Motorcycle: Kawasaki ER5 (2001 model) For: Good commuter bike and fun to ride Against: Gets a bit windy at speed Value: No doubt that you are getting quite a bit of bike for the money! Costs: Parts are pretty cheap and servicing can easily be done at home in the garage. Fuel consumption is very frugal even when the bike is pushed hard and insurance is next to nothing, even for riders under 25. Reliability: Bomb proof Driving: The bike is fun to ride but it is no razor sharp 600cc super sports. It turns in quick enough if you counter steer but would benefit from a stickier set of tyres than the standard tourers supplied if you want to push the bike harder. Lighter riders may have some trouble as this bike weighs in at 170kg so may drop into corners a little quick unless you are over 12 stone! Performance: Pretty good. It will leave most cars standing at the lights but it is not so fast that it will scare the living daylights out of an inexperienced rider. Comfort and Practicality: compared with my old Suzuki RG125 the seat on the ER5 is wonderful and the riding position is excellent. Long distance commuting is not a problem on this bike but I would advise fitting a windscreen for motorway work unless you want forearms like Popeye the sailor man (it starts getting tricky to hang on at high speed without one!) or to be covered in dead flies. It is also a very practical machine and panniers/top cases are readily available Image: It is a commuter bike so you are never going to be the talk of the town but it does its job well Overall Summary: The ER5 is a good bike for those interested in taking a direct access test or those moving up from the 125 class. As a commuter bike it does it’s job well whilst delivering bombproof reliability and an exciting ride!
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hi i have had an er5 for about 5 months now and i know what you mean about wind i have had mine up to 110 mph(obviously not on public roads officer)i was gripping on like a man possesed.Have you checked out www.smartgroups.com/groups/kawasakier5 as there is a lot of info about our bike and tips etc.craig
Advantages: Very cheap to run easy to maintain loads to choose from comfortable good handling Disadvantages: Poor spongy brakes build quality a bit shoddy in places lumpy constant gear changes
Heights 07.08.2008 (08.08.2008)
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Review of Kawasaki ER5
Jul 24th, 2003
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