Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Kawa KLE 500 Kawa KLE 500
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Sep 2005
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Kawa KLE 500
Right so,
I reckon I am going to buy one of the new Kawa KLE 500s. I have failed to find anything really bad about these bikes by trawling the internet. It seems like a good, fairly simple bike that will plug along for ages built on a good engine (the 500cc twin from the GPZ 500). And its very cheap. The thing is, although there seems to be lots of people out there who use them for commuting etc. there seems to be very little use of them for adv. touring.
I'm aware of its limitations as an off road bike but realistically most of my riding will be on road with the occasional unsealed foray.
Does anybody have any experience of these bikes and have any advice as to what to look out for interms of reliability? Any suggested mods? I'd be grateful for any thoughts.
matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: paris, france
Posts: 86
Hi there, all I can add to this is buy one. They are so cheap and very capable. I bought mine mid july and have just returned from a trip around east europe, poor roads, hairpins, gravel etc. OK, its not down to dakar but the bike handle it fine. Ive just done 6500 miles on it already with no problems. I went with an old friend who rode my/his aprilia pegaso and the biggest surprise was just how economical it was, eash fill up saved me 3-4 euros!!
I bought a center stand which is tricky to use, theres no low down grab handle to haul it up, but worth the aggro for the chain/ wheel maintenance. Got a regular 160 170 tank range with some spare, as an allrounder its fantastic, I have never seen another on the road except once in france. Dare to be different!! Mine was 3200, I reckon they must be 3000-3100 sterling by now. Unbelieveable!!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Dec 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia
Posts: 12
hi there,my name hippo(yusof) from Malaysia,to add/gives some infomation about this bike and this engine also.

this model>KLE 500 engine base share same spec,athough difference spec especially on gear ratio dan bore/stroke dimension but all other part espect are the same.Kawasaki model used same engine with KLE model i.e Kawasaki GPZ500S,Kawasaki Vulcan 500,Kawasaki EN500.Part Should not be any problem especially in Malaysia if your visit my countries.There are many bikers using this model and the engine are great in term of performance and reability

There are Big Agent in Malaysia that supply all part of kawasakis model.This Agent are located at Kuala Lumpur and called Sunrock Malaysia.

Other part shop sell any big-part kawasakis like SEA(Sourt East Asia Autopart,Jln Ipoh Kuala Lumpur)

Mega Fortune,Penang,Malaysia.

Any info on part ability just email me,i'm glad to help especially any information regarding part for any bikes in Malaysia.

One day,i'm also want to look and see other contries.I hope!

p/s :: sorry for my english.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Dec 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 64
I have a KLE 14 years old, 93000 km, I traveled much on it, and ride off road and never any problem.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Dec 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: paris, france
Posts: 86
I,ve seen then available for 4995 euros in france.....bargain!!
A transalp is not worth so much more....but also dont forget the larger engine size of the TA so its not an equal comparison..
I have just done 8500 miles on it, no problems yet. In march we are planning a few weeks in morocco so that will be fun, just going to fit progressive springs and T63s.
I feel like i,ve nearly got my monies worth already..
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Dec 2005
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
Matt dont know if this is any use But I was in Kawasaki Newcastle a few months back with my son who is looking to buy a kle 500 and they were selling them off (new) for £3500 with all warranties etc and no doubt a little bit of negotiating into the bargain might get a few extras thrown in. Its a lot of bike for that type of money. I am not sure if these were last years models mind !.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Dec 2005
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
Oops meant to say the price was £3000 down from £3500. that sounds better eh!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Dec 2005
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Actually, since posting this I've bought a Yamaha XT I got a great deal on. Would definatley consider one otherwise everyone seems to have only good things to say...
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 10:35.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top