ER-5 for a first big bike?

[GTR1400]

Hey guys,

Sorry for yet another first big bike thread, but I'm going to have a look at an ER-5 which is literally round the corner from my house tomorrow morning . Found it on eBay so was delighted when the guy told me on the phone where abouts the bike actually was, seeing as it's close enough for me to wheel the bike home seeing as I don't have my license yet ;P.

Just wondering if there's anything in particular that I should look out for on a Kawasaki ER-5?

Any experience with them guys?

It's a 2001 model, with 15k on the clock, and has apparently been sat for the last 18 months with only about 70 miles since the MOT that has just been done, and the last one 12 months ago.

I'll be going down to have a look in the morning, and have asked the guy to make sure the engine is cold so I can see the bike start up for the first time.

Will make sure I ask about battery etc. just in case it's been sat for so long that I'll need a new one.

All help appreciated

Liam

[Billo63]

As an er5 owner I'll always recommend them for 1st big bike.
Steady, very forgiving of newby errors helps inspire confidence.
Handle what they give out very well too.
would recommend checking the chain & sprockets out , mine a little thirsty on fork seals, but as a " get used to a bigger bike machine " they are IMO very good.

Plenty of other folks will recommend something with a bit more torque & grunt as er5 only comes out at 48bhp, I use mine as a daily commuter - mainly A road riding & Ive yet to have an issue with it.

Try it out if possible - you may find that you don't actually care for it once on it, it's all a matter of personal choice.
____________________
I might not be a gynecologist, but I know a cunt when I see one

[yaigi]

That's the bike I've been doing my lessons on, seem good enough, lots of training places use em for people learning and with the new rules coming in in Jan they're going to have to get 600s, which might mean there are a fair few 500s for sale - watch out that it's not an ex lesson one cos they will have been dropped more times than you've had hot dinners!
____________________
What would you do in life, if you knew you could not fail?
Currently own - Fazer 600, 2000, Red. (But no riding as baby on board atm)

[anthony_r6]

I can't comment on the bikes themselves, but I'd imagine that ex-school bikes are well maintained, even if they have been dropped a good few times. Let's face it, the majority of them would be at very slow speed and most newb-riders would be compelled to try and hold it up when it does tip, so it wouldn't be a huge impact in a lot of cases.
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Ted : "Maybe he's agoraphobic."
Dougal : "Jack scared of fighting? I don't think so, Ted."

[GTR1400]

[Billo63]

Liam, do you know the history of the bike
What year & price is it if you don't mind me asking

As I've said, I'll always recommend er5, but obviously each bike is individual & there are good & bad uns out there.

If all looks ok & you go for it I reckon you'll love it

I ride mine & an zzr6 too - occasionally I need to be reminded that I'm still alive just a tad more than the er5 tells me, but as a daily hack/commute it serves me very well
____________________
I might not be a gynecologist, but I know a cunt when I see one

[GTR1400]

[Rogue_Shadow]

Congratulations on the Bike mate
(Jealous )
Get some pictures up when she arrives

[GTR1400]

[Matt-]

Look's fab
____________________
RIP jack (wheelie king), you will never be forgotten.
Current Bike's - Road Legal TZR 125 Pitbike, Aprilia SR50R 2010

[GTR1400]

[Matt-]