KLE 500

2000 Kawasaki KLE 500 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Kawasaki's enduro - offroad motorcycle lineup, the 2000 Kawasaki KLE 500 features a 499 cc (30.5 cu in) liquid-cooled twin, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 48 HP (35 kW) at 8,400 rpm while maximum torque reaches 41 Nm (30.2 lb-ft) at 7,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 96.2 HP per liter and a 900 rpm working window between peak torque (7,500 rpm) and peak power (8,400 rpm), 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 (3.77 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, combined with a 1,510 mm (59.4 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 15-liter (4 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 165 km/h (103 mph).

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.