manufacturers never quote genuine rear wheel figures, usually an "optimised" crank figure. Also, i read somewhere that the newer KLE500's only produce 38bhp (kawasaki number).
so a genuine 39.5bhp at the back wheel isn't bad. good flat torque curve too.
however, looking at the graphs, the exhaust is seriously strangling the top end, so a full system replacement would liberate the 8K-10K power, making fast road work a lot more fun.
thanks for the jet info, i will file it, and when the manufacturers warranty has run out........

__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower

As Joe said. Manufacturers usually give the power figures at the crank. There is a big power loss between the crank and the rear wheel and in the real world the figures at the rear wheel are the important ones.

I'm quite happy with the results. Now the KLE is only 3HP shy of a tuned f650gs dakar (in total bhp, but still 10 less lbs torque).

F650 GS Dyno Runs FAQ



Joe. If you want the bike to make more power at the high end you will need to replace cams for a gpz500 and I asume the ER5 has them too. The problem is you will sacrifice a bit of low and med range performance to achieve this and considering the KLE is a dual purpose and not really a highway cruiser I don't see the real gain in doing this.

In Australia the maximum speed limit is 110 on hwy and the KLE easily does it in 6th gear at about 5 1/2k - 6 1/2k rpm and still delivers an ok economy.

I read in the link that is somewhere in this same thread that one of the problems with the exhaust is its design because one of the extractors is longer than the other one and has a bend. A custom system will sort this out but not sure what could happen with the bash plate and centre stand if you have one.

Riding the bike now is so much different, smother throughout the entire range and quicker to top speed.

Loving it.

Will

how do you mean "drop" a tooth? buying a new one but with one tooth less or modify the original?

Buzzbomb,

Yes, buy a front sprocket with one tooth less then standard.

1 tooth less at front is the same as adding 2 teeth to the rear.


Hope this helps?.


Roy

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"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.

yes, thnx... now everything is clear


I just have to find that sprocket that will fit

Roy,

Where did you get the front sprocket with one tooth less?

Would be easier for me to order...

Thanks,

Frank

Frank,

B&C Express - Renthal Sprockets -> Kawasaki


Ive not tried it on the KLE yet, but have done on previous bikes and works a treat!.

Hope this helps?



Roy

__________________
"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.

Thanks a lot for the link Roy.

Cheers,

Frank

Ive just ordered some extended rear shock "jack up" plates.

Has anyone any experience on fitting these, anything I need to be aware of??

I presume I need to put a jack under the rear shock to stop the bike sinking when I undo it all, Am I right??


Help?
Roy

__________________
"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.

Hello everyone i have a kle 500 guy i got it from said was running perfect some one hit it up the ass and it just wouldn't start again he said the bike is common for the timing going wen rear wheel locks up but i checked the timing and all seems ok i Thought maybe the carbs have gone so i sprayed some easy start in to the engine and it didn't attempt to fire so usually i would think spark plugs but why would they go from being hit up the ass it makes a tapping noise now and again when trying to turn it over and started motor seems to struggle a bit thats all i can say about it any help at all would be appreciated Thanks for Reading

Hi there guys

First time here on the forums.
I have just recently encountered a really sad happening with my KLE 500 (2005). On the way to work on the highway cruising at about 120 km/h, my bike just slowly started to lose its power. so i decided to slow down and pull over to the side of the road. There was a really loud and heavy "knocking" sound when i lightly revved to get an idea of what was happening.

Turns out my motor seized up due to lack of oil, which i am actually quite adamant on checking.

Anyways, so this is gonna cost me a huge wad of cash (R18 000) to repair, as all the bearings need replacing, as well as, Crank, Conrod, all gaskets and seals, clutch plates, and so fourth.

I just thought that maybe it would be easier to locate a complete running 2nd hand motor, but that is proving to be more difficult than i thought.

I live in South Africa, Johannesburg.

Anybody got any ideas on what i can do ? Desperate for help !!!

ebay's always a good place to start.

KAWASAKI KLE500 KLE 500 ENGINE 17,000 MILES on eBay, also Kawasaki, Motorcycle Parts, Motorcycle Parts Accessories, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 19-Mar-09 17:10:44 GMT)

You could ask them if they would ship it to you,just a thought.

__________________
http://ranfog.co.uk

See exhaust mod thread

Gray

can you not post a link to this thread of which you speak.

__________________
http://ranfog.co.uk

The link to the exhaust mod is
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-exhaust-41157

I'm sure this will help more than messing about with your sprockets. The KLE already has a close ratio gearbox. If you decrease teeth on the front sprocket or add to the rear, your gear changes are going to be even closer together, ie you'll be in top gear by about 40mph and your top speed will be reduced.
Hope this helps
Gray