KAWASAKI ER-5 (2004-2005) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2004, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Kawasaki ER-5, a commuter that retained the styling and performance of the previous model without any significant modifications whatsoever.

The Kawasaki ER-5 debuted in 1997 as a naked commuter powered by a parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine based on the one used by the Kawasaki GPZ 500 and manufactured until 2006, when it was replaced by the Kawasaki ER-6.

In the visual department, the 2004 machine had fitted standard features, such as a round headlight with instruments mounted on top, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab rail, a two-into-one exhaust system with a silencer on the right side, and lightweight three-spoke alloy wheels.

Underneath its 17-liter (4.4 gallons) fuel tank, the 2004 Kawasaki ER-5 had installed a 498cc four-stroke liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine fed by two Keihin carburetors, boasting 50 hp at 9,000 rpm and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) torque at 7,200 rpm.

The bike's suspension system comprised a 37 mm telescopic fork on the front with 125 mm wheel travel and dual five-way adjustable shock absorbers on the rear with 114 mm wheel travel, providing excellent handling capabilities.

As for the braking performance, the bike packed a single 280 mm disc tied to a dual-piston caliper on the front wheel and a 160 mm drum braking unit on the rear wheel, offering optimum stopping power.