Adventure Motorcycles
1997Kawasaki KLE500
40 fields on record
The 1997 Kawasaki KLE500 is an adventure bike for riders who want long-distance comfort with light off-road ability. Its 499cc liquid-cooled twin makes about 50 hp in full-power form, with an 850 mm seat, a 199 kg wet weight and a 15-litre tank.
- Capacity
- 499.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 178.0 kg
- Seat height
- 850 mm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
What’s new for the 1997 Kawasaki KLE500
vs the 1996| Spec | 1996 | 1997 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 49.0 HP (36.0 kW) | 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM |
| Dry weight | 181.0 kg (399.0 pounds) | 178.0 kg (392.4 pounds) |
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 499cc engine; its character is versatile and engaging, with 34 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
- 499.0 ccm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2809 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
- 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
Other
- Comments
- A restricted 25 kW (34 hp) version was also sold.
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 | 1997 | 1999 | 2003 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 1997 Kawasaki KLE500 has a Capacity of 499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki KLE500 have?
The 1997 Kawasaki KLE500 has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki KLE500 have?
The 1997 Kawasaki KLE500 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki KLE500 weigh?
The 1997 Kawasaki KLE500 has a Dry weight of 178.0 kg (392.4 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.
Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.