Second hand advice Kawasaki ER-5

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Second hand advice Kawasaki ER-5

Second hand advice Kawasaki ER-5
Late developer

Kawasaki came up with the idea of ​​equipping an inexpensive entry-level machine with its half-liter twin, which had been tried and tested in three other models. Not too late, however, to take the lead in this class in 1999.

Peter Limmert

01/14/2000

For years left Kawasaki In the entry-level sector of Suzuki and Honda, taking the butter off the bread with inexpensive touring machines with undisguised, as the GS 500 E and the CB 500 developed into a kind of self-runner. That was all the more surprising because Kawasaki had had a suitable iron for the entry-level category in store for the entry-level category since 1987 with the double-cam, four-valve twin of the disguised touring athlete GPZ 500 S, especially in the displacement of 500 cm3 that is usual for this class. On top of that, the Japanese had successfully used this all-round two-cylinder in the EN 500 and KLE 500 models as soft, inexpensive specimens in the chopper and enduro area. All three models are technically reliable and still on the market today.
But it was not until the end of 1996 that with the ER-5 the engine found its way into the new, uncovered touring chassis, and the Twister, as the new model was called, made its unobtrusive but self-confident debut on Germany’s roads. For its use in the ER-5, the tried and tested engine was conditioned for more torque in the lower and medium speed range and for even more precise shiftability of the six-speed gearbox. The Twister kept conventional carburettors, but a secondary air system minimizes the emission of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons by supplying fresh air to the exhaust ducts.
In the meantime, the ER-5 has sold more than 10,500 times in this country, Suzuki and Honda’s entry-level models are outdated in terms of registration numbers for 1999. In order to be able to adhere to the announced starting price of around 8,500 marks, Kawasaki had to resort to some cost-saving measures. Components such as the swing arm and telescopic fork, brakes, gear lever and fuel filler cap, the viewer notices the red pencil of commercial calculation.
Everything you need is there – side and main stands, a relatively complete set of instruments, a lockable bench and handle at the rear, but a prize for an independent, unmistakable design could not and would not be won. In terms of its aesthetic simplicity, the Twister differs little from the competition, which is also not exactly indulgent to the eye.
Such externals are quickly forgotten with the first driving impressions. The small engine is surprisingly agile, mobilizing its 50 hp with little effort. Even in fifth and sixth gear, you can stroll around easily and effortlessly at medium speed, a characteristic that is particularly pleasant for beginners and those returning to the sport. The stability and handiness of the ER-5 are also convincing, but not so much the too soft telescopic fork at the front. The Wilbers company, phone 0 59 21/60 57, offers progressive fork arms for around 190 marks. And when traveling for two with luggage, the passenger is spoiled with enough space, the braking system ?? only one disc at the front, only one drum brake at the rear ?? but is then quickly overwhelmed. In addition, the two rear suspension struts sometimes hit through when the load is high.
Under double loads, the machine becomes quite light on the front wheel, which can affect the exact line. Even light 50-pound riders complain of uncontrolled handlebar twitching when accelerating on bumpy ground. On the other hand, the low seat height of just 78 centimeters is positively registered, which enables even smaller ER-5 drivers to stop safely with sufficient ground contact. If that’s still too high for you: Kawasaki offers a bench that is five centimeters lower, especially for the Twister, through dealerships, costing just under 400 marks.
On the other hand, the Er-5 driver has to live with the single brake disc at the front. A second cannot be retrofitted to the standard telescopic fork. However, starting with the 1998 model, the distance between the brake and clutch levers can be adapted to the individual hand size.
ER-5 drivers are mostly very cost-conscious, which is why they give their vehicle a very positive credit for being careful with tires. Driving distances of around 20,000 kilometers are quite the order of the day. The Bridgestone BT 35 original equipment received excellent marks for good self-damping, stability and adhesion in the tire recommendation (MOTORRAD 16/1998). Only the Metzeler ME 1 and Bridgestone’s second pair of tires, the BT 45, received a similarly good rating.
Extremely reassuring for used buyers: the mileage of the little twin is convincing. After 50,000 kilometers of long-distance test (MOTORRAD 9/1999), in which the engine also had to cope with a lot of rushing on the highway, there were actually no other deficiencies to complain about apart from a widened seat of the bearing at the gear exit and the bearing cage of the chain carrier in the rear wheel. Kawasaki technicians see the reason for both damage in a chain that is too tight. Only a leaky valve and seat would have needed revision. All other innards were in excellent condition within the specified tolerances.
The relatively cheap purchase price ?? last fall, new machines were also offered for barely more than 7,000 marks, some 1,000 marks below the official list price ?? has an impact on used prices. The following can apply as a basis for negotiation: 1996 models would have to be traded for less than 4,000 marks, 1997 models around 4500 and those from 1998 around 5000 marks. Whereby one has to pay attention: The throttle version with 34 HP ?? approximately two thirds of the total sales ?? is offered more often, but since there is greater demand for it, around five percent more must be paid for it.
The bottom line is that the Er-5 came late, but then all the more powerful. Kawasaki’s long hesitation has not been able to stop the success of the Twister, as have the cost-conscious measures for various detailed solutions.

Reader’s Experience – Kawasaki ER-5

The ER-5 clientele is satisfied with the low, manoeuvrable machine, even if the fork is too soft and the brake is barely enough.

I have had my driver’s license since August 1997 and a Kawasaki ER-5 since March 1998. The decisive factors for me were price and seat height, because most machines are unfortunately too high for me. And I didn’t want to ride a chopper either. Despite the reasonable height, I bought the lower bench from the accessories for almost 400 marks. After more than 10,000 kilometers, I’m so satisfied that I can hardly describe it. In the near future, dethrottle to 50 hp, and then, I guess, we will grow old together.Gabi Borrmann, Berlin I am actually one of the candidates whose legs are too short for almost all sports and touring motorcycles (1.60 meters), those for a turn on the road still take minutes. And who get trembling knees and sweaty hands at the mere sight of a gravel road. The ER-5 is so handy, reliable and comfortable like no other (Ducati Monster 600, Honda CB 500, Suzuki GS 500 and Yamaha SR 500 tried out). She taught me that sloping doesn’t have to be bad and is actually really fun. In two and a half years I have unwound 44,000 kilometers with my ER-5, and the little one has never disappointed me either on Alpine passes or in Naples’ dark alleys, on the Camino de Santiago in Spanish Galicia or on the gravel roads of Lofoten off Norway. A small blemish, however, remains: Between 60 and 80 km / h it has a massive handlebar flutter (shimmy) that you fly into the ditch if you raise your hand in greeting. Annette Bornkessel, Erfurt My ER-5 was approved in 1998 and has now 6000 kilometers on it. The spongy front brake got better after installing a steel flex cable. Because I’m only 1.58 meters tall, the bench was padded three centimeters by a saddler and immediately reupholstered. If you stand correctly with one foot, you feel much safer when you stop at the traffic light. After a Suzuki Savage and a Yamaha Virago, I have now found my ideal machine. The only disturbing thing is the rust on some screws despite a garage space. Birgit Mielke, Frankenthal

Technical data – Kawasaki ER-5

Technical dataMotorWater-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke engine, two overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder operated via fork rocker arms, a balance shaft, Keihin constant pressure carburetor, 0 34 mm, displacement 499 cm ³, rated output 37 kW (50 PS) at 9000 rpm, output variant 25 kW ( 34 HP) at 8000 rpm, six-speed gearbox, secondary drive via O-ring chain, electric starter. Chassis double loop frame made of round steel tube, telescopic fork, stanchion diameter 37 mm, rear wheel swing arm made of steel profiles, two spring struts with adjustable spring base at the rear, single-disc brake with double-piston calipers at the front, 0 280 mm, rear drum brake, 0 180 mm, light alloy cast wheels. Suspension travel front / rear 140/80 mmMeasures and weightsSeat height 780 mmTank capacity / reserve 16/4 litersWeight fully fueled 195 kgTest valuesMaximum speed solo / with pillion 178/165 km / hAcceleration 0-100 km / h solo / with pillion 5.3 / 6.8 secConsumption 5 , 0 litersFuel NormalSpare part pricesCompression partsClutch armature 134 MarkHandbrake armature 384 MarkHandlebar 170 MarkRear-view mirror 83 MarkFront indicator 46 MarkTachometer 320 MarkTachometer 321 MarkFork tube 172 MarkFront fender 160 MarkFront wheel 912 MarkExhaust brake frame, complete 103 MarkTank, wear parts, front brake disc, 103, Marking plate 22, 1466 Marking disc, painted 1052 Front 342 Mark Air filter 28 Mark Oil filter 15 Mark Strengths and weaknessesStrengthsReliable, agile engineLight handlingGood passenger comfort 1996: 4,200 marks (at 32,500 kilometers) 1997: 4800 marks (at 24,100 kilometers) 1998: 5500 marks (at 15700 kilometers) Tire approvals, type ER500-Avorn, rear 110/70 -17 H 130/70 ?? 17 HBridgestone Battlax BT 35Dunlop Arrowmax GT 401Alternative tiresMetzeler ME 1Continental Avenue 140/150Bridgestone Battlax BT 45 Michelin Macadam 50Footnotes: 1Tests can be ordered from the publisher, telephone see box on page xxx.

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