Kawasaki ER-5 review

A sensible purchase, the ER-5 makes a solid buy at a good price when the head rules the heart
perfect for anyone's 'first big bike', thanks to the unintimidating way it makes its power and the neutral handling
Ease of use, ease of maintenance
No frills performance and prone to corrosion

A stalwart of training schools across the land, the ER-5 is a very workmanlike effort that - try as it might - just can't measure up to Honda's CB500.

Unexciting performance is perfect for anyone's 'first big bike', thanks to the unintimidating way it makes its power and the neutral handling.

A stalwart of training schools across the land, the ER-5 is a very workmanlike effort that - try as it might - just can't measure up to Honda's CB500.

Unexciting performance is perfect for anyone's 'first big bike', thanks to the unintimidating way it makes its power and the neutral handling.

Dryweight (kg)179
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)800
Suspension Front37mm telescopic fork
Suspension RearDual shocks
Adjustability RearPreload adjustment
Tyres Front110/70-17
Tyres Rear130/70-17
Brakes FrontSingle 280mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Brakes RearSingle 160mm drum
Wheelbase (mm)1430
ChassisDouble cradle, high tensile steel
Cubic Capacity (cc)498
Max Power (bhp)49
CoolingLiquid cooled
Stroke TypeFour Stroke