| MODEL | KAWASAKI KLE 500 1996 - 1998 |
| Year | 1996 - 1998 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 498 cc / 30.4 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 74 x 58 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 44.8 hp / 33 kW @ 8500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 41 Nm / 30.2 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Induction | 2x 34mm Keihin carburetors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 6 speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | 41mm telescopic forks, air assisted, front wheel travel 220 mm / 8.6 in |
| Rear Suspension | Steel swing arm with preload adjustment, rear wheel travel 220 mm / 8.6 in |
| Front Brakes | Single 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | Single 230mm disc, 1 piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | 1510 mm / 59.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 178 kg / 392 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 192 kg / 423 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 90/90 VR21 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/80 VR17 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 Litres / 3.9 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 18.2 km/l |
| Top Speed | 190.7 km/h / 118.4 mph |
The 1996-98 KLE 500 continued the 498 cc liquid-cooled twin with four-valve DOHC and six-speed gearbox, with no engine change on the page. Its chassis remained a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear dual-purpose set-up with 220 mm of travel at each end. The page gives the same figures as the neighbouring KLE 500 years.
