Adventure Motorcycles

2001Kawasaki KLE500

40 fields on record

The 2001 Kawasaki KLE 500 is a versatile middleweight enduro designed for adventure riders seeking accessible off-road capability. Its lightweight parallel-twin engine delivers manageable power with excellent torque characteristics, while the comfortable seat height and manageable weight make it ideal for both novice and experienced dual-sport enthusiasts exploring varied terrain.

Capacity: 499.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 181.0 kg
Seat height: 850 mm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM

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What’s new for the 2001 Kawasaki KLE500

vs the 2000

Spec	2000	2001
Power	48.0 HP (35.3 kW)	50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
Torque	41.0 Nm (4.2 kgf-m or 30.2 ft.lbs)	not listed
Top speed	165.0 km/h (102.5 mph)	137.0 km/h (85.1 mph)
Front brakes	Single disc	Dual disc
Compression	—	9.8:1

Other years 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

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: 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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 850mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 2001 Kawasaki KLE500, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 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: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2762 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

Performance

Top speed: 137.0 km/h (85.1 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: Dual 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

Other

Comments: A restricted 25 kW (34 hp) version was also sold.

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	1999	2001	2003	2007
Capacity	499 cc	499 cc	498 cc	499 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