DOC // MSL-KAWASAKI-KLE500
CHASSIS: LE500A / LE500B
YEARS: 1991–2007
VERIFIED: 2026-11-10
JASO MA2
Tube-Type Rim (Inner Tube)
ARCHIVE SPEC SHEET
Kawasaki KLE500 — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
498cc Liquid-Cooled Parallel-Twin DOHC 8-Valve (21-Inch Spoke Adventure Twin) · Source: Kawasaki KLE500 (1991–2007) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
OEM SPECIFICATION SUMMARY
According to the Kawasaki KLE500 (1991–2007) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 1991–2007 Kawasaki KLE500 (chassis LE500A/LE500B) requires 3 L (3.17 US qt) of SAE 10W-40 (JASO MA2, API SG/SJ/SL) engine oil for a drain-only change and 3.4 L (3.59 US qt) with filter service (16097-0008 / HF303). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI front (90/90-21 54S) and 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI rear (130/80-17 65S), paired with 2× NGK LMAR8G / CR8E spark plug(s) and a YTX9-BS battery.
Engine Oil (With Filter)
3.4 L (3.59 US qt)
SAE 10W-40 · JASO MA2
Drain only: 3 L (3.17 US qt)
Drain only: 3 L (3.17 US qt)
Cold Tire Pressure (Solo)
F 22 / R 29 PSI
F 150 kPa (1.50 bar)
R 200 kPa (2.00 bar)
R 200 kPa (2.00 bar)
OEM Spark Plug
NGK LMAR8G / CR8E ×2
Gap: 0.8–0.9 mm
Seat · Wet Weight · Range
850 mm · 203 kg
33.5 in · 448 lbs
Est. Range: ~300 km (186 mi)
Est. Range: ~300 km (186 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 10W-40 (Alt: SAE 10W-50) · JASO MA2 · API SG/SJ/SL |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 3 L (3.17 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 3.4 L (3.59 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 3.6 L (3.80 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 16097-0008 / HF303 |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 29 N·m (21.4 lb-ft / 2.96 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 90/90-21 54S · Rear: 130/80-17 65S (Tube-Type Spoke Rim) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI Rear: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI Rear: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK LMAR8G / CR8E × 2 (Gap: 0.8–0.9 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTX9-BS (12V 8.0Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | 520 Sealed O/X-Ring Chain — Maintain 25–35 mm slack and lube every 800–1,000 km |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Silicate-free ethylene-glycol OAT coolant for aluminum radiators (50:50 premix) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 498 cc · 45 hp @ 8,300 rpm · 41 N·m (30.2 lb-ft) @ 7,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 850 mm (33.5 in) · 203 kg (448 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 15 L (4.0 US gal) · ~20 km/L → ~300 km (186 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 12,000 km / 12,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 18,000 km / 12,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 24,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Predecessor to the Versys line combining the 498cc twin with 21/17-inch tube-type spoke wheels, refreshed in 2005 (LE500B).
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Kawasaki lightweight parallel-twin family (Ninja/Z 250–500, Versys-X 300, Eliminator) using spin-on filter 16097-0008 (HF303) and SAE 10W-40 JASO MA2.
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