I bought a 1999 Kawasaki ER-5 in 2021 - and it's very decent!

[@ozzyprogdomino8815]

I rode one of those in blue, when I took my test in 1998. I have to say I did not like it much, but I think it was more do with it being a training school bike. I ended up buying a Kawasaki ZXR400 which was completely different. The ER5 is a good looking bike and that one is in amazing condition.

[@thomascharnock]

Yeah you're spot on mate - I think a lot of training schools used them back in the day as they're just good basic workhorses. I don't own the one in the video anymore but it was solid while I owned it, never skipped a beat.

[@seebarry4068]

I got a 99 last night. 21k miles. It’s a nice bike. Enough powa for what it is. Vague handling, I have put that down to tyres but it might be the bike. Adjustable levers will make it better for me, the span is just a bit of a reach. Very kind on the butt over distance. Will happily sit at 70 without any fuss. Strong engine braking.

[@richardfreestone3938]

Yours is in amazing condition. Mine is a 2003 model which l used for commuting before I retired, I've had it 10 years. As you say - light, reliable, cheap and easy to ride. The original mild steel exhaust rusted and had to be replaced and also the vacuum fuel tap failed flooding the engine - a common problem apparently. The front brake is slightly improved on the 2003 model and, on mine, the fuel gauge works fine !.

[@YoureNowOnTV]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video and for explaining your background and the bikes. Appreciate it! 😀👍

[@thomascharnock]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and to comment :)

[@justincharles2332]

When the camera switched to the bike and showed an empty field - I thought for a split second you were going to say it had just been nicked! Great condition - wow!

[@thomascharnock]

Haha that would've been a short video XD

[@tempusfugit9796]

I had a 2001 Er5, exactly like this one. Absolutely loved it. Unfortunately I had an accident in 2003 and the missus insisted I didn't get another bike. So I've stuck to four wheels ever since.

[@thomascharnock]

Hope you weren't badly injured mate - and yeah I know what you mean. I had a minor accident in 2013 and it put me off riding for a bit.

[@tempusfugit9796]

@thomascharnock I had a Bennett fracture in my left hand, a broken right wrist, and a few bumps and scrapes. The thing is, we were due to fly to california on holiday two days later, so had to cancel the trip 😪. We did go the following year so all's well that ends well.

[@garykennedy6814]

Hey I've just bought a barn find er500cc original 430 miles from new never had its first mot lovely bike all original

[@jmw8403]

Bought this exact model ca 5 months ago but in red. A kawasaki er 5 from 1999. Works really well and the gearbox is impressively smooth. Gone 35 000 kilometres and in very good condition, almost as good as yours. It looks just like a typical motorcycle should look, and that's good in my opinion. Adequate power, nothing too crazy but sufficient for some, especially beginners like myself and very easy to maneuver. It's lacking in braking power for sure and its unfortunate it doesnt have ABS but that to expect given its age and price. Reliable and good engine and overall build quality. A very good buy for me, thus I really recommend this bike.

[@thomascharnock]

Thanks for your comment. I think my next thing will be to replace the exhaust with a stainless one. Happy riding!

[@michaelcrouch5708]

I've got a 2001 model, commuted on it and ran errands on it for last 2 years and 10k miles, brilliant workhorse, easy to ride and bomb proof. Changed my fuel tap to manual only, coz mine done the same as yours, lol. Upped the rear sprocket 4 teeth for better cruising at the expense of a bit of acceleration. Rectifier failed and cooked battery once, but otherwise its been reliable, it only gets a clean at MOT time so it's a scruffy old warhorse, also own a sports bike and a car but the er5 is always my first choice, says it all really.

[@michaelcrouch5708]

Correction, I went DOWN 4 teeth on rear sprocket, not up.

[@thomascharnock]

Thanks for your comment - I went out today on the ER5 and it was a lot of fun. Not the fastest but so reliable. Yours sounds a lot like me. A guy I stopped next to in traffic leaned out of his car window and said "I used to have one of those!" XD

[@sparklysparks77]

@@michaelcrouch5708 That's what I thought, mate. Btw, how *was* this motorcycle cruising @70-80 mph prior to the mod? Cheers.

[@richierichardson5333]

I was just wondering 🤔 can you buy a manual of & on fuel tap 4 the Er5 ? Or ' is there a tap off a nuther bike that fits it I wonder 🤔 how much is the tap? ....thank you for any help you can give me

[@mrmoon1482]

Did my test on one of these many years ago, very solid reliable bikes and more than fast enough for uk roads,

[@thomascharnock]

Yes, agree - 'bullet proof' as the old saying goes!

[@Chiavaccio]

Beautiful bike!!😊

[@davidyoung9561]

Back in 1997 when I was 17 (a long time ago, I know) I had a 1989 Kawasaki KH125. I passed my test in October that year and was restricted to 33bhp as was the norm back then (the category A licence has changed a few times since). Insurance was dear because of my age so for a while despite having passed my test, I stuck with small capacity machines. The instructor was ex army and a smashing guy. Another person on the course was training to be a motorcycle instructor and she had the ER5 in red that was a 1995 model. I sat on it and loved the comfort and build quality. Over the years I've owned many bikes and the only 500 I had was the GS500E back in 2011 and altthough it was not exciting and not as good as the ER5, it was robust enough. I sold the GS and bought a 2002 ZZR600E. The ZZR was one of tthe best bikes I had and was great fun. It had been dyno-jetted with high lift cams. My current bike is a 2002 Honda CG125M which I have owned for tthe last 10 years and is my only form of transport as I love the 100mpg fuel economy. I also had an early Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird (P-reg) until three years ago to use along side the CG. The Blackbird was a well made machine and still had the original exhaust system but around town it did less than 30mpg and the performance was amazing but still not as much fun as the ZZR. When I was 19, I was so keen to get the Kawasaki GPZ500S. I love both Kawasaki and Honda. I alos have a few classic bikes and one of them is a 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R-A1.

[@jamesallen4050]

Yours looks amazing! I have been bombing around on an er5 for about four years in all seasons. At 120k miles it is going strong, a bit like Trigger's broom though! Scheduled maintenance and regular fresh oil are essential.

[@thomascharnock]

Trigger's broom haha 😂

[@AlexanderMLarsen]

Just bought mine from 99. Very cheap and very happy about it. 😊

[@thomascharnock]

Great choice and a great bike. Hope you get many happy miles from it!

[@coley38772]

Excellent video thankyou, just getting back into 2 wheels after 5 year break, been offered one of these, think its ideal for me after watching this. I've always had big cc fast bikes but I'm knocking on a bit now so need to think sensible. Cheers again.👍

[@thomascharnock]

Thanks for watching and sorry for the dealyed reply. Hope you got the ER5 and are enjoying it! Happy riding

[@karlateraldamage]

Got one of these as a first bike. 20K miles, clean for a 2007. Threw a windshield on it as i take it on the motorway and mirror extenders as the stock ones give me a great view of by shoulders. sensible bike overall.

[@thomascharnock]

Right on

[@stevepeebles61]

I bought an ER-5N 1999 a week ago and it's also in immaculate condition for a 23 year old bike. It has 23k on the clock, I downsized from a Honda ST1100 Pan-european and the Kawasaki is so much more fun to ride and considerably more economical. I'm very pleased with it, it's is the identical colour to this one. Cheers Steve ❤🏍

[@heltutrolig7645]

I have a 2000 model. Use it as a daily to and from work. It is not suited for longer trips, though. (I have another bike for those occasions.) Easy to ride in traffic, horrible brakes. Cheap to own and maintain. Did not cost me much, so I´ll propably ride it until it is worn out.

[@thomascharnock]

They are great bikes, totally agree on it being a great commuter but not really for long rides

[@everlast2658]

My wife rides one.no nonsense bike.underrated in my opinion

[@deepspace_motorcycle]

Nice choice! Cracking bikes that stand the test of time! Pretty straightforward to work on and nice and traditional naked looks with the gorgeous artillery shell twin clocks. I put gaiters on my front forks and i think it really finishes off the look.

[@thomascharnock]

I must admit I sold this bike a while ago but it was a great workhorse while I had it. Hope yours treats you as well as mine did me!

[@deepspace_motorcycle]

@@thomascharnock fingers crossed ;) did you get another bike to replace it?

[@InputArchive]

Amazing condition, probably in such good condition because it spent most of its time in dry Spain.

[@thomascharnock]

It was France I believe, but close enough! :)

[@trevormartin5459]

Hi there.I also have an ER5 2004 which is in mint condition much like yours.I've owned it for around 10 years and as I'm an older guy (67) I find it is fast enough for me.Hope you enjoy your bike as much as I have mine.

[@thomascharnock]

Thanks Trevor. I was considering getting rid of the ER5 but the trade in valuation is virtually nonexistant, so after weighing it up I decided to keep it for the time being. There's nothing actually wrong with it, just the age old 'I want something a bit quicker/newer' creeping in!

[@tootyuk]

Shes a beaut Tom! enjoyed that and nice of the fellow rider to recognise the condition!

[@thomascharnock]

Thanks for watching mate, hope you're doing OK sir :)

[@tootyuk]

@@thomascharnock Ok thanks mate all the best, hopefully see you at an event in 2055 perhaps hahahaha

[@TomBartram-b1c]

Try changing the plugs on one of them! They also have oil fed pipes that you have to remove to reach the tappets. Carbs and petrol taps also leak. Hard seat that's slides you forward and crushes your goolies against the tank. I sold mine and now ride a simple 2015 Jawa 350 which is soo much comfier & less hassle. Horrible to work on.

[@thomascharnock]

Thanks for the tip!

[@eoinmccann7222]

Fantastic review 😊

[@thomascharnock]

Thank you :)

[@Indobiker61]

Just bought the same bike damn cheap but it has been transformed to a cafe racer. At least that was the plan. Some one hacked of the rear frame but its in the box so i can put it back.

[@Indobiker61]

My bike is ready and i have been riding it to work and back. Its for sale as its a bit lite for me. But for commuting its great.

[@harveyjones4002]

Nice new bike! I had a CG125 as my first bike too! What a bike, so sorry to hear yours was stolen :(

[@MoDMike1981]

Got my ER5 2007 C5P last year with 10k on clock nice bike to ride but im a fan of the er's as its the same engine as the gpz

[@thomascharnock]

And these engines are invincible...!

[@WellBoared]

Currently commuting on mine, about 8000 miles this last year including a weeks touring and camping recently, can't fault it although mine has an intermittent starting issue I'm living with. Certainly doesn't look as clean as yours and although people think it's a shame there's no ABS however if you need that you're probably not riding very competently and besides it's just something else to go wrong.

[@smiIingman]

Noob here, im soon to start the process of getting a motorcycle license and ive been eyeing many different older bikes. This Kawasaki, how would folks here say it is for a larger rider? im 6ft1 and 130kg of weight. Also been looking at old or same age hondas like the night hawk, cx500 etc.

[@georgiana6598]

Coochum! Ta luv, I've got to pass my motorbike full license but there's one I am buying done no miles. Kept. Beautiful bike, just hate driving test centres for bikes. I get nervous as he'll. I am in Liverpool so it's really crazy traffic on Queens drive, East Prescot road and along the old swan. Nightmare, so is she nippy luv? And, the brakes aren't good,? Oh no. Do this motorcycle looks to have back suspension that looks very comfortable. No kick backs? Can I toss a Viking around cones on the back? 😂 CBT then, the world of confusion

[@stuartbird8404]

I brought a Kawasaki ER500 yesterday and it’s being delivered in one week! Been watching vids like yours to help me make a choice on biues

[@thomascharnock]

Hi Stuart, thanks for watching! Hope you got your ER5 and it brings you many happy miles of pain-free riding!

[@billyjames9861]

My ER gearbox is as good as my Ninja 600 was, I can't even feel the changes - I do have aftermarket mirrors though which stay where they are set, and my rear drum brake is way better than any rear disk brake that i've used on a motorcycle - You might just need some new ones. I just serviced mine. (A nice one with 12,000 miles (03), Givi back box, Puig screen, engine guards and full service history with Valve clearances (0.20mm exhaust & 0.15mm inlet), new fuel diaphragm, oil, coolant, plugs, carb strip, clean, sinc and balance - Best little commuter i've ridden. I'm going to put some hand guards and a USB cable on it to finish it off. From what i've heard and seen of others they all seem to be rubbish cold starters though taking like 4 or 5 minutes to warm up. (Or maybe i've got my pilot screws set wrong.

[@kasperbennetsen6302]

I wish i had the same experience with the bike as anyone else. At this point my ER-5 2006 has been to the mechanic 5 times because it stops working right in the rain and runs on one cylinder for days after. I bought it this september, i hope the mechanic finds the fault before next season at least.

[@thomascharnock]

Oh man, I'm sorry to hear your experience has been bad - I was always under the impression the ER-5 was a bulletproof commuter. How does a 2006 model have so many issues? That's really odd.

[@Apadilla925]

Don't ride but a really cool video with some good info!

[@thomascharnock]

Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@oktavabre]

Greetings, your Kawasaki er 5 is beautiful, if you still own it, a really nice copy. Greetings from Serbia

[@thomascharnock]

Hi, greetings from the UK. Thanks for your comment - I no longer own the ER4, but yes it is a great example and a great bike all round.

[@f.e.1952]

I thought mine was in good nick, but yours beats it. Just, Lol. Ride safe mate.

[@thomascharnock]

Thanks - you too :)

[@danciminera8986]

I had one of these as my first biggun... as an owner of both, how would you compare to the gs500?

[@thomascharnock]

I would say they are quite comparable. The ER5 seems to have slightly better build quality though, as my GS500 had issues with frame rot. Could have just been unlucky with that bike though

[@marcvanheugten9472]

Looking at a red04 model, (not) riding a xj600 now, but it has issues. This kawa only has 2500km and has all the school brackets still on it. You got off an 1100 is it enough? I am afraid I need/want a tad more, but the majority I ride is 100km weekend trip and a 5k commute and that only in nice weather.

[@thomascharnock]

I only owned the ER-5 for a short while. It was enough for commuting, but eventually I sold it on and got something with a bit more power (Interceptor 650)

[@lurker-mq4fp]

Stupid question: how long is your inside leg and how tall are you? How long before you have to get off and stretch? Great review, btw.

[@martyncollins1038]

There was no A2 licence in 1999

[@Moremonj]

Came for dreamcast stuff, stayed for bike stuff…

[@THEGEEK2001]

currently got er5 but thinking of selling for a Gs500 cos has discs front and rear- think it worth it? be about same money ect just think its worth the hastle?

[@johnmaltby8241]

Hi Tom I'm 6 foot tall. Would I be OK on one ,would I look big. Seen one he wants £1850 for it 2,350 miles on it. Is that good price? How much did you pay .

[@thomascharnock]

Hey John, sorry for delayed reply. I reckon you'll be fine on it at 6ft. I can't really remember what I paid, it was arounf £1500 I think

[@big_bear__]

hello, I'm wondering if a person with 190 cm and 100 kg could fit on the gs and if some slightly longer routes (80 km per day) would be possible for me?

[@thomascharnock]

Hi there, I wouldn't like to say definitively as everyone is different, but 80kms a day might be a bit much. Maybe get something built more for longer rides, maybe with a bit of wind protection.

[@Ur-notalonehere]

I have been offered one of these for 600 and am very tempted but am just going from a 125cc can you tell me what the waight is like wile it on the stand an taking it off

[@thomascharnock]

Hi, that sounds like a good deal. The ER5 isn't an especially heavy bike. I can't give you the exact weight but I'm quite slight and had no issues moving it around.

[@Ur-notalonehere]

@@thomascharnock I have brought it fits me nicely thanks you

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Crickey mate, with all of these bikes getting stolen, it might be time to move to the country or get a Rhodesian Ridgeback gaurd dog lol

[@5tevenH]

I think it's heavy for a 500cc

[@whiteheadpaul97]

Is the Kawasaki better than the Gs500

[@thomascharnock]

They're very similar to be honest, I couldn't really pick one over the other

[@johnsteamer828]

Sweet as

[@UNCLECHEF69]

just bought a 2001 ER-5 myself! needs a bit of TLC cosmetically that i’m gonna get done!