Kawasaki South Africa is bringing another budget-beating middleweight motorcycle into the country — this time a middleweight adventure tourer. The new KLE500 is a twin cylinder machine with the ability to go any where, any time, without costing an arm and a leg along the way.
The 2005 KLE takes much of its looks from the current Kawasaki sports models. A new half-fairing houses an aggressive-looking headlight and windscreen also seen on the radically styled Z1000, while the turn indicators are straight off the the Z750S. The fairing features Kawasaki’s patented “Air Curtain” — horizontal ducts on either side of the cowl reduce wind buffeting and improve rider comfort. Where most modern motorcycles offer little in the way of passenger comfort the KLE 500’s ample seat, high handlebars and low-mounted rear footrests mean that long rides should consist of more pleasure than pain.
The Kawasaki KLE 500’s liquid-cooled eight valve vertical twin engine should vibrate less than the single cylinder engines fitted to most middleweight adventure bikes, and fuel consumption is claimed to be excellent. The 21-inch front wheel, sturdy sump-guard, dual-purpose tyres and 180mm ground clearance make the machine an excellent dirt-road explorer over weekends, while the comfortable riding position and low mass mean that the Kawasaki ought to serve very well as a commuter during the week.
The dual-purpose sector of the motorcycle market is growing enormously, and the KLE will slot in very well alongside the very popular Kawasaki KLR 650. Where the single-cylinder KLR is more capable in the rough than the KLE, the twin is likely to be a very popular choice among those who will spend more time on the tar, perhaps with a passenger.
The KLE 500 should reach our shores in time for Christmas, and buyers can expect to get a chunk of change from R50 000.