Difference between revisions of "Kawasaki ER-5"
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-DOHC +DOHC)) |
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-tyre +tire)) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[Image:Kawasaki ER-5 lateral view.jpg|thumb|right|An ER-5, lateral view]] | [[Image:Kawasaki ER-5 lateral view.jpg|thumb|right|An ER-5, lateral view]] | ||
The '''Kawasaki ER-5''' is a [[Naked bike|naked]] commuter [[motorcycle]]. This [[Japan|Japanese]] [[workhorse]] is powered by a [[Engine cooling|liquid cooled]] [[Four Stroke|4 stroke]] [[Overhead camshaft|[[DOHC]]]] 498 cc engine based on the design used in the [[Kawasaki Ninja 500R|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 Tyres|Dunlop]] Arrowmax | The '''Kawasaki ER-5''' is a [[Naked bike|naked]] commuter [[motorcycle]]. This [[Japan|Japanese]] [[workhorse]] is powered by a [[Engine cooling|liquid cooled]] [[Four Stroke|4 stroke]] [[Overhead camshaft|[[DOHC]]]] 498 cc engine based on the design used in the [[Kawasaki Ninja 500R|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 Tyres|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|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 33[[Horsepower#Brake horsepower .28 bhp.29|BHP]]/25[[Watt|KW]], which is the maximum power output permitted for certain types of restricted licences within [[Europe]], adding to its appeal for beginners. | ||
==Competition== | ==Competition== | ||
Revision as of 13:10, 5 October 2006
The Kawasaki ER-5 is a naked commuter motorcycle. This Japanese workhorse is powered by a liquid cooled 4 stroke [[Overhead camshaft|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.
Competition
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 CB500 - 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 litres (4.23 gallons)
 | This motorcycle, scooter, or moped-related article is a stub. You can help Cycle Chaos by expanding it. Contact User:Budlight if you need help. |