KLE 500

1998 Kawasaki KLE 500 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1998 Kawasaki KLE 500 enduro - offroad motorcycle, Kawasaki features a 498 cc (30.4 cu in) liquid-cooled twin, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 34 HP (24.8 kW) at 7,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 36 Nm (26.6 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 68.3 HP per liter and a 4,500 rpm working window between peak torque (3,000 rpm) and peak power (7,500 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the KLE 500 measures 181 kg (399 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.19 HP/kg (5.32 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 850 mm (33.5 in) seat height — resulting in a taller command-style riding posture suited to medium-to-tall inseams.

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.