Kawasaki ER-5 owners, what are they like?

[beery]

Im just about to go for my L's in new south wales and im after a ride ive been looking at the ER-5 im a big guy so a 250cc is
not a option i sat on the ER-5 i liked the size and the feel of it.
So if there's any owners out there can you give the story on them and what to look for?

thank you for your tme

beery

[ZX10R King]

I had a loan of one when my bike was in for a service. It seemed slow, but then I normally ride a ZX9. So for a learner it would prob be ok. It seemed to handle OK, but lack of fairing made it very windy at highway speeds. But then if u r only a learner, and restricted to 80km/h it would probably do the job quite nicely.

That's just my opinion, anyone else may tell ya different

[Felix]

Nah, they're pretty good

I have a blast when I take my old one for a spin...even though I normally ride my XJ900 now.

Umm...just check the usual if you are buying secondhand...fork seals, brakes, chain condition, tune, shock action, tyres. Engine should pull nicely and rev out cleanly. Gearbox should feel good, not sloppy.

I spent more money on mine than most people reckon is sensible - rebuilt forks with gold valves and new shocks on rear - transformed the bike completely, and didn't cost much more than a simple overhaul.

Cheap to buy, run and insure. Easy to maintain yourself. Can do long distance too. Seat not necessicarily (sp!) the best, but ok if you can stop and stretch your legs every now and then on longer rides.

[Felix]

Oh, and I have been told mine will do 180km/h+...eh, bonester?

[Frank]

I'm 6' 3" 120kg's My first bike was an 2003 er5 they are a great bike, lots of low down torque for a bigger guy like myself, and pretty quick, I ran a baby blade on mine and kept up with him. and its pretty good on the track as well, all in all a pretty good learners bike just a bit on the heavy side for some smaller people.

[dreamgirl62]

hey I love the ER5... but have just bought myself the new ER6n, I did my home work before I bought her, seat height is perfect for those ppl who are vertically challenged or women hehe.. thats me, the frame is light and the turning circle is great, she weighs very little ,compared to my gsx 250 the sitting position is very diferent and a felt like a bit of a windsock when I first hit the higher klms on the open road, well she is rather naked but still very pretty, black and gold ...mmmm..
And Im a big girl too and not vertically challenged (5'8") I sit and ride very comfortably and still have both feet flat on the ground when I come to a hault.. Im sure you will be very happy with the ER5 as a first bike, but they are a smaller bike too, if your a bigger cuddlier guy you may prefer something a little heavier and robust, but the ultimate choice is yours.... hey 10/10 for booking in for your learners, you will love it , riding has changed my life and Im sure it will yours too!! dreamgirlxxoo

[bonester]

Oh, and I have been told mine will do 180km/h+...eh, bonester?

Yeah our somewhat disingenuous Kawasaki dealer suggested that......they'll cruise at that all day and do over 200km/h....yeah right.....my ZZR1200 must do at least 400km/h by that rationale....friggin bastardos will tell a prospective buyer anything to make a sale....

[aardvark]

Kawasaki ER-5 owners, what are they like?

Honestly? Strangest bunch of people I have EVER come across. I met this one ER5 owner who liked wearing.... oh, sorry, that's not what you meant.

[Jonno]

Kawasaki ER-5 owners, what are they like?

Honestly? Strangest bunch of people I have EVER come across. I met this one ER5 owner who liked wearing.... oh, sorry, that's not what you meant.

haha I was just thinking the same thing when I read the post subject line.

I have had the use of an ER-5 a few times as a loaner bike when my beast was in the stealership for it's services, lots of fun and great around town but stepping down to 500cc from 1200cc bike is quite a change
I did take it for a highway run and does like to be at the speed limit but labours at higher speeds 140kmph+ or on hills had to drop a cog or two but what do ya expect with a 90+kg bloke on the poor thing
I would consider this a good allround bike and for learner riders, easy to ride, lightweight, easy to park, has electric start and extremely forgiving nature.

Maybe an ER-6 is the go, anyone riden one of these?

[dreamgirl62]

well johnno,
I owna ER6N, picked her up 3 weeks ago.... and boy have I ridden her, still running her in but as the dealer said " you gotta give it when shes hot" LOL.... my baby cruises on 140 kpm and still wants more, but me being a pretty safe rider dosnt stay at that speed for long, just making sure I dont glaze the bore over, as we all know I have to fluctuate the speed. The er6 is a 650cc and me being a cuddly girl certainly dosnt affect her speed at all, shes quick of the mark, very responsive and extremely light, needless to say pretty too!!!
Only thing is she dosnt look like a girls bike, but then again I dont look like a girl either hehe.....well maybe just a little lol...

so I say " GO THE ER6N"

[Neka79]

yea ive used one a few times..good fun bike...good for learners id reckon...stable, sure footed, usable power, easy to ride...
only complaint is lack of fairing, but at 80kph it shouldnt worry u...

mind u the one i had saw 170kph....