the adds on your bikes. I'm off next month on Route 66 motorcycle ride. Will be posting some pics when I get back.
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http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/z...thefleet16.jpg Seems a KLE is not the only vehicle we have in common, note the Delica in front of my caravan. :thumbup1: http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/z...sthefleet5.jpg http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/z...stestride4.jpg http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/z...atefitted2.jpg Thoroughly enjoying the KLE, the KLR650 is now gone and currently just the white Suzuki DL650 V-Strom in the garage to keep the KLE company. |
To add mine in to colection, simply loving the bike :funmeteryes::mchappy:
What have I done to my bike: -Acerbis high front fender (not on the bike at the moment) -Madhead handguards with turn signals and acerbis high wind deflectors -Alu brake and clutch lever in bike color -Alu bar end weights in bike color -Givi Maxia 52l top-case -SW-Motech crash bars -Home made wide mx footpegs -12v socket -Tutoro manual chain oiler with a electromagnetic valve to make it compleately automatic -DNA High flow air filter -Home made stainless steel soft pannier racks -Raised for 5cm with custom made lincage arms(dogbones) -46 teeth rear sprocket Troubles that I had: -Regulator/rectifier faliour (busted 2 batteries) -Nothing else but regular maintenance(oil, oil filter, and spark plug change and front brake pad change a few weeks ago) A few pics: With the high front fender http://shrani.si/t/1a/RU/1wlF3fH2/imag0091.jpg On top of the highes going road in Slovenia, Mangart road takes you 2072m above sea level (Ride report is here) http://shrani.si/t/2l/Dc/3XWN1TfC/img3173.jpg This is how it looks at the moment http://shrani.si/t/2P/l5/3HJubH1I/img3225.jpg It is getting cold here so I will soon have to put in in the garage for winter sleep. But there is a few things I have planed to do this winter. First is to install electronics for hazard lights, second is to get a different exhaust as this carbon-fiber one that I have on now ti falling appart (from the first owner so it is 7+ years old as when he fitted it it was allready used), and if I have some money left in the spring I will get progresive front springs. Safe riding everyone! |
side carrier
hi, I'm looking for the side carrier for kle 500.
I found it on a swedish web site but it's no longer available. may somebody could tell me where did you find it please? thanks |
Hello, sorry i forgot to introduce myself.
this is an old post but I hope that someone may help me. I'm french and I live in Nice. I bought a KLE 500 2005 and I found the fivestars side carrier in kle adventure website. I'm looking for this item. thank you for your help. have a nice day |
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If someon find a source were zou can get kle 500 frames it'd interesting to know :thumbup1: |
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