presentation of the 500 ER-5 2004
having passed the year 2000, Kawa's little bauble is getting a little facelift in 2001. A very light restyling, giving a little more lightness to the styling here and there, but nothing more. Powered by an in-line twin (derived from the 500 GPZ), the ER-5 boasts significantly more mid-range torque than its mini-sport-GT cousin. With this utility bike, Kawasaki takes on the stars of the sector, the Honda CB 500 and the Suzuki 500 GSE. Offered at a rock-bottom price (only the GSE is less expensive), the little workhorse has very simple styling, its vocation being to ride long and hard, not to show off. It's easy to handle (facilitated by the low seat height), which is much appreciated in town, but the turning radius is disappointing. Where the machine surprises is in its ability to sustain a fairly sporty pace - a Kawa is still a Kawa -. Although the engine is short on feel, it proves effective, as do the brakes and chassis. Agile and safe, the ER-5 has not forgotten to be comfortable. The shocks and seat are of much higher quality than those of its rivals. A good little machine, demonstrating economy, efficiency and comfort, and available with 34 hp. In this category, it's up against the 500 GSE to square the circle.
M.B
(inspired by Moto-journal - manufacturer's photos)
Key facts Kawasaki 500 ER-5 (2004) : What you need to know before you buy
Highlights
- Easy
- Road qualities
- Comfort
Weak points
- Bland engine
- Limited turning radius
Prices
| Basic version | |
|---|---|
|
4,599€
|
Performance
- Max speed : 178 km/h (110.60 mph)
- Average fuel consumption : 5 liters/100km (0.47 mpg)
-
Estimated range
: 320 km (199 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.
Specifications Kawasaki 500 ER-5 2004
- Chassis
- Frame : Double tubular steel cradle
- Fuel capacity : 16 liters (4.23 US gallons)
- Seat height : 780 mm (30.71 in)
- Length : 2,070 mm (81.50 in)
- Min height : 1,070 mm (42.13 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,430 mm (56.30 in)
- Dry weight : 174 kg (384 lb)
- Weight when fully loaded : 196 kg (432 lb)
- Front axle
- Telescopic fork Ø 37 mm, Wheel travel : 125 mm (4.92 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 280 mm (11.02 in), 2-piston caliper
- Front tire : 110 / 70 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.25 bar
- Transmission
- 6 stage gearbox
- Secondary by chain
- Rear axle
- 2 lateral shock absorbers, Wheel travel : 105 mm (4.13 in)
- drum brakes Ø 160 mm (6.3 in) (simple came)
- Rear tire : 130 / 70 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.5 bar
- Motor
- two-cylinder Vertical , 4 strokes
- 2 Keihin Ø 34 mm carburetors
- Cooling system : liquid
- 2 ACT
- 4 valves per cylinder
- 498 cc
- 50 ch (49.30 hp) to 9,000 rpm
- 4.50 mkg to 7,200 rpm
- Power-to-weight ratio : 3.53 kg/ch
- Weight / torque ratio : 38.67 kg/mkg
- Compression : 9.8:1
- Practical information
Gallery
Compare the 500 ER-5 to its competitors
Acceleration
Fuel consumption
Range
Torque
Power
Power-to-Weight ratio
Torque-to-Weight ratio
Speed
FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the 500 ER-5 2004
- What is the power of the 500 ER-5 2004?
-
The 500 ER-5 2004 develops a power of 50 ch (49.30 hp)
- What is the torque of the 500 ER-5 2004?
-
The maximum torque of the 500 ER-5 2004 is 4.50 mkg to 7,200 rpm.
- What is the maximum speed of the 500 ER-5 2004?
-
The 500 ER-5 2004 is capable of reaching a top speed of 178 km/h (110.60 mph) on the track.
- What is the weight of the 500 ER-5 2004?
-
The 500 ER-5 2004 has a a dry weight of 174 kg (384 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 196 kg (432 lb).
- What is the fuel consumption of the 500 ER-5 2004?
-
Average fuel consumption is estimated at 5 l/100km (0.47 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.
- QWhat is the seat height of the 500 ER-5 2004?
-
To ensure good accessibility, the 500 ER-5 2004 offers a minimum seat height of 780 mm (30.71 in).
- What is the price of the 500 ER-5 2004?
-
The price of the 500 ER-5 2004 is 4,599€ in France
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Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 65 reviews
By early 2026, it will have clocked up 70,000 km.
It's no fighter jet, but when properly maintained, this motorcycle is extremely reliable and inexpensive to run. The rear drum brake is effective when serviced (disassembled and cleaned every year; original brake pads in perfect condition).
Inexpensive insurance.
Good little bike for beginners.
Perfect for everyday use.
You can really have fun on small winding roads, easily putting your feet on the ground.
Michelin tires are perfect for this kind of riding. Rating : 4/5 Respond to Snake
today 225000 kms,it's a very reliable bike if the engine is respected and maintained.apart from the usual maintenance (spark plugs,oil changes,chain kit...etc.) the timing chain,clutch are still original,even the shock absorbers.The timing chain, clutch are still original, even the shock absorbers, I've never had an engine problem on it, the parts that have been changed on it, 1 speedo drive, 3 speedo cables, 3 clutch cables, 1 torque absorber, 1 seat found second-hand in very good condition,1 radiator pierced because of a stone,a few indicator bulbs,front and rear headlights,speedo,1 fork column bearing,1 rear wheel bearing,1 incredible battery,2 rear-view mirrors that the interior chrome has cracked,2 anti-parasite devices,the side keel resoldered because of wear,1 neiman,1starter.For a motorcycle I bought new 15 and a half years ago with 225,000 kms covered to date, at a price of €4599 new, many much more expensive and loaded with useless technology can hang on, especially BMWs where reliability has plummeted.I've been a motorcyclist for 29 years (never owned a car), and the KAWASAKI ER-5 is a motorcycle that can be ridden all year round without breaking the bank. Having had larger-displacement KAWASAKIs, but at a higher price, the ER-5 is a good compromise
Motardement votre SLT Rating : 5/5 Respond to KAWASAKI 77
Engine maintenance can be carried out by any conscientious and meticulous person, as long as they have a technical magazine and the bare minimum in terms of tools. The first version, which fell into disuse, is back in fashion with vintage. The look is a little old-fashioned, but with modern lines and quality parts. Beautiful aluminum parts (foot plates, radiator scoops, rectangular, non-flush fuel filler flap, shape of fuel tank, attractive chrome mirrors that are easy to read even at high speed...) Michelin tires mean 200€ and endless kilometers! A round, timeless headlight and speedo casings with one of these faces! Compare it to the CB 500 of the time, the latter looks sad and chiche. The engine is willing and not trapping, the position (1m80 ) is not uncomfortable. Add a light weight and a bird's appetite and you have all the components of a simple, entertaining and fuel-efficient motorcycle! Rating : 5/5 Respond to Alban
Affordable purchase, maintenance and insurance costs.
3rd er5 and really happy with this bike, which also has a superb retro look! Rating : 5/5 Respond to Banal
The ER-5 makes only 50 hp for a 175 km/h with braking commensurate with this performance and which requires anticipation. It's not a missile, so time-hunters and hill-climbers should move on. It's not for you, it's for motorcyclists who don't just ride in the summer and are looking for an economical bike (fuel consumption, maintenance costs and consumables). 27-year motorcyclist who's never owned a car, good luck SLT Rating : 5/5 Respond to KAWASAKI 77
I have just taken possession of a nice little Kawasaki er5 from 2006 with 32000 kms
At 59 years old and after a series 6 from 75, a Suzuki gs 750 from 77, a zr7, two Zéphir 550, a 1200r Harley, a cbf600, a w800....bah I love this little bike
It's really a motorcycle for riding with your nose to the wind, you don't get carried away but it rolls..
I'm really happy with this purchase..
It's not heavy, it picks up nicely, it's got plenty of torque without ripping your arms off, it swings itself around corners, and I don't think it's going to cost me much to maintain..
In short, a good little bike. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Saruman
I hope I won't be disappointed by this little bike... "I'm from 52 . "Respect to all! Rating : 5/5 Respond to jo
My model July 2004
80,000 kms to date, another 1,000,000 to catch up I can confirm that the ER-5 is a very good bike, economical and trouble-free for those who respect it in terms of maintenance and riding, although mine is certainly an old school bike (passenger roll bar with 2 holes)
I still enjoy riding it, although I've had it since July 2008, and for a 60-year-old retired guy, it's more than enough for my 200 to 600 or 700 km rides Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation
1,000,000 as I wrote. Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation
Thanks in advance
Emilie Rating : 4/5 Respond to emipassoa
Rating : 5/5 Respond to Jeannot
Admittedly, a driving-school image has stuck to her, but we see a bit of her on the road. Rating : 5/5 Respond to bibille
Nice bike, ideal for my girlfriend who's about to get her license. Great for a lazy weekend outing. Superb sportiness, but radarovaures and gluttonous wallet, I've given enough. The ER5 is the right choice for easy motorcycling. Rating : 5/5 Respond to super Jéjé
I'm completely satisfied with it and I'm selling it with regret, but to be able to discover other bikes. My best friend also bought an ER5 as her first bike, and my flatmate got my ER5 back. Three women happy to be starting out on one. Rating : 4/5 Participate in the conversation
Search for used top box Giwi B37 blade with support for ER5 year 2004
Rating : 4/5 Respond to Claude
The consumption is about a full tank for 250km depending on how you drive.
I am a woman of 1m58 and I have an A2 license. I don't regret this purchase. This bike is ideal and light for beginners and for reassurance. It's very maneuverable on foot (I can't handle it while standing on it because of my height).
At 34hp, it's already reached 160km/h, but I think I can do more.
It's very easy to make modifications on it, the only downside being perhaps the difficulty of finding an inexpensive exhaust for this bike, which now only costs 1000-1500â'¬ and in which people don't necessarily want to invest too much money.
I recommend it as a first bike if you don't have too big a budget.
Gasoline consumption is reasonable and oil consumption almost nil (in one year, I only changed the oil once and had to change the oil)
Enjoy the ride! Rating : 5/5 Respond to Joe
I still ride mine (8 years of service already) although I've had R6 , 1600 VN , 650 dragstar , GSXF etc...
It's light, easy to handle and almost never stolen...
So I'm keeping it until my last breath. Rating : 4/5 Respond to er555555
Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation
Reliable, economical and comfortable, I recommend it.
Equipped with a single comfort, a wind jump and a top case, it can swallow kilometers without flinching.
Fuel consumption under 5 l/100km. Rating : 5/5 Respond to David
thanks in advance Rating : 4/5 Respond to nenef
my first bike was an ER5, and after several other larger-displacement bikes, I'm back on an ER5, which will always remain for me a special bike on which I made my debut.
Rating : 4/5 Respond to Laurent
I've only recently discovered it, and I've been blown away by its dynamism under hard acceleration, a sensation comparable to the little balls of nerves on Yamaha 600cc 98hp bikes
The advantage of the ER5 is that the insurance company won't kill you. Rating : 5/5 Respond to roulemapoule
To confirm its solidity: I rode it 500 km without oil... I was so happy to be riding that I didn't pay any attention, and I had no problems whatsoever
The only problem is the pot: it's a dead baffle, it whistles loudly and the price of the pot doesn't make you want to change it
I'll keep it until the end of my 34CV period
English green color: so British. Rating : 5/5 Respond to jack stitc
Bonne route Rating : 5/5 Respond to GIGI
g an er-5 from march 97
elle a 66000 kms et elle tourne comme une horloge, je l'ai depuis 1 an, acheter d'occasion a 52000 kms, un peu modifié (sabot gpz, pot ixil, bulle, kn) et j'adore cette moto sur tout sur paris, c'est un veritable velo, et que dire de l'entretien.... nothing to do apart from normal (personal) revisions and pampering (with 66000kms it has to be done) on the road it behaves very well and there are no surprises good grip on the pavement (except with the bt 45 before it ages very badly and no longer grips after 9000 kms), good recovery for a bike of this type (and by the way g tried d 636, vfr, sv 1000) it has blued more than one.... lol et c vrai comme dise certain le freinage manque un peu, je v modifier tout sa en mettant durite avia et plaquettes carbone lorraine, et si sa freinage pas..... apres chacun y va a son rythme, moi je suis un peu brutale et j'aime bien titiler la zone rouge(et oui même à 66000km on peut encore) tout sa pour dire que je ne la revendrai pour rien au monde
with its bright red color, it's very visible in paris
see you soon on the road.................. Rating : 5/5 Respond to seb paris
the machine is very pleasant, the engine is not very enthusiastic and mellow but for a beginner it's ideal, the machine pushes not too badly, holds the road well and above all gives you total confidence, it's very forgiving, easy to handle (a bike!) what can I say?
very good machine! Rating : 5/5 Respond to KeiLeBrave
but need to be looked at closely green of grey electrical problem sinstale on the faisaus conexions coolant leak and fuel tap to be overhauled good bike for everyday use for those who don't want to bother with mechanics Rating : 5/5 Respond to jojo
it's the ultimate beginner's machine!
we can afford to have the footrests rubbed, which proves that it's a machine with a playful temperament!!!!!!!!!!! Rating : 5/5 Respond to legrand
And it heats up....which is fine in winter, but in summer, hello hot water bottle!
and if you're over 1m80 tall, getting over 50 km on it is a real challenge! Rating : 5/5 Respond to cowboy