If it runs, it's fun to ride. Unfortunately the 2 I had(both from '92), were unreliable like hell...one left me stranded more than 300km away from home....The first time a crack in the engine block and the other time the starter clutch failed. Both had under 30.000km on the clock when it happend.
@@StromerUA-cam it actually has a DBKiller inside that I can't remove, is welded 🫠 I didn’t know that the old ones didn’t have this part inside, thanks for replying…! 🙋🏽♂️
In stock configuration, not that good...These are the things that need to be done, to have fun with the KLE: front Forks(new Springs from Wilbers and thicker oil), rear shock to ~80% preload(rebound half closed), steel brake lines and sinter pads, last but not least a decent set of tires.
Mine is stock, from 98. Handles better than a first gen V-strom 650, or at least I could ride it better. Felt as quick as well, up until 100 kph. I love mine. I would keep it forever if it wasn't for those nasty vibrations in the higher revs. Mine feels like an electric toothbrush if I rev it out.
@@StromerUA-cam I'm goign to do the full license exam soon and i am looking for a motorcycle with more then 55 cv (in order to respect the exam's rule). I like the V Strom 650 for its reliability. Do you have any tip or advice for any bike of this kind that i can consider? (low budget once i can't spent more then 2.5k). Thank you
@@panzermguh2703 If you're on a budged and ABS is not that important for you, the SV650, Bandit 600/650, and the CBf600 could be interesting for you. Most of the older bikes aren't fuel injected, so be aware of that, if you can't fix it yourself.(Extra money for repairs....) In the ADV sector you'll always have to pay a bit more than for a naked bike with equal horsepower.
As a first bike I would go for something different if you're not able to fix most things youreself....There are at least 2 things that often cause problems on the KLE 500s: The timing chain tensioner and the magnets from the pole wheel. Fuel consumption is also very high on some bikes(mostly pre '96). To make this KLE fun to ride, I've done a few things: - Fork Springs from Wilbers with a thicker oil(10W maybe) - Steel brake lines/ Sinter pads (Braking performance is still complete garbage when comparing to a old BMW F650 for example...) - GPZ engine with GPZ ignition(much better than the downtuned KLE engine) -> The swap was made by the preowner. - Airbox Mod(not sure about that) All in all my experience with the KLE 500 told me that at least my 2 KLEs weren't that reliable...
@@StromerUA-cam thank you.So it's not the original engine.I will pay attention what to buy and I will bring a mechanic with me.My buget is low but I guess I will find something at around 1000 euros to get some experience.At least if I scratch it,I will not loose too much money ☺️
@@StromerUA-cam I bought a KLE frame and a GPZ engine as my first bike. Built it up over the summer and now all that’s left, is to find an exhaust since mine is rotted. Didn’t know about the cam chain tensioner issue so thanks for that. I wonder how my fuel consumption will be considering I have the GPZ engine, ignition and carbs. Do you have any tips or tricks for me seeing as you’ve messed around with your bike already? Also how much were the fork springs and why did you install them( I assume to counter how floaty the original ones are)?
I think I've got the wilbers springs for ~110€. Mainly because the KLE dives like hell, even under light breaking and wasn't very stable above 100-120km/h. Now with the upgraded forks and the OEM suspension in the back(preload on ~80%) it's much better! The issue with the cam cain tensioner was only on my first KLE with the KLE engine, the second one with the GPZ engine runs much somoother in terms of mechanical noise....On the KLE engine the cam chain ripped through my engine housing in less than 1000km(200km away from home the oil started leaking :D). If you know some german here's a good forum abut the 500cc engine overall: www.twin500.net/dashboard/
![THOSE CRAZY ITALIANS! (Stelvio pass) [RAW Onboard]](/img/n.gif)
Yes it is! It's my first bike, 1993,, saved from the ashes, but I love it, I just love the sound and the fun it gives me
If it runs, it's fun to ride. Unfortunately the 2 I had(both from '92), were unreliable like hell...one left me stranded more than 300km away from home....The first time a crack in the engine block and the other time the starter clutch failed. Both had under 30.000km on the clock when it happend.
I decided to watch tonight Honda Transalp, Varadero, Kawasaki KLE and Yamaha TDM ride. But this video is awesome and I do not need to watch others!:)
Thanks! But I was nervous as hell when I recorded that RAW...0°C, wet and no ABS...
@@StromerUA-cam Yes, I noticed weather conditions and was nervous about you as well.
Awesome video and sound!👌
Thank you!👍
That good old versatile EX-500 engine.. What a great soundtrack 🙂
Thanks! A workhorse of an engine, indeed!
I used to have one of these. Lot of fun.
Right!👍
awsome sound great drive thabks alot mate ı ve got one just back from balkans on thıs cold days
Thanks for the comment!
This sound makes a smile on your face
😁👍
Very good sound!
from KLE(but 400) rider in Japan
Thanks man! I didn't know there was a 400cc version of the KLE.
Thank you for your reply.
Japanese KLE is 400cc version only.
Therefore I long for 500.
Let's enjoy KLE in future!
👍👍💯🔝
Thanks 😀
nice video, nice bike too. I got one this week, love it!!! is that Sauerland, near winterberg??
Thanks! It's in Upper Austria, near Aschach an der Donau. :)
Just picked up mine from Prague. 1994 with 20 000 km on the speedometer. Perfect condition. What exhaust have you got on?
Nice! I had the standard exhaust on the bike.
@@StromerUA-camthe standard? Wow… wich microphone do u use? I have a kle 500, but from 2006 and it doesn sound like yours.
Great video!
@@therealroadtrip thanks! It was the stock exhaust, but I think your 2006 model has a CAT already, right? Microphone was the Zoom H1n.
@@StromerUA-cam it actually has a DBKiller inside that I can't remove, is welded 🫠 I didn’t know that the old ones didn’t have this part inside, thanks for replying…! 🙋🏽♂️
@@therealroadtrip I meant the catalytic converter before the end can. The old models don't have that.
Nice trip
Thanks!
❤️
Thanks!😊
@@StromerUA-cam i have the same bike. I love to have cool moments with 👌
How does it handle in the turns. I was thinking of getting one !
In stock configuration, not that good...These are the things that need to be done, to have fun with the KLE: front Forks(new Springs from Wilbers and thicker oil), rear shock to ~80% preload(rebound half closed), steel brake lines and sinter pads, last but not least a decent set of tires.
Mine is stock, from 98. Handles better than a first gen V-strom 650, or at least I could ride it better. Felt as quick as well, up until 100 kph. I love mine. I would keep it forever if it wasn't for those nasty vibrations in the higher revs. Mine feels like an electric toothbrush if I rev it out.
Mine had a pretty good sound when it was new but after a couple of months it changed for really annoying
Yea, I think the muffler on this one was somehow modified...
you still have the V Strom 650?
No, I don't have the VStrom anymore.
@@StromerUA-cam I'm goign to do the full license exam soon and i am looking for a motorcycle with more then 55 cv (in order to respect the exam's rule). I like the V Strom 650 for its reliability. Do you have any tip or advice for any bike of this kind that i can consider? (low budget once i can't spent more then 2.5k). Thank you
@@panzermguh2703 If you're on a budged and ABS is not that important for you, the SV650, Bandit 600/650, and the CBf600 could be interesting for you. Most of the older bikes aren't fuel injected, so be aware of that, if you can't fix it yourself.(Extra money for repairs....) In the ADV sector you'll always have to pay a bit more than for a naked bike with equal horsepower.
@@StromerUA-cam thanks really appreciated
Thinking of buying one as my first motorcycle.Looks easy to handle and fun.Is is reliable? It's old...92-95.Expensive mentenance?
As a first bike I would go for something different if you're not able to fix most things youreself....There are at least 2 things that often cause problems on the KLE 500s: The timing chain tensioner and the magnets from the pole wheel. Fuel consumption is also very high on some bikes(mostly pre '96). To make this KLE fun to ride, I've done a few things:
- Fork Springs from Wilbers with a thicker oil(10W maybe)
- Steel brake lines/ Sinter pads
(Braking performance is still complete garbage when comparing to a old BMW F650 for example...)
- GPZ engine with GPZ ignition(much better than the downtuned KLE engine) -> The swap was made by the preowner.
- Airbox Mod(not sure about that)
All in all my experience with the KLE 500 told me that at least my 2 KLEs weren't that reliable...
@@StromerUA-cam thank you.So it's not the original engine.I will pay attention what to buy and I will bring a mechanic with me.My buget is low but I guess I will find something at around 1000 euros to get some experience.At least if I scratch it,I will not loose too much money ☺️
@@BoshoRhadoo I'm sure you'll find something!
@@StromerUA-cam I bought a KLE frame and a GPZ engine as my first bike. Built it up over the summer and now all that’s left, is to find an exhaust since mine is rotted. Didn’t know about the cam chain tensioner issue so thanks for that. I wonder how my fuel consumption will be considering I have the GPZ engine, ignition and carbs. Do you have any tips or tricks for me seeing as you’ve messed around with your bike already? Also how much were the fork springs and why did you install them( I assume to counter how floaty the original ones are)?
I think I've got the wilbers springs for ~110€. Mainly because the KLE dives like hell, even under light breaking and wasn't very stable above 100-120km/h. Now with the upgraded forks and the OEM suspension in the back(preload on ~80%) it's much better! The issue with the cam cain tensioner was only on my first KLE with the KLE engine, the second one with the GPZ engine runs much somoother in terms of mechanical noise....On the KLE engine the cam chain ripped through my engine housing in less than 1000km(200km away from home the oil started leaking :D).
If you know some german here's a good forum abut the 500cc engine overall: www.twin500.net/dashboard/