Kawasaki ER-5 motorcycle: review, specifications and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The Kawasaki ER5 road bike, whose characteristics are described later in the article, occupies an intermediate position between Japanese 40cc motorcycles and popular professional bikes. But in terms of its properties, it is closer to the first option.

This motorcycle is considered a complete entry-level road device. It is the lightest, simplest and cheapest. That is why beginner bikers usually use it.

General Description

The model of the described motorcycle appeared in 1997. The first generation lasted until 2005. This motorcycle was built on the basis of a sports engine. It was borrowed from a bike from the same manufacturer, which has the name Kawasaki GPZ500. This motorcycle received a low compression ratio, a slightly different exhaust system, and a slightly different carburetor. This model was originally intended to be sold on the European market. Afterafter the new Euro-3 standards appeared, the first generation was completely discontinued. It has been replaced by a Kawasaki EP6 bike.

Features

Speaking of the Kawasaki ER-5 motorcycle, which we review in this article, we must say about the technical characteristics. To create a vehicle, a two-cylinder engine was used, the cooling was of a liquid type. The power was 50 horsepower. The motor had a special smooth power stick. The motorcycle moved easily at low and medium speeds.

Standard design appeals to many. The Kawasaki ER-5, whose technical characteristics appealed to beginners, is now officially impossible to purchase. Below will be described the cost at which you can purchase a model from hand. When buying, you need to pay attention to the condition of the suspension, engine, examine the body for cases of deformation. This question is quite relevant. After the purchase, many recommend slightly adjusting the design: installing additional parts, adding electronics, it is advisable to replace the brakes. We will report on the nuances associated with them below in the article, speaking of reviews.

In general, the comments about the bike are excellent, although there are small flaws. But those who hesitate between choosing this motorcycle and one of its competitors, in the end still prefer this model. She's much better.

Bike Versions

There were two versions on sale: Kawasaki ER-5 and 2000. Specifications differ. We are talking about Kawasaki ER-5 with 49-50 horsepower. This version was standardcomplete. The “strangled” modification of the motorcycle was produced specifically for the German market. It was called the same, but its power was 34 horsepower.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Kawasaki ER-5 motorcycle, which is quite cheap, which is considered an advantage, had a cheap steel frame. This was considered negative by buyers. The shock absorber was installed double, classic type. He was in the back. Drum brakes could also be found there. Even at the time the motorcycle was created, such solutions were already outdated, so many buyers did not understand what the point of creating such a vehicle was.

But of the main advantages, in addition to low cost, it is necessary to highlight the unpretentiousness of the engine and easy maintenance of the motorcycle. It is thanks to this quality that this bike has become quite famous in Europe. The average fuel consumption of the Kawasaki ER-5 is up to 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Cost

It was said above that the price is the advantage of this bike. It really is. In good condition without a run in the Russian Federation, this motorcycle can be bought for 3 thousand dollars. If already with mileage, then on the territory of the same state you can buy it for 120 thousand.

Modernization

The Kawasaki ER-5 motorcycle (reviews below) has been upgraded several times. For example, in 1998, the R5 ventilation system was installed. She had 4 hoses, and the clutch lever and fuel gauge had a different course. In 2001, the tail was changed, the fuel tank was improved, which receivedvolume 17 liters. Moreover, these changes complemented a number of other, less significant ones. In 2004, the motorcycle received a catalyst. This reduced the power to 49 horsepower. Models released at this time received black rims, mirrors have plastic protection. In 2005, a stainless steel exhaust pipe was installed on a motorbike.

Suzuki GS 500

This motorcycle is considered one of the main competitors of the vehicle described in the article. The history of this bike began in 1989. Unlike the model described above, it is produced to this day. Create it for South America. Initially, he focused on the European and US markets. However, after the crisis, it began to be produced for South America. The peculiarity of the motorcycle is that it has a 2-cylinder engine, cooling - air type. The power of the motorcycle is 45 horsepower. The motor is outdated, but when driving it shows itself perfectly.

The model has no special features. I got a steel frame, simple pendants. The gearbox is equipped with 6 steps. Dry weight is 169 kilograms. The cost of this motorcycle with mileage reaches 80 thousand rubles in the Russian Federation. Fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is almost 5 liters.

Honda CBF 500

Another close competitor to the model described above is the Honda CBF500. She appeared in 2004. They made this motorcycle so that it could be released to the market of European countries. It complies with the Euro-2 standard. This model hasmany features. For example, the design by the standards of 2004 was really modern. There is a dashboard with a digital display. The dimensions of the wheels are considered standard. The frame is made with the help of an engine connected to the supporting element. The braking system is combined. There is a gold-colored 3-piston caliper. A central monoshock absorber is used, instead of a double one on the sides. And the fuel tank has a volume of 19 liters. This model in the Russian Federation with mileage is sold for 200 thousand rubles. Fuel consumption is 4 liters per 100 km. But this is according to the manufacturer. But buyers report that, as a rule, the consumption is 5 liters.

Honda CB 500

The last official competitor of this motorbike is the Honda CB 500. The first generation was created in 1924. The motorcycle was produced until 2002. This model, as a rule, was supplied to the European market. Low cost, simplicity and reliability have made the motorcycle quite famous. It is often used in courier services. This bike works with a 2-cylinder engine, cooling is of a liquid type. Power is 57 horsepower. The maximum speed reaches 193 km / h. The equipment is completely simple. Brakes - disc type. The suspension was telescopic. The fuel tank is designed for 18 liters. Dry weight is 170 kg.

In 2002, this model was discontinued. The reason was that the Euro-2 standard was updated, so the motorcycle could no longer be sold. The price of this bike is good.condition without run is about 5 thousand dollars. With mileage, this amount is 110,000 rubles. Fuel consumption reaches 6 liters per 100 kilometers.

Reviews

The Kawasaki ER-5 road bike (characteristics above), which was described in this article, is considered very reliable. However, it does not shine with any features. A liquid cooling system was inserted into the steel frame of the Kawasaki ER-5. It's about the motor. It is perfectly balanced, due to this acceleration is quite smooth and fast. As mentioned above, the power of this model is 49 horsepower. Power - injection type, although previously there was a carburetor. The gearbox works with 6 steps. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 6 seconds. This indicator does not please many drivers, but in defense of this motorbike, we can say that the acceleration is smooth.

It should be noted that the same motor was put on the famous Kawasaki EN500 chopper. The maximum speed of this bike was 180 km / h. What can be said about external factors? The design data of the model are considered classic. The bike has round headlights, a plastic body kit to a minimum. This style has always been popular and still remains so. Therefore, the appearance and overall design can be called successful.

If we also take into account the excellent reputation of the manufacturer and the reliability of the motorcycle itself, then we can call it an interesting and better option. Of course, there are some force majeure, factory marriages. Moreover, in many motorcycles from Kawasakithere are problems with the gearbox. It should be noted that this problem has been eliminated in this motorbike. Therefore, this motorcycle turned out to be light and quite fast. It is easy to use. For everyday use, it is no worse than any other popular motorcycles from Honda.

The suspension of this device is classic, it has a fork in front and shock absorbers in the back. It does not cause special emotions in the driver. Many people say that there are no differences anyway. In general, it works quite well. The rear shock guard adjusts the spring preload, so each rider can customize their performance. Many express their dissatisfaction with the brakes. Unfortunately, drum brakes have been out of use for a long time, as they are considered obsolete. Disc wheels are installed on the front wheels. They are not bad, but many do not understand the logic of installing different brakes on both wheels.

This bike's strengths include handling, even though the total weight is 175kg. It is noted that this motorbike does not use powerful characteristics, it is simple and perfect for all beginners. Thanks to the excellent gas tank, which is designed for driving in the city, you can move well for long distances.

Unfortunately, it's frustrating that this bike does not have its own zest. Of course, no one demands to amaze buyers with unimaginable elements, but many argue that it was possible to make the design more beautiful or install some additional options. In general, this modelmore suitable for beginners, this motorcycle has not received much popularity among professional buyers and bikers. But those who have used this vehicle recommend it to many and at least for the sake of interest, they advise to ride it.