🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kawasaki Model: KLE500 Year: 2004 Chassis Code: KLE500-B1 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Dual-sport adventure touring motorcycle Target Audience: Riders seeking a versatile motorcycle capable of both on-road commuting and light off-road exploration Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Transalp, Suzuki V-Strom (earlier models), Yamaha XT600/Tenere (earlier models) Key Features Design Philosophy: Combines practicality, reliability, and a degree of off-road capability in a relatively accessible package Manual Benefit: Empowers owners to perform DIY repairs, saving money and extending vehicle lifespan 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Vehicle Model Coverage: Kawasaki KLE500-B1 Model Year Coverage: 2004 Page Count Estimated Page Count: Comprehensive (exact count not specified but implied extensive) Manual Type Manual Type: Official Factory Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF Digital Delivery: Instant Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul, top-end, bottom-end, valve adjustments, piston/ring replacement, cylinder head, camshafts, crankshaft, lubrication system Fuel System: Carburetor tuning and overhaul (likely CVK dual carbs), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance Ignition System: CDI unit, spark plugs, ignition timing, troubleshooting Cooling System: Radiator, coolant, hoses, thermostat, fan operation Exhaust System: Muffler, headers, gaskets, inspection and replacement Transmission: Clutch operation, gearbox inspection, gearshift mechanism, maintenance, disassembly and reassembly Drivetrain: Chain and sprockets maintenance, adjustment, replacement Brakes Front: Hydraulic system, brake calipers, master cylinder, brake pads, brake discs, bleeding procedure Brakes Rear: Hydraulic system, brake caliper, master cylinder, brake pads, brake disc, bleeding procedure Suspension Front: Telescopic forks, oil levels, seal replacement, fork spring inspection, stanchion condition Suspension Rear: Monoshock absorber, linkage system, swingarm, bearing inspection, shock absorber service Steering: Headstock bearings, steering stem, handlebar replacement, lubrication Wheels Tires: Wheel bearing inspection, tire pressure, tire replacement, rim inspection Electrical System: Battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting system, horn, wiring diagrams Frame Chassis: Frame inspection, bodywork component removal and installation, fairings, seat, fuel tank removal Instrumentation: Speedometer, tachometer, indicator lights, troubleshooting Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication and adjustment, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug checks Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, electrical fault finding, engine performance problems Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for disassembly, component replacement, and reassembly of all major systems Rebuild Instructions: Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhauls Wiring Schematics: Complete electrical system wiring diagrams with component identification Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive - from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and full mechanical rebuilds Information Source: Official factory service manual, identical to dealership technician use 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable within PDF Print Quality Printability: Full printable pages Zoom Capability: Zoom IN/OUT functionality for detailed viewing of diagrams and images Binding Type Binding Type: Digital (PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital format) Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for extraction if compressed) Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Parallel-twin, four-stroke Displacement: 498 cc Bore X Stroke: 74.0 x 58.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.7:1 Valve Train: DOHC, 8 valves (2 per cylinder) Performance Horsepower Estimated: Approx. 45-50 HP (specific to 2004 model, factory figures) Torque Estimated: Approx. 40-45 Nm (specific to 2004 model, factory figures) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carbureted (likely dual Keihin CVK32) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Fuel Capacity: 15 Liters (approx.) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: Constant mesh 6-speed return Optional Optional Transmission: N/A (Standard manual transmission) Features Clutch Type: Wet multi-plate Final Drive: Chain Drive 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 2,175 mm (approx.) Width: 850 mm (approx.) Height: 1,420 mm (approx.) Wheelbase: 1,460 mm (approx.) Weights Dry Weight: 180 kg (approx.) Wet Weight: 196 kg (approx., curb weight) Max Load Capacity: Refer to manual for precise figures, typically 180-200kg total rider/cargo 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings: N/A for motorcycles in automotive crash test standards Active Features Braking System: Dual hydraulic disc brakes (front), Single hydraulic disc brake (rear) Lighting: Halogen headlight, LED taillight (typical for era) Passive Features Frame Construction: High-tensile steel semi-double cradle frame 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic analogue instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer), no advanced infotainment features 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 6,000 km or 12 months (refer to manual for exact specification) Valve Clearance Check: Typically every 12,000 km or 24 months (refer to manual for exact specification) Chain Maintenance: Lubricate and adjust chain every 1,000 km or as needed Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity) Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water (refer to manual for exact specification) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification) Known Issues Common Wear Items: Clutch plates, fork seals, wheel bearings, chain and sprockets, exhaust baffles (can degrade over time) Potential Electrical Issues: Voltage regulator/rectifier failure (common on...
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication and adjustment, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, electrical fault finding, engine performance problems
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembly, component replacement, and reassembly of all major systems
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhauls
Wiring Schematics:
Complete electrical system wiring diagrams with component identification
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive - from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and full mechanical rebuilds
Information Source:
Official factory service manual, identical to dealership technician use
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable within PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
Full printable pages
Zoom Capability:
Zoom IN/OUT functionality for detailed viewing of diagrams and images
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Digital (PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Requirements
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for extraction if compressed)
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Parallel-twin, four-stroke
Displacement:
498 cc
Bore X Stroke:
74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 8 valves (2 per cylinder)
Performance
Horsepower Estimated:
Approx. 45-50 HP (specific to 2004 model, factory figures)
Torque Estimated:
Approx. 40-45 Nm (specific to 2004 model, factory figures)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (likely dual Keihin CVK32)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Capacity:
15 Liters (approx.)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh 6-speed return
Optional
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Standard manual transmission)
Features
Clutch Type:
Wet multi-plate
Final Drive:
Chain Drive
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
2,175 mm (approx.)
Width:
850 mm (approx.)
Height:
1,420 mm (approx.)
Wheelbase:
1,460 mm (approx.)
Weights
Dry Weight:
180 kg (approx.)
Wet Weight:
196 kg (approx., curb weight)
Max Load Capacity:
Refer to manual for precise figures, typically 180-200kg total rider/cargo
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
N/A for motorcycles in automotive crash test standards
Active Features
Braking System:
Dual hydraulic disc brakes (front), Single hydraulic disc brake (rear)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (typical for era)
Passive Features
Frame Construction:
High-tensile steel semi-double cradle frame
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic analogue instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer), no advanced infotainment features
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 km or 12 months (refer to manual for exact specification)
Valve Clearance Check:
Typically every 12,000 km or 24 months (refer to manual for exact specification)
Chain Maintenance:
Lubricate and adjust chain every 1,000 km or as needed
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water (refer to manual for exact specification)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification)
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, fork seals, wheel bearings, chain and sprockets, exhaust baffles (can degrade over time)
Potential Electrical Issues:
Voltage regulator/rectifier failure (common on many older Kawasakis), stator winding degradation
Carburetor Tuning:
Can require periodic adjustment or cleaning, especially after long storage or with fuel quality variations
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kawasaki Heritage:
Long-standing Japanese manufacturer known for performance motorcycles across various segments
Model Evolution
Kle500 Lineage:
Introduced in 1991 as an all-rounder dual-sport, evolving through various iterations to improve styling and components
Kle500 B1 Update:
The B1 designation typically signifies a specific model year update or variant, often with minor cosmetic or component changes compared to previous 'A' models.
Production
Production Period:
The KLE500 was produced from 1991 to 2007.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Model Specific Awards:
No widely publicized specific awards for this model, but generally regarded as a reliable and practical dual-sport for its era.