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Edition:
Kawasaki KLE 500 DOHC - [1996]
This edition of the Kawasaki KLE 500 DOHC is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1996. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1997 Suzuki GW 400 Inazuma and the 1997 Suzuki TS 125 Single Cylinder.This particular Kawasaki KLE 500 has a 498cc 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 1996 KLE 500 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 500's Adventure style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1997 Yamaha DT 230 Lanza | 1997cc.1974 Honda CB 550 K | 1974cc.
Weighing in at 192 kgs (423 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki KLE 500 DOHC in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 or the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder , give or take 50kg.
The 1996 Kawasaki KLE 500 shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]
In terms of power the 498cc 8 valve V3 2 cylinder engine produces 44.8 bhp (33 kW) @ 8500 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 30.2 lb-ft (40.9 Nm) @ 0 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki KLE 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1995 Suzuki DR 800 S Big has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1996 Kawasaki KLE 500 DOHC.
The 1996 Kawasaki KLE 500 DOHC has a Power to weight ratio of 233.3 bhp per ton and 157.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1996 KLE 500 competing with the 1995 Suzuki DR 800 S Big [258.3 bhp\ton] and the 1993 Suzuki DR 800 S Big [258.3 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 500 generating around 157.2 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 1992 Kawasaki KDX 200 SR [182.2 lb-ft per ton] and the 1989 Kawasaki KDX 200 SR [182.2 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 15.8 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 16.2 secs, this makes the Kawasaki KLE 500 DOHC similar in acceleration to the 2018 Honda NC 750 X DCT (15.8 secs) and the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250 SE (15.8 secs). This Kawasaki KLE 500 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 1996 Kawasaki KLE 500 DOHC and the 1981 Yamaha XJ 550 DOHC
When talking about the performance of the 1996 Kawasaki KLE 500 DOHC on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.4 secs @ 95 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1981 Yamaha XJ 550 DOHC (13.4 secs) and the 2001 Kawasaki KLE 500 DOHC (13.4 secs).
The 1996 version of the Kawasaki KLE 500 DOHC has a maximum speed of 118mph.
Top Speed of the 1996 KLE 500 equals the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1996 Kawasaki KLE 500 DOHC then how about a 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom (129 mph) and the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom (129 mph).
