Kawasaki ER-5

Kawasaki ER-5
Manufacturer	Kawasaki
Also called	ER-5 Twister
Production	1997 - 2006
Class	Naked
Engine	498cc Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Bore / Stroke	74.0mm x 58.0mm
Compression ratio	9.8:1
Top Speed	111 mph (178 km/h)
Horsepower	50.02 HP (37.3 KW) @ 9000RPM
Torque	33.19 ft/lbs (45.0 Nm) @ 7200RPM
Fuel System	Carburetor: Keihin CVK34 x 2
Spark Plug	NGK DR9EA
Transmission	Gear box: 6-speed, return Final Drive: Chain Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual
Suspension	Front: 37 mm telescopic fork Rear: Dual shocks with adjustable preload
Brakes	Front: 280 mm disc with twin-piston caliper Rear: Drum, 160 mm
Front Tire	110/70-17M/C (54H)
Rear Tire	130/70-17M/C (62H)
Wheelbase	56.3 inches (1430 mm)
Length	81.5 inches (2070 mm)
Width	28.7 inches (729 mm)
Height	42.13 inches (1070 mm)
Seat Height	31.5 inches (800 mm)
Weight	434.31 pounds (197.0 Kg) (dry), 179.0 kg (wet)
Oil Capacity	3.4 L
Recommended Oil	K-tech SAE 10W-40
Fuel Capacity	1.06 Gallon (4.00 Liters)
Fuel Consumption	0.54 liters/100 km (185.2 km/l or 435.59 mpg)
Related	Kawasaki ER-6n Kawasaki ER-6f
Manuals	File:2003 Kawasaki ER-5 owners.pdf More Manuals

The Kawasaki ER-5 was a Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin Naked motorcycle produced by Kawasaki between 1997 and 2006. It could reach a top speed of 111 mph (178 km/h). Max torque was 33.19 ft/lbs (45.0 Nm) @ 7200 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 50.02 HP (37.3 KW) @ 9000 RPM.

Overview

An ER-5, lateral view

The Kawasaki ER-5 is a naked commuter motorcycle. This Japanese workhorse is powered by a liquid cooled 4 stroke DOHC 498 cc engine based on the design used in the Kawasaki GPZ500, producing around 50 bhp. It is capable of a top speed of around 110 mph (175 km/h) and usually lasts around 55,000 Miles. It is a favourite among training schools in the UK and around Europe because of it's relatively low maintenance costs and forgiving nature. The handling is unexceptional, but the standard Dunlop Arrowmax tires provide quite good footing. They do, however, tend to slip in wet or rainy conditions. Many users choose to change them for Bridgestone BT45's. Overall it is considered to be a good "first bike", as it survives being dropped more or less unharmed, is easy to work on and easy to get spare parts for. It also gracefully accepts being restricted to 33BHP/25KW, which is the maximum power output permitted for certain types of restricted licences within Europe, adding to its appeal for beginners.

Engine

The engine was a liquid cooled Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin. A 73.7mm bore x 73.7mm stroke result in a displacement of just 498.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a double overhead cams/twin cam (dohc).

Drive

The bike has a 6-speed, return transmission. Power was moderated via the Wet multi-disc, manual.

Chassis

It came with a 110/70-17M/C (54H) front tire and a 130/70-17M/C (62H) rear tire. Stopping was achieved via 280 mm disc with twin-piston caliper in the front and a Drum, 160 mm in the rear. The front suspension was a 37 mm telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a Dual shocks with adjustable preload. The ER-5 was fitted with a 1.06 Gallon (4.00 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 434.31 pounds (197.0 Kg). The wheelbase was 56.3 inches (1430 mm) long.

Competition

Another view of a Kawasaki ER-5

There are several other midweight 500 cc motorcycles that should be considered direct competitors, namely:

• Kawasaki GPZ500- More powerful than the ER-5 and started its life out as a budget sports bike.

• Suzuki GS500 - Another bike that is popular with training schools.

• Honda CB500F - Honda's contribution to the 500s.

There are, of course many other 500 cc motorcycles but these are the most popular and new biker friendly.

Well Known Problems

ER-5s are known for certain issues to develop during their life-cycle, notably:

• The Reg/Rec Unit breaking
• Speedometer cable snapping
• Corrosion, especially around the downpipes

Despite these faults, the ER-5 has built up a reputation as being cheap to maintain.

Technical Features

• Displacement: 498.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)
• Engine type: Parallel Twin
• Stroke: 4
• Power: 48.00 hp (36.5 kW))
• Valves per cylinder: 4
• Gearbox: 6-speed
• Transmission type final drive: Chain
• Front brakes: Single disc
• Rear brakes: Expanding brake
• Power/weight ratio: 0.2793 hp/kg
• Dry weight: 179.0 kg (394.6 pounds)
• Cooling System: Liquid
• Seat height: 780 mm (30.7 inches)
• Top Speed: 110 mph (183.12128 km/h)
• Fuel capacity: 16.00 liters (4.23 gallons)

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2004 Kawasaki ER-5

The 2003 Kawasaki ER-5 is a naked street bike in the middleweight class, powered by a 498cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke parallel-twin engine. The max power the 2003 ER-5 can deliver reaches 50.3 PS @ 9000 rpm.

This bike is a very handy commuter machine, as it comes with a two-up seat and under-seat storage. Thanks to its weight (179 kg) and 800mm seat height, the 2003 ER-5 is very easy to ride, even by smaller motorcyclists.

The classic instrument cluster sports a dual-gauge design, with fuel and lights indicators which are all easy to read. The steel frame is complemented by a telescopic fork, a preload-adjustable rear shock, disc front brakes and a drum rear one. The 2003 Kawasaki ER-5 comes with a 17 L tank, making it also suitable for long trips.

2005 Kawasaki ER-5

The 2004 Kawasaki ER-5 retains the styling and performance of the previous year model: a naked street bike with a 498cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke parallel-twin engine and 50.3 PS max power.

Thanks to the massive 17 L fuel tank the 2003 Kawasaki ER-5 makes also for a nice touring bike. Special accessories are available. This bike is a very handy commuter machine, as it comes with a two-up seat and under-seat storage. Its 179 kg weight and 800mm seat height make it very easy to ride, even by smaller motorcyclists.

The classic instrument cluster sports a dual-gauge design, with fuel and lights indicators which are all easy to read. The steel frame is complemented by a telescopic fork, a preload-adjustable rear shock, disc front brakes and a drum rear one.

2006 Kawasaki ER-5

The 2005 Kawasaki ER-5 carries on the features of the original model: the 498cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke parallel-twin engine delivering 50.3 PS and naked bike styling with a sporty attitude.

Thanks to its convenient dimensions and weight, the 2005 Kawasaki ER-5 can be equally useful as a commuter for daily rides, for fun around the city or for longer trips: its 17 L fuel tank capacity means you'll be riding quite a lot between refueling stops.

The instrument cluster retains the classic approach: dual gauges for speed and rpm, and easy-to-read lights indicators. The engine is still fueled by dual Keihin carburetors and digital ignition.

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