ER-5 Opinions

[Gosling1]

CLASSIC Z650 sounds like a good option if you can find one,set of smooth bore carbs ,good cams, Hi comp pistons ,should go ok and keep it and it will be worth lots more in time.Plus that classic z look

now that is some excellent advice !! what a great bike they are...

[Strika]

I heard from a reliable "Sauce" that the new ER6N will have a LAMS model available shortly! So if it's is in yr pric bracket it may be worthwhile holding off for a while if you can.

[Ollie]

or get a Zx6 we wont tell

So what are the fines for no P plate and over powered bike.....

[krusty]

or get a Zx6 we wont tell

So what are the fines for no P plate and over powered bike.....

Pretty much treated as an unlicenced driver, summarised in the RTA handbook from memory, it shoud be somewhere on their website.

If I was to choose from either a naked GS500 or an ER5 I would take the ER5 (though I do like the GS500F). It would probably have been easier (from manufacturing point) to put a disk on the rear but if drum brake is capable of locking the rear then it is good enough, my 1983 GPZ250 is capable of locking the rear with the drum.

[Pabs]

I heard from a reliable "Sauce" that the new ER6N will have a LAMS model available shortly!

There you go!!

[Stereo]

and an ER6F too .... so.....

[seany]

I happen to think the ER-5 is sexy as hell to look at. Mind you, I prefer naked bikes.

The main point is I'm in love with my ER-5. It is not quite at sports bike performance but it's pretty close to it. Being a twin it definately has an advantage at lower revs. There is an even spread of useable power across the rev range, it handles beautifully and has a comfortable riding position.

Drawbacks 1. Anything over say 150kms will make you start to feel like a windsock, but that's the price to pay for not having dinky little fairings on your bike. 2. Compession lock ups will take you by surprise for a lttle while at first.

Take a realistic look at the bike. Don't be off put by comments describing it as gutless. These are comments from people who'd compare a 498cc twin to a ZX10R. Not an intelligent comparison. A more realistic comparison to say a GS500 will display the Kwacka as a superior bike. Take it for what it is on it's own merit. You won't see ER-5's winning many races because the fact is, it's not a racing bike. As an urban assault weapon however it shines above the rest. As a machine for touring and weekends on the twisties, I've also found it to be ideal.

[Felix]

I agree with the windsock thing...but that is why I have a screen. I might be imagining it, but the screen does seem to make a difference to fuel economy and acceleration. Not huge, but an improvement is an improvement. It certainly makes it much more bearable if you've been doing a long highway trip. The one I've got doesn't seem to be the best, and I have had to have it platic welded a few times. I will buy a new, different type from Frozzie if it breaks again.

My only real criticism is the seat. I believe later models have a revised and comfier seat. I will probably do some sculpting and fiddling around at some point and see if I can't make a seat that is better suited to us. I think the changes are to the actual tray, so it isn't just a matter of re-foaming.

[seany]

My only real criticism is the seat. I believe later models have a revised and comfier seat. I will probably do some sculpting and fiddling around at some point and see if I can't make a seat that is better suited to us. I think the changes are to the actual tray, so it isn't just a matter of re-foaming.

The seat's probably a personal thing. Each rider will be different in what they like. I find it comfortable and it's great for the pillion. I do wish it was a little skinnier though when riding in the twisties. The trade off is that I can sit on it for hours at a time without getting a sore bum.

[Felix]

Nup, not me. I find I slide forward too much and get pressure sores in two spots. I believe the change to the seat is supposed to have been aimed at reducing the slide forward, which would probably take care of the second problem. Change was in 2000/1, I have the '99 model I notice the difference more after riding the XJ as it is a very broad seat with much thicker padding. I can sit on that for 4+ hours without much trouble.

Anyhow, sounds like a fun project to me, so I'll have a go at it one day.

[Ollie]

I did, take the GS500 for a ride and well, felt like i was a boat captain. I then took 2 99 and 04 ER5 for a ride, both a bit different. Settled for the 04 (C3 i think it is) Anyway i took it for a ride through the oph -> wisemans run today, and i must say i'm very happy with it all round, and i don't think its butt ugly at all... (Dave#3 insert take back of earlier statement here)