Kawasaki ER-5

I have had my 2000 ER5 for 4 months. The ER5 must be run-in at 4,000rpm for the first 500mls, this equates to around 55mph. The initial running-in was not easy as the ER5 is not particularly happy below 2,500rpm so the rev range you can use is very narrow. This makes for never ending gear changes and the bike never enters its power band (which we have discovered starts around 5,000rpm and continues smoothly from there). This bike is seriously easy to ride, it has a large flywheel making the engine very forgiving. There is a "positive neutral" feature which means that if you are stopped in 1st gear the bike will only select neutral. Great! no ...  Read the complete review

I bought a secondhand P-reg ER-5 after passing my Direct Access course in June 1999, and since then I have been using it to commute to and from work in Central London. It has been very solid and confidence-inspiring, and nothing has gone wrong with it as yet. I've heard of electrical problems with new models, but have not experienced any with mine. Having an unfaired bike such as this as a first bike means that, should you drop it, which seems to be a common occurrance among new riders, there is not normally much damage to repair - only indicators and levers. Also because of it's small engine it's relatively easy to pick up again. ...  Read the complete review

I've owned my ER5 for nearly 4 years now. I've covered nearly 14000 miles in that time with no problems whatsoever. This bike is not known as a touring motorcycle but mine has travelled, two-up, fully loaded with luggage up and down the Pyrenees, the Alps and across France. It has impressed me with its willing engine and good handling. The bike cruises happily at 90mph although fuel consumption drops to about 35mpg. This is as mentioned, fully loaded. Ridden solo this improves to 60mpg. Top speed is about 120mph in good conditions. Servicing costs are reasonable at £110 per 4000 miles. Tyres seem to last about 5000 miles rear 6000 front. I use a Scottoiler and ...  Read the complete review

This is my first bike, and as a step-up from 125's I've found that it provides an friendly and willing tool with which to start 'proper biking'. Before getting on my ER-5 for the first time I was worried that it may be too wide, tall and heavy, but for an average size person it is very manageable and easy to ride. The controls are well laid out and the simple design of the majority of components provides three highly beneficial uses: 1 - Repairs are less daunting to tackle for novice mechanics, 2 - Repairs are less costly, 3 - Components are a little more 'rugged' and can resist the ham-fisted fumblings of the inexperienced ...  Read the complete review