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With byways set to close locally from October 1 until early April, I used the final week of September to run the Kawasaki KLE 500 off-road and put a set of Continental TKC 802s through their paces. The ride included a minor fall that was caught on camera and ultimately led me to switch to Bridgestone A41 road tyres for the next phase of testing.
Off-road impressions: Continental TKC 802s
The TKC 802s arrive marketed as a 50/50 tyre, but on the KLE they felt more aggressively knobbly than the original equipment set. They held up well visually despite seeing some motorway miles, and their look suggested they belonged on the dirt more than the tarmac.
I explored a few local byways while my partner followed on a mountain bike as a backup. One route proved closed at the far end, and while trying an alternate line I slid into a rut and came off. The spill was small and I managed to save the footage, though my partner delayed helping until he’d taken a photo.
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When I was riding the tracks properly the TKC 802s offered strong traction; they inspired confidence climbing and dropping through the small undulations I encountered. I’m inclined to blame the slip on my choice of line rather than on the tyres themselves.
Back to tarmac: fitting Bridgestone A41s
After the off-road incident I fitted a pair of Bridgestone A41 tyres to make the KLE more comfortable on paved roads. A planned trip to Scotland was postponed by last-minute disruptions, so I instead rode east to sample quiet lanes and confirm the A41s’ behavior.
Temperatures were in the single digits as I set off; the new tyres immediately reduced road noise. Vibration through the handlebars remained noticeable, however. The A41s are marginally wider than the previous tyres, which meant I had to adjust my cornering lean slightly at first.
Once settled, the bike tracked cleanly through bends and allowed confident throttle application on corner exits. I’ve got a longer run to the Yorkshire Moors planned to judge how the setup copes on sustained touring miles.
First wet ride and ABS feedback
The first commute with the A41s coincided with heavy rain. Approaching a roundabout, a car shifted lanes unexpectedly and I experienced the front-wheel ABS engaging. The juddering was noticeable but measured, and I had left ample space, which helped keep the manoeuvre controlled.
Kawasaki KLE500 SE — key specs
- Price: £6599
- Engine: 451cc liquid-cooled parallel twin
- Power: 44bhp @ 9000rpm
- Torque: 31 lb·ft @ 6000rpm
- Seat height: 870mm
- Weight: 194kg (kerb)
Monthly running figures
- Miles this month: 1,232
- MPG this month: 67 mpg
- Costs this month: £131.16 (fuel), £231 (Tyres — Continental TKC 802), £307 (Tyres — Bridgestone A41)
- Miles to next service: 616 miles (minor)
