Enduro Bikes

1997Kawasaki KLE 500

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The 1997 Kawasaki KLE 500 is a lightweight dual-sport enduro designed for novice and intermediate riders seeking affordable adventure touring and light off-road capability. Its modest 34 hp parallel-twin engine delivers accessible performance with manageable seat height, making it ideal for commuting and weekend exploration. The KLE 500 is best known for its reliability, low maintenance costs, and forgiving nature for riders building dual-sport skills.

Capacity: 499.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 178.0 kg
Seat height: 850 mm
Power: 34.0 HP (25.0 kW) @ 7500 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1997 Kawasaki KLE 500

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Power	49.0 HP (36.0 kW)	34.0 HP (25.0 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Torque	—	36.0 Nm (3.7 kgf-m or 26.6 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM
Dry weight	181.0 kg (399.0 pounds)	178.0 kg (392.4 pounds)
Gearbox	5-speed	6-speed

Other years 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail75%

Cornering55%

City riding60%

Daily riding65%

Touring55%

Two-up40%

Track15%

Best for: It's built as a dual-sport all-rounder, equally at home commuting through town and tackling gravel tracks or light trails.
Built for: Simple, rugged, and unpretentious, this is a low-maintenance workhorse rather than a machine that thrills with outright performance.
Not ideal for: It's not for riders chasing high-speed thrills, sport-bike cornering precision, or plush two-up long-distance touring comfort.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 850mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 1997 Kawasaki KLE 500, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 499.0 ccm
Power: 34.0 HP (25.0 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Torque: 36.0 Nm (3.7 kgf-m) @ 3000 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1910 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression: 10.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: battery and coil (transistorized ignition)
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication (wet sump)

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: wet, multi disc

Performance

Top speed: 165.0 km/h (102.5 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1510 mm
Overall length: 2215 mm
Overall width: 880 mm
Overall height: 1270 mm
Seat height: 850 mm
Dry weight: 178.0 kg
Wet weight: 199.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 15.00 litres
Ground clearance: 180 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: castor
Front suspension: telescopic fork
Front wheel travel: 220 mm
Rear wheel travel: 200 mm
Rake (fork angle): 27.0°
Trail: 105 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 230 mm
Front tyre: 90/90-21
Rear tyre: 130/80-17

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1991	1995	1997	1999	2002	2006
Capacity	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc	498 cc	499 cc	498 cc
Dry weight	181 kg	181 kg	178 kg	181 kg	181 kg	181 kg
Seat height	850 mm	850 mm	850 mm	850 mm	850 mm	850 mm
Fuel capacity	15 L	15 L	15 L	15 L	15 L	15 L