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Enduro Bikes

2002Kawasaki KLE 500

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The 2002 Kawasaki KLE 500 is a versatile middleweight dual-sport designed for riders seeking adventure both on and off-road. Its lightweight 181kg frame and manageable 48hp parallel-twin engine make it ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike. Known for reliability and approachable performance, the KLE 500 excels at long-distance touring and light trail exploration.

Capacity
499.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
181.0 kg
Seat height
850 mm
Power
48.0 HP (35.3 kW)

What’s new for the 2002 Kawasaki KLE 500

vs the 2001
Spec20012002
Power 34.0 HP (25.0 kW) 48.0 HP (35.3 kW)
Torque 36.0 Nm (3.7 kgf-m or 26.6 ft.lbs) not listed
Top speed 137.0 km/h (85.1 mph) not listed
Front brakes Dual disc Single disc
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
Speed 31Agility 66Comfort 55Off-road 75Touring 55Road manners 50
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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 850mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 2002 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.

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
499.0 ccm
Power
48.0 HP (35.3 kW)
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2652 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression
9.8:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Ignition
battery and coil (transistorized ignition)
Valves per cylinder
4
Lubrication system
Forced lubrication (wet sump)
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
wet, multi disc
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1505 mm
Overall length
2215 mm
Overall width
880 mm
Overall height
1270 mm
Seat height
850 mm
Dry weight
181.0 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-S21
Rear tyre
130/80-S17

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 19911995199920022006
Capacity 499 cc 499 cc 498 cc 499 cc 498 cc
Dry weight 181 kg 181 kg 181 kg 181 kg 181 kg
Seat height 850 mm 850 mm 850 mm 850 mm 850 mm
Fuel capacity 15 L 15 L 15 L 15 L 15 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki KLE 500?

The 2002 Kawasaki KLE 500 has a Capacity of 499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki KLE 500 have?

The 2002 Kawasaki KLE 500 has a Power of 48.0 HP (35.3 kW).

How many gears does the Kawasaki KLE 500 have?

The 2002 Kawasaki KLE 500 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

How much does the Kawasaki KLE 500 weigh?

The 2002 Kawasaki KLE 500 has a Dry weight of 181.0 kg (399.0 pounds).

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