KLE 500

1996 Kawasaki KLE 500 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Kawasaki's enduro - offroad motorcycle platform, the 1996 Kawasaki KLE 500 relies on a 498 cc (30.4 cu in) twin, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 49 HP (35.8 kW), transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 98.4 HP per liter, the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the KLE 500 measures 181 kg (399 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.27 HP/kg (3.69 kg per horsepower).

Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 11 indexed model years from 1991 to 2006, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.