Kawasaki ER5 – The beat goes on…
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Remember the kid in the grey tank top at school? Middle of the class, brought to school in the family Allegro, he never got detention, but never won the school talent contest either. Last in the 100 metres, he’d somehow always manage to finish in the cross country. Skinny, knee- grazed Derek, (we’ll call him) didn’t look good in sports kit and never ignited a girl’s passion, but he could be a good mate; as dependable as your old school bag, and as honest as a maths lesson is long. If you want a two-wheeled equivalent, you need look no further than Kawasaki’s ER-5. |
Pic: Kawasaki Heavy Industries
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What is it?
Now
replaced by the much-improved ER6, there are still plenty of ER5’s about, which
is good news if you’re looking for a cheap winter hack, a reliable commuter or
perhaps the first Big Bike after passing your test, including Direct Access from January 2013 with an A1 licence.
 Pic. Kawasaki Heavy Industries Engine and Transmission
The engine is a straightforward 498cc parallel-twin
with a 6 speed gearbox. It’s great on the urban and inter-urban scene (weighing only 179 kilos the ER5 will top 100mph, hitting 60mph is under 6 seconds) but
the small Kwacker runs out of puff on longer trips, especially if 2-up. Power
output is in fact 51 bhp (33 lbs/ft of torque) and this is adequate rather than
exciting.
Nevertheless, the new rider can adapt to overtaking conditions safely with enough power to experiment and build confidence. It’s good on fuel too, returning anything up to 60 mpg. Other running costs are low; cheap insurance (£50 TPFT for early 30’s in the provinces), easy DIY maintenance, low tyre consumption and inexpensive parts all help. 
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Equipment level is basic, and the fuel gauge, though fitted, bears as much a resemblance to the
tank’s contents as a party political manifesto does to what happens when the election is over. Many fit crash bars, a Scottoiler and some go for a
hugger, which the standard bike lacks. A fly screen is also popular. Rear shocks have pre-load but are
reduced to pogo-stick quality within 15,000 miles. Everyone should douse the bike in ACF50 or similar though – corrosion is a real issue.
Comfort is generally good – seat height is a lowish 800mm and bars are fairly flat leading to an easy upright riding position. Handling is neutral and the control forgiving of clumsy inputs, providing a solid base to learn and develop; it communicates with the rider and does not intimidate.  Pic: Motorstown.com Facts and Figures
Engine: liquid-cooled, 2 valves per cylinder, 498 cc parallel twin
Power: 51 bhp Torque: 33 lbs/ feet Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injection Transmission: 6-speed Final Drive: Chain Brakes: Single 280mm front disc , rear 240mm drum Tyres: Front, 110/70/17, Rear 140/70/17 Wet Weight: 179kg Fuel Tank: 17 Litres Max range: 180 miles approx Price New: £3,345 Insurance Group: 8 Performance: 0-60 5.7 seconds, 110mph max. Fuel Consumption: 60 mpg |
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