Across 11 covered model years from 1991 to 2006, the Kawasaki KLE 500 motorcycle has supplied wet/running weights ranging from 436.5 lb (198 kg) to 440.9 lb (200 kg) and dry weights ranging from 392.4 lb (178 kg) to 399 lb (181 kg), depending on model year.
Kawasaki KLE 500 weight overview
This is middleweight territory: substantial enough to feel planted, but still well short of heavyweight touring and large-cruiser mass.
Middleweight Motorcycle
How heavy is the Kawasaki KLE 500?
wet weight
Using a model-level wet weight comparison, the Kawasaki KLE 500 is heavier than about 97.8% of 46 Kawasaki enduro/off-road motorcycles with compatible weight data.
Dry vs ready-to-ride weight
Bike + rider total weight
These totals use the model’s representative wet weight. They exclude riding gear, luggage and a passenger.
Kawasaki KLE 500 weight & related specs
| Model years covered | 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Wet / running weight | 436.5 lb (198 kg) to 440.9 lb (200 kg) |
| Dry weight | 392.4 lb (178 kg) to 399 lb (181 kg) |
| Engine displacement | 498 cc to 499 cc |
| Power | 34 hp to 49 hp |
| Torque | 26.6 lb-ft (36 Nm) to 31.3 lb-ft (42.5 Nm) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.96 US gal (15 L) |
| Full-tank fuel weight (estimated) | 24.6 lb (11.2 kg) |
Weight changes by model year
The 1991 model is used as the baseline where data is available. Only later supplied values that differ are shown below. A year pill does not mean every individual weight field was supplied for that year.
Useful weight calculations
| Horsepower per 100 lb | 8.52 hp / 100 lb to 12.28 hp / 100 lb |
|---|---|
| Pounds per horsepower | 8.14 lb / hp to 11.74 lb / hp |
| Torque per 100 lb | 6.65 lb-ft / 100 lb to 7.86 lb-ft / 100 lb |
| Displacement per pound | 1.13 cc / lb to 1.27 cc / lb |
| Weight per 100 cc | 78.6 lb / 100 cc to 88.5 lb / 100 cc |
| Fuel weight as % of bike weight | 5.6% to 6.2% |
| Weight with full tank | 423.7 lb (192.2 kg) |
What the weight numbers tell you
Kawasaki KLE 500 weight FAQ
How much does the Kawasaki KLE 500 weigh?
For the model years covered here, wet/running weight is 436.5 lb (198 kg) to 440.9 lb (200 kg), while dry weight is 392.4 lb (178 kg) to 399 lb (181 kg). Do not treat dry and wet figures as interchangeable.
How does the Kawasaki KLE 500 weight compare with similar Kawasakis?
It is on the heavier side. Its representative wet weight is around the 98th percentile among 46 compatible Kawasaki enduro/off-road motorcycles.
Are all Kawasaki KLE 500 model years the same weight?
There are year-to-year differences in the supplied data. The earliest covered year is used as the baseline, with later changed values shown separately above.
What does a full tank of gas weigh on the Kawasaki KLE 500?
A full tank works out to about 24.6 lb (11.2 kg) from the listed 3.96 US gal (15 L) capacity. Actual fuel density varies slightly, so treat it as a practical estimate.
What does the Kawasaki KLE 500 weigh with a 180 lb rider?
The approximate combined total is 616.5 lb (279.6 kg) with a 180 lb rider, based on the representative wet/running weight used on this page.
Is the Kawasaki KLE 500 strong for its weight?
The calculated range is 8.52 hp per 100 lb to 12.28 hp per 100 lb. This ratio is usually more informative for acceleration comparisons than horsepower alone. That places it around the 91st percentile within the compatible Kawasaki enduro / offroad power-to-weight comparison.
What does the Kawasaki KLE 500 weigh with a full tank?
The page calculates about 423.7 lb (192.2 kg) with a full tank by adding the listed fuel mass to the dry figure. Treat this as a practical estimate, not an official Kawasaki curb-weight number.
How much heavier is the Kawasaki KLE 500 wet than dry?
Available years with both measurements show about 41.9 lb (19 kg) added between dry and ready-to-ride figures. Fuel explains part of it, while oil, coolant and specification definitions can explain the rest.
What is the Kawasaki KLE 500 torque-to-weight ratio?
Available data gives 6.65 lb-ft per 100 lb to 7.86 lb-ft per 100 lb. That ratio helps explain how strong the engine is relative to the bike’s mass, especially at lower speeds.
Motorcycle specifications can vary by model year, market, equipment and the exact dry/curb-weight definition. Calculated fuel-weight and ratio figures on this page are estimates derived from the supplied specifications. Confirm critical figures in the owner’s manual or on the official Kawasaki website.