Kwak Kwak ER5

bikedudextrm · Traffic Copper Joined: 16 Oct 2003 Karma :

Hi, for my next bike i've now decided to get an ER5 or something similar (suzuki gs500), mainly because they are cheap to run, reliable, quite quick, comfortable and cheap to insure especially for me only being 17. The insurance is half for what it would cost for a rvf/vfr 400 which i was going to get in the first place but can't afford now.

Any one had any experience with an ER5 and can give me some feedback on them. I notice they go cheap on ebay so will most probably get one from there. How quick are they, can anyone provide me with a 0-60 time if possible and top speed, no too bothered about speed really but just curious. Also noticed you can get a motad stainless steel exhaust and KnN air filter for them, do these make much difference to performance, i know the motad pipe looks much better.

Thanks for your time.
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daveiw · Nova Slayer Joined: 12 May 2004 Karma :

I very nearly bought one, I liked the bike and was very comfy, I've heard they are reliable, cheap to run and insure like the gs, hence why they get used for lessons. I did change my mind at the last minuite and bought a bandit 600, because the insurance wasn't much more for me (but i'm 29, so that helps) personally I think you've made a good choice, but i'm quite new to this game my self so keep reading as there seems to be some knowlegable dudes here Thumbs Up

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

I had a 1998 ER-5, it was one of the worst decisions I ever made, I originally wanted a GS500E but was unable to find one within my price range so I settled for a little bit cheap ER-5.

In the few months I owned it, It had 4 Speedo Cables(They have a habit of snapping on ER-5's) 3 Batteries (Down to the 2 fecked rectifiers) As Before 2 Rectifiers, A new set of shocks so it would pass its first MOT, all this from a 3 year old 14000 mile bike.

It doesnt seems very reliable now does it, just check out preloved.co.uk under the reviews, I wasnt the only one having those problems.

To say the least I dont own the ER-5 any more, I now have a 14 year old GS500 which is a damn site better bike and it doesnt have the top heavy feel like the ER-5 did.
Plus the GS is slightly cheaper to insure Wink

mrchips · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2004 Karma :

"Those are crap they only do 120 get an R1 instead"

I believe the GPZ500s has a similar/same engine with the added bonus of fairings (middle fairing on older ones).

bikedudextrm · Traffic Copper Joined: 16 Oct 2003 Karma :

loply · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Karma :

Find a bike school which uses ER5's and ask them for a lesson? Laughing

AcIdBuRnZ · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Karma :

I got one. Got it about 6 weeks ago.

Reason for choice: used for transport, and will be used all year round.

Cheap to insure: £190 TPFT
Cheap to run.

0-60 from official figures is about 5.7sec I think. Faster than you will ride in everyday conditions. Quite nippy for its weight, but it hides this well in corners - it can be thrown around as quick as you can.

Good all rounder. Oh - you can also get a full Remus system (race\road system) for it Thumbs Up

PM me any other questions.

Mark
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Past: Honda NSR125R >> Kawasaki ER-5a2 >> Kawasaki ZZR-600e1 >> Suzuki GSXR-750Y >> Honda VTR 1000 Firestorm
"Chickity China the Chinese Chicken..."

LustyLew · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Karma :

Damn you Mark, got there before me! Razz

Well, I've had mine since September. I admit, I have had to replace a few bits, but its to be expected.

1998 R plate.

I have replaced:

Rear Shox.
Front Fork Seals.
Chain and Sprockets.
Oil and Filter.
Clutch cable.

It has just done 30,000miles and I have been riding it every day since I bought it. Yes, even in the snow! Its been dropped a few times and every time, its a quick dust off and off I go again.

I have to say that the finish isn't too superb, but no major rust issues.

I definitely liked it more than the GS500 and the CB500 was out of my price range.

I'm sure Mark will agree with me when I say go for it! You wont be disappointed.

Also, to put a good note to it, my boss is a retired motorcycle riding instructor and has ridden my bike. He says its easier to ride than his Ducati M600 Monster and would strongly consider one for his wife.

Hope you enjoy whatever you choose!

Happy riding!
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Like a Yorkie - I'm not for the girls Wink

AcIdBuRnZ · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Karma :

Oh - as for the speed thing, a guy at work got a CB5 and the ER beats it everytime.

Also, a few reviews on the net agree that the ER is quicker than the CB.

And yes, the CB might be more reliable, but it is a Honda. However, an abused CB will still be unreliable in the long run. This isn't to say the ER isn't reliable - it is, just that the CB is a Honda! (hope you understand that!)

Also remember - you say you can find more spare parts for the Honda, but if you do need anything major done it's gonna cost ya, big time (the downside to Honda ownership).

Mark
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Past: Honda NSR125R >> Kawasaki ER-5a2 >> Kawasaki ZZR-600e1 >> Suzuki GSXR-750Y >> Honda VTR 1000 Firestorm
"Chickity China the Chinese Chicken..."