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 Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Mar 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sarajevo
Posts: 7
KLE 500 offroad capabilities

Hi to all riders
I bought mine kle '94 last year and I love it...but I didnt have much chance to drive it especially offroad and winter came.. since my country (Bosnia) is all over hills I mainly bought bike for offroad stuff...Im not talking about crazy stuff jumping or crossing rivers just some gravel roads and grass, but as I can see KLE is not so famous offroader ..
I was thinking it would be nice that kle drivers post some offroad experiences, capabilities of bike and opinions on dirt and maybe some tips how to upgrade KLE to be more offroader...

Im wondering why is such big difference betveen KLE and KLR on offroad, as I can see more riders go for KLR rather then KLE, KLR is only 10-15kg lighter and have better sunsension?

best regards
Zoran
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Apr 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 5
You wanted pics of a kle on dirt roads

Hardmen to Hillend

I took my bike on this trip.

I have dropped it a few times, the most damage I have done is broken of part of the Brake and Clutch Lever.

Also bent the left foot peg bracket a little bit.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Apr 2008
royzx7r's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Liverpool UK
Posts: 225
Some nice pics on there, looked good fun?.



regards
Roy
__________________
"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Apr 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sarajevo
Posts: 7
Excellent pics and good fun...
tnx
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 4
Hi there,
The KLE is not your best dual sport bike, but it is very capable of handling some serious off road stuff. I have taken my KLE over pretty rough terrain and the only thing that I found was not good at all is the front suspension, way too soft and obviously the tyres. So I have replaced the fork springs with progressive springs and adjusted the air pressure in the forks to just above atmospheric preasure, big difference in handling rough terrain. I have also changed the tyres and slaped on Dunlop D606 rear and Dunlop D908 enduro's for the front... work pretty good! There are still a number of other things that I want to replace to make it a really good off road adventure bike.
Attached Thumbnails
KLE 500 offroad capabilities-ultimate-adventure-004.jpg  


Last edited by Louw_500; 18 May 2008 at 14:29. Reason: adding photo
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by Louw_500 View Post
Hi there,
The KLE is not your best dual sport bike, but it is very capable of handling some serious off road stuff. I have taken my KLE over pretty rough terrain and the only thing that I found was not good at all is the front suspension, way too soft and obviously the tyres. So I have replaced the fork springs with progressive springs and adjusted the air pressure in the forks to just above atmospheric preasure, big difference in handling rough terrain. I have also changed the tyres and slaped on Dunlop D606 rear and Dunlop D908 enduro's for the front... work pretty good! There are still a number of other things that I want to replace to make it a really good off road adventure bike.
That is a nice and mean looking KLE. Good on you.

Will
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Jun 2008
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
The KLE 500 is indeed a very capable offroader. At only £3,000 new it is probably the best value trailee to be found in the UK at the present time. My local dealer (Laguna's) had a brand new KLE for sale last week for £2,800!!!

Get a bargain while you can...

The bike hasn't the fame of the Yami XT's but it's a perfectly acceptable RTW bike.

By the way, I own an XT6 NOT a KLE 500 so my comments here are'nt biased...
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Melbourne / Oz
Posts: 180
The only problem is the small tank of just 15 litres and no availability of accessory tanks.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 28
You can always modify your own tank to make it bigger:

Serbatoio maggiorato artigianale per KLE 500 | Kawasakikle500.it

Will
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Jun 2008
muthaf9cka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
Ground clearance is not so good and you do need proper off-road tyres. It's also quite heavy to pick up if you drop it.

I took my moto-crossing for a charity event and it didn't last long. However, if you're careful and just going on trails, it seems to do the job.

As far as design goes, it won't break much if you drop it. Pedals can be bend back easily enough, but the levers are easily broken so make sure you loosen up the fittings so they can be easily twisted back. Of course, it will flood at the first sign of being dropped, so make sure the battery is well charged if you're planning on doing anything a bit risky. And don't use the kill switch and then spend ten minutes wondering why it doesn't start (easily done :-)).
__________________
"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
  #11  
Old 1 Jul 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 28
Yeah it is heavy for jumps or moto x but it is not a dirt bikebut a dual purpose. Try to use a F650GS as a x moto and you will see.

And to pick it up, it is all about technique. My wife is 53 kilos and picks up mine easily. She did once when she knocked my bike with her car. I taught her how to pick up a bike. Similar to this:

YouTube - NB's F6550GS - How to pick up a motorcycle

Will
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 5 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 5 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
pictures from the offroad ride out reefshark HU Travellers Meetings - UK 1 29 Jun 2007 13:03
R80/7 tyre size for offroad. Boxer2V BMW Tech 4 28 Jun 2007 20:13
Offroad with guide in Algeria? de Duin North Africa 6 3 Apr 2007 11:29
Offroad in Sweden pinkolive Europe 3 19 Jun 2006 00:54
Offroad tyres for XTZ 660? AnteK Yamaha Tech 2 28 Jan 2004 15:16

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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 15:19.