Hi guys,

I am a new owner of a 2006 KLE500 - have had it for all of two hours.

This is my first "proper" bike - after riding 125s on a CBT for a few years. And I took the task of making the choice really seriously.

Having tried out about a dozen other bikes, I decided I didn't care a jot about those reviewers from MCN who gave the KLE 2 stars out of five - I felt comfortable, safe, secure and at ease with it from the word go.

So here I am now, - another "KLE bloke", and, hopefully, another member of the community.

Off to read the threads about aftermarket screens :-)

I have had mine for nearly two weeks now and have put 400 miles on it. I picked it up the day after I passed my test.

I too was initially put off by MCN's review, but have just put my own one onto MCN as an owner to try and set the record straight.

I think MCN only like new sporty stuff and the KLE's little, old engine is not too their liking. They must have thrashed and driven it after a Hayabusa or something similar to get 35mpg. I get 55mpg around town.

Mine is 6 years old with 6000 miles on it and people think it is brand new. I have been stopped at lights three times now and people have come over to talk to me about the bike. Mine is the spark black and gold colour, which is unusual.

I love its road presence and as I am tall I am eye to eye with large van drivers. I have had cars pull out of my way and give way to me, which I was not getting with my YBR125 nor with the various bikes I rode doing the DAS.

Yes the brakes are not the best, but I am used to braking early with my YBR anyway. Yes the seat gets uncomfortable, after a couple of hours, but it was the same with the other bikes I have ridden. I have added a gel pad to mine which is great.

If I could make one simple adjustment I would like the foot of the side stand to be bigger. Today I parked it on some tarmac and came back to find it had sunk half an inch and left a hole!!

In my MCN review I said as the BMW GS1200 is to the Landrover Discovery, the KLE500 is to the Suzuki Jimny. Tough, cheap, simple, reliable, slow but full of character.

That suits me prefectly. Hope you enjoy yours.

Hi, these so called reviews are a bit flawed or biased. I've ridden many bikes in my life and the kle 500 rates as one of the best for real world riding. Its fast enough for all types of riding, from touring to fun days out. And with such frugal fuel economy its a winner for me!!!