Kawasaki ER-5

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Kawasaki ER-5
Manufacturer
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[1]
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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

Chassis[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.

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

Well Known Problems[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

  • 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)



2004 Kawasaki ER-5[edit | edit source]

2004 Kawasaki ER-5 2004 Kawasaki ER-5 2004 Kawasaki ER-5 2004 Kawasaki ER-5 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[edit | edit source]

2005 Kawasaki ER-5 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[edit | edit source]

2006 Kawasaki ER-5 2006 Kawasaki ER-5 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.


In Media[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2003 Kawasaki ER-5 owners manual. Kawasaki.