

This edition of the Kawasaki KLE 400 DOHC is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1991. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1991 Norton Commander Rotary and the 1992 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin.This particular Kawasaki KLE 400 has a 399cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, V3 Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative V3 engine, Adventure style motorbike includes the Honda X Eleven Four Stroke - [1999]
The 1991 KLE 400 shares its V3 engine and Adventure style configuration with the likes of the 1999 Honda X Eleven Four Stroke and the 2010 Buell-EBR XB12X Ulysses Adventure. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the KLE 400's Adventure style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1997 Yamaha DT 230 Lanza | 1997cc.2013 Honda CB 400 X | 2013cc.
Weighing in at 192 kgs (423 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki KLE 400 DOHC in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple, give or take 50kg.
In terms of power the 399cc 8 valve V3 2 cylinder engine produces 42 bhp (31 kW) @ 9000 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 24.5 lb-ft (33.2 Nm) @ 8000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [7.6 lb-ft (10.4 Nm) @ 5500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki KLE 400 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2006 Honda CRE 125 Honda Moto s.p.a has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1991 Kawasaki KLE 400 DOHC.
The 1991 Kawasaki KLE 400 DOHC has a Power to weight ratio of 218.7 bhp per ton and 127.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1991 KLE 400 competing with the 2006 Honda CRE 125 Honda Moto s.p.a [243.6 bhp\ton] and the 1990 Honda CRE 125 Honda Moto Italy [243.6 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki KLE 400 generating around 127.6 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1987 Honda XLX 350 R [152.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 1986 Honda XL 350 R [152.3 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 16.9 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 17.3 secs, this makes the Kawasaki KLE 400 DOHC similar in acceleration to the 2016 Honda CTX 700 D DCT (16.9 secs) and the 2014 Honda CTX 700 D DCT (16.9 secs). This Kawasaki KLE 400 DOHC also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1991 Kawasaki KLE 400 DOHC and the 2001 Suzuki DR-Z 400 E
When talking about the performance of the 1991 Kawasaki KLE 400 DOHC on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2001 Suzuki DR-Z 400 E (0 secs) and the 1995 Honda CMX 250 C Rebel (0 secs).
The 1991 version of the Kawasaki KLE 400 DOHC has a maximum speed of 0mph.
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1991 Kawasaki KLE 400 DOHC then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).
Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star Classic
Engine Capacity: 1063 cc
Top Speed: 110 mph
Quarter Mile: 14.6 secs @ 0 mph