Adventure Motorcycles
1996Kawasaki KLE500
39 fields on record
The 1996 Kawasaki KLE 500 is a lightweight dual-sport enduro designed for riders seeking adventure on mixed terrain. Its 498cc twin-cylinder engine delivers manageable power with excellent fuel efficiency, while the nimble 181kg frame and relaxed riding position make it ideal for both on-road commuting and off-road exploration. Known for reliability and affordability, it remains a popular choice for beginners and budget-conscious adventure riders.
- Capacity
- 498.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 181.0 kg
- Seat height
- 850 mm
- Power
- 49.0 HP (36.0 kW)
What’s new for the 1996 Kawasaki KLE500
vs the 1995| Spec | 1995 | 1996 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) | 49.0 HP (36.0 kW) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for long road journeys with the ability to handle gravel and light trails along the way.
- Built for
- An adventure bike from Kawasaki with a 498cc engine; its character is versatile and engaging, with 49 hp on tap.
- Not ideal for
- Not for riders who want a low, light city bike or serious competition off-road riding.
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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 498.0 ccm
- Power
- 49.0 HP (36.0 kW)
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2707 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)
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
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
- 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
- 90/90-21
- Rear tyre
- 130/80-17
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 1996 | 1999 | 2003 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 499 cc | 499 cc | 498 cc | 498 cc | 499 cc | 498 cc |
| Dry weight | 181 kg | 181 kg | 181 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 |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki KLE500?
The 1996 Kawasaki KLE500 has a Capacity of 498.0 ccm (30.39 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki KLE500 have?
The 1996 Kawasaki KLE500 has a Power of 49.0 HP (36.0 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki KLE500 have?
The 1996 Kawasaki KLE500 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki KLE500 weigh?
The 1996 Kawasaki KLE500 has a Dry weight of 181.0 kg (399.0 pounds).
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