Kawasaki ER-5 (1996-current)

I bought this bike because it was cheap and less ugly than the other cheap bikes. I added a small windshield and luggage rack and took it from Plymouth, UK to Copenhagen, DK. It's worked out OK too because it always starts, is easy to manoeuvre and is surprisingly quick off the lights. Always leaves a big grin on my face when some poor fella in a new M3 gets handed his bum by a 10 year old bike that cost me 700 quid. It's still a tractor though and I've started looking for something more exciting. I'll likely keep it as my trusty backup as well.

i was given my er5 as a wreck, i thought fix it up, sell it and move on. i give it a full service (valve clearances ect) , cleaned and balanced the carbs and once i'd used it for work for a week or so i decided to keep it. it starts first time, can sit at 70/80 on the motorway and is cheep to run. The brakes are basic (mines the early a1 model) but i removed the plastic piston inserts (only fitted to the early er's) cleaned the pistons, fitted new seals, flushed the system and put in so good quality fluid and it stops well now. The bike is so easy to ride too, i throw it about like a 125. Its no pocket rocket but it was never meant to be, but its still quick enough and will put 100 mph on the clock easy enough. I've been riding all sorts of bikes over my 25 years experience and think the er is one of them under rated bikes.

...but it’s not a great bike. I’ve had the misfortune of riding several examples of these machines and they are as basic as a classic without the class. The main bugbear comes with changing gear. Out of the three ER5’s I’ve ridden ALL THREE had problems changing up into top gear and two out of three had problems changing down into 2nd. The equipment is basic but does the job of telling you how fast you’re going if little else. Two of the examples I’ve ridden had problems with the fuel warning light either coming on when the tank is nearly full or not working at all. Yes it can be a cheap 2nd hand bike but I would prefer to spend similar money on an early model ER6 which is a vast improvement over the 5. If you’re looking for a reliable winter hack then why not look for a Kawasaki GT550 or 90’s/early 2000 Yamaha Diversion as they both sport low maintenance shaft drive and bulletproof engines.

This bike is bulletproof. It may seem boring to 600 cc + owners but compared to my previous overpriced 125 cc experiences this thing is a blast. I am a student and I needed a cheap straight forward bike that will start from the firtst try even when it s freezing ballz outside and it does just that. On the highway it easily maintains a steady 95 - 100 mph which on average is enough to take over loads of 1000 cc + midlife crisis riders who pretend to be way faster ! A real 600 cc + hooligan will blow you away though but these encounters are rare. I am 20 years old and am looking forward to a faster more hooligan styled bike now but be assured that with some riding skill the er-5 will take over any scooter, bike or car in the real world. Only thing I regretted was that it sounds and looks so boring. Recently though I accidently got a cut in the exhaust ( after one of many small crashes... Bike does need better brakes ) just in front of the muffler and I swear to god it sounds like a harley. Some bar end mirrors also make a world of difference Cheers ecto

Very underrated little bike these. I owned one back in 2007 and in two years and 10'000 miles i never had a single issue with it. Never used a drop of oil and was VERY economical.. Even handled a pillion well on longer runs. Engine is nice and punchy around town but gets a bit breathless when you up the pace a bit. Can't expect miracles with 50bhp though! Handling is ok and even the single disc, rear drum is acceptable. Referring to the review i don't know about the CB500 beating the ER hollow... I've rode a CB and i didn't think there was much between them to be honest. Maybe slightly better brakes on the Honda but i don't think it's worth paying the extra for a CB if you're looking to buy in this class. The ER is up to the job.

My wifes bike, I have gone through x3 bikes in the past 9 yrs, all were around £1500 650cc - 750cc, but this wee bike has never let us down. I use it for work rest and play, we have gone too a few rallies 2-up fully loaded tent sleeping bags camping stove and beer, sits ok on motorway at 70mph, handles A and B roads. I took it too Isle o Man, cause i knew it would get me home safely, I sat with all sorts of sport bikes and held my own just fine. Great wee bike, good allrounder, keep it maintained and it'll keep on the road ok. Just remember its not a sports bike, it is what it is.

Its cool love it

and not much else, great first bike but you quickly get bored. It's a work horse and as such not too suitable for someone who wants a bike thier going to enjoy for a long time, it's a heavy lump, but it's still got enough to tear away from the lights leaving the cars in your wake

OK... It's never going to be one of those bikes that set the world alight but what more do you want. It's got a well proven twin cylinder engine that Kawasaki have been using since the dawn of time. Any garage can service it.. or.. service it yourself.. it's that easy.. Using the bike as a commuter is a breeze.. Get the bike in the wrong gear.. so what.. it will manage.. Very easy to ride and zip in and out of traffic. It's a light bike so easy for moving around and getting on to the centre stand. A nice upright riding position and a comfy seat that you couls sit on all day. It's low insurance, Good on fuel.. Could be the ultimate commuter! Minor niggles.. The brakes could do with a bit more feel but then again I suppose it stops you locking the wheels up.. It is geared guite low so it feels like you need another gear 65/70mph.. Overall: Its a basic bike but if you need a day to day reliable bike that won't break the bank.. get one of these...

Decided to commute by bike after 12 years of packing onto the train. I have the bike serviced every 4k miles, as per warranty requirements, which isn't cheap. Had 2 mirrors replaced due to silver disappearing, and the Starter clutch replaced, all on warranty, with no problems. Strengths: Reliability and MPG. Weaknesses: Expense of servicing by dealer, and frequency of servicing. If you buy a new car the first service is approx 18k miles, bike is every 4k.