Calling Kawasaki ER-5/ER-6 Owners

[marctilling]

Hello All,

I went and had a look @ a very nice ER6 at the weekend, which was a 56 plate with 8000miles on the clock. It was up for £3295.

I have also been considering an ER-5, which seem to be quite a bit cheaper. I have seen a 53 plate with 6000 miles on and a top box for £1995. I was just curious to see what peoples opinions are of both bikes. Its going to be my 1st big bike.

Thanks

Marc

[Craig@CMR]

speinter, your thread has arrived..

[Rob_F]

I haven't ridden either, but would point out that er6ns have had a few frame cracking issues reported in MCN - you can probably find out more online, i'm not sure how many bikes it affects.

To be honest the price of the ER5 seems a bit steep. You could get a bandit, fazer or hornet for similar money which will be an awful lot quicker and they may work out better value because you won't grow out of them so quickly. I've got a fazer which is as easy to ride as the CBF500 i learnt on, but has the extra power and edge to it which the learner bike didn't.

Cheers,
Rob

[damci]

I learnt on an ER5 and bought an ER6 as my first big bike.

There both good bikes, I enjoyed riding the ER5 on my DAS and I’m sure you would be happy with one. I prefer the ER6 though! It’s a nicer bike to ride with it being lighter and quicker.

[jdwoodbury]

ER6 all the way, it's a vast improvement on the old ER5. I have the Versys which uses the same motor (slightly different state of tune) but have ridden an ER6 for a fair few miles. I have also ridden the ER5 and the 6 is a much more better riding prospect....quicker, better handling, looks better and has better resale..the only thing will get stung for is higher insurance I expect.

[trickywoo]

marctilling said:

It was up for £3295.

Thats a highly optimistic price. They are not much more than that brand new.

[Jagdpanther]

the ER-5 isn't a bad bike by any means, but you're going to outgrow it fairly quickly unless you're using it as a daily work slag

When you begin to learn how to corner properly (assuming you're that style of rider) you will begin to grin the pegs on the road, which is fun, but also poses a threat of jacking the back wheel up if it touches down too hard....had that happen twice and it's not fun!

The brakes are a bit of a laugh really, probably better for the lighter rider, but for bigger chaps such as myself, they're utter UTTER ste!

The rear is next to useless (drum on mine) the front is an improvement, but still poo

Riding on motorways isn't fun at the best of times and this is more than evident with the ER-5....it just doesn't feel right. To me at least

They're said to be fairly economical, but mine needs rejetting due to someone fititng a non standard can and not having it set up, so I'm returning anywhere from low 30's to low 40s if I'm lucky.

The insurance surprised me, I automatically assumed that the insurance would be dirt cheap on a 1999 ER-5 given that I've already had quotes for 600 Diversions which were rocking under £300...but the ER came in at a gnats whisker above £400 TPF&T (that's with the interest for monthly payments), but I do live in a higher risk area, it has no security and although is locked away in the back yard which is a pain to access, the insurance don't see this

ER-5s are a cheap little bike, the one you've seen is overpriced to say the least...personally, if I could chose from 500's, I would plump with the CB500 as it feels more planted on the road and a smoother all round ride!

[marctilling]

The insurance costs on the ER6 are around £600 TPFT and a new rider and the ER5 is about £450. What I don't want is to buy something and need/want to change it after a few months.

What other 500's do people reccomend? Will be looking to ride to work (50 mile round trip) and the odd hoon @ the weekend, so want good handling and speed as well as reasonable comfort....

Any ideas appriciated. Didn't really want to spend more than around the £2k mark really

[marctilling]

Just had a look @ a Fazer on Autotrader and must say I do like the look of it. Not really keen on the naked look of the ER-5, hence why I was drawn towards the ER6-F model....

This might sound like a dumb question, but how quick will I expect 500's to be... I have only ever ridden a Gilera DNA (50cc twist and go) and some random 125 crosser, so don't know what to expect from a 500...

[sprinter1050]

marctilling said:

Hello All,

I went and had a look @ a very nice ER6 at the weekend, which was a 56 plate with 8000miles on the clock. It was up for £3295.

I have also been considering an ER-5, which seem to be quite a bit cheaper. I have seen a 53 plate with 6000 miles on and a top box for £1995. I was just curious to see what peoples opinions are of both bikes. Its going to be my 1st big bike.

Thanks

Marc

You could have my wifey's 56 plate (07) ER-6 with 3250 miles on for that (with fly screen & hugger )!!

The "6" is definitely the better buy than a "5". More comfy, modern, better motor, livelier, better handling, more grunt.

On top of that we just sold her old (07) plate ER-5 for a damn sight less than £1995 ( ) with barely 2300 miles on.
Are these dealer prices?

[marctilling]

they were dealer prices.... how much should I be looking @ for an 06/56 ER-6 with circa 8000miles then?

Does this look more realistic:

2008 08 Reg KAWASAKI ER6n 650cc
2,800 miles, Black. Immobiliser. very light cosmetic,small dent on tank,ride away only £2,595.

Edited by marctilling on Monday 27th April 13:19

[damci]

marctilling said:

they were dealer prices.... how much should I be looking @ for an 06/56 ER-6 with circa 8000miles then?

I paid £2600 for mine from a dealer (56 plate, 10,000 miles)

[marctilling]

I think i'm gonna have to get the ER-6... I keep looking @ other bikes and they don't seem to look as good as the ER6-F..... its just a stunning looking bike.... and from what I can make out its rated a lot better than an ER5...

My brother in law has an ER-5... so I'll have a good look around it... although it doesn't look like a standard one now as he's pretty much changed every part on it!

Its like everything... I start off wanting to pay £2k and end up spending closer to £3k... story of my life!

What do people think to this one:

2006 KAWASAKI ER-6 ER6F (private)

* 3,650 miles
* Black
* 650 cc
* 56 reg (2006)

3,650 miles, '56' plate. Excellent condition, FKSH, Black, 5 months Tax, always garaged. Used only at weekends on sunny days never for commute or in rain hence very low mileage and excellent condition. Economical and fun. Great sports tourer. Nearest thing to a new bike for the money. Would consider an offer close to asking price. £2,699 ovno.

Edited by marctilling on Monday 27th April 13:26

[Jagdpanther]

marctilling said:

I think i'm gonna have to get the ER-6... I keep looking @ other bikes and they don't seem to look as good as the ER6-F..... its just a stunning looking bike.... and from what I can make out its rated a lot better than an ER5...

My brother in law has an ER-5... so I'll have a good look around it... although it doesn't look like a standard one now as he's pretty much changed every part on it!

Its like everything... I start off wanting to pay £2k and end up spending closer to £3k... story of my life!

What do people think to this one:

2006 KAWASAKI ER-6 ER6F (private)

* 3,650 miles
* Black
* 650 cc
* 56 reg (2006)

3,650 miles, '56' plate. Excellent condition, FKSH, Black, 5 months Tax, always garaged. Used only at weekends on sunny days never for commute or in rain hence very low mileage and excellent


[

Edited by marctilling on Monday 27th April 13:24

If you don't bother about looks, have a look at things like Yamaha Diversions which should be considerably cheaper to buy AND insure than both ERs

Not the fastest or prettiest things by any means, but smooth, comfortable and good to rack up some NCB on ready for when you wanna buy a proper plaything

I was considering chopping mine in for an XJ900 Diversion, but the plans have changed

To be honest, don't count out older bikes either as they're usually cheaper to insure...like the 750 Triumph Trident I've just been quoted on: 5 years older than my ER, but bigger and more capable and it's come in cheaper than the 500

[marctilling]

ER-6 is looking good... just got an insurance quote of £478 for the year TPFT

[24valve]

Hi,

I recently passed my test (a couple of months ago) and bought at the beginning of the year a 98 Er-5. (I dont think they changed much over the years). I bought it because that's what the school I did my DAS with had and at the time all I wanted was to practice U-turns with in my local farmyard. I paid 500 quid for it - from a place in derby. I didnt bother going to look at it as it was a long way from me. The added bonus was that although was very very well used, it had an MOT and tax, so as soon as I passed I was away. Insurance was 130 quid for me, and I'm enjoying riding and having a great time.

couple of comments though:

1) After a few miles my arse or lower back is aching so I'm finding that a bit uncomfortable
2) motorways are hard work - presumably because it has no fairing for wind deflection
3) it's not particularly smooth
4) the brakes (on mine at least) are not `that' good.

But, it's quick enough up to legal speeds and at 500 quid, it didnt matter if I dropped it or binned it and it's allowing me to put miles under my belt to get used to corners/leaning and all that before I migrate to something with 4 cylinders. only trouble is I find every waking minute looking at the classifieds at bigger bikes, but I need to refrain from that until my confidence has grown.

As a first `big' bike, it's a good start, but buy mega cheap and expect to want something better/quicker/easier and cooler quickly.

Neil.

[Jagdpanther]

marctilling said:

ER-6 is looking good... just got an insurance quote of £478 for the year TPFT

Try other bikes, you'll be surprised!

On a 4 wheeled note, I was told that I would be able to insure a Porsche 944 on my own even though my experience wasn't what the insurance companies would call extensive...and it was true

Try some different bikes and see if there's anything surprising

[Don Veloci]

I've got a 1999 ER-5 and being honest I'm wanting to move on already.

I did my DAS on a CB500 but when I had money in my pocket from selling a CG125 I found and picked up a cheap but solid ER-5. It was obvious to me the CB is the better 500.
The ER-5 is serving me well as a commuter and learning my bike craft. Really easy to ride but brakes are not great. I'm still learning bike road craft every journey but the ER-5 has started to feel under powered.

I guess I'm saying an ER-5 is a cheap and easy place to start but will the relationship last.

I promised myself I'm not trading until I make it to the next no claims at the end of the summer but I'm not sure I'll wait.

[marctilling]

See thats what i'm bothered about Don.. don't really wanna be in that position.. The way I look @ it is that it only goes as fast as your right hand lets it go... and so I will have to be sensible and take it easy to start with on an ER6, but at least as my confidence grows the extra power is there, without having to change bike.

[Jagdpanther]

marctilling said:

See thats what i'm bothered about Don.. don't really wanna be in that position.. The way I look @ it is that it only goes as fast as your right hand lets it go... and so I will have to be sensible and take it easy to start with on an ER6, but at least as my confidence grows the extra power is there, without having to change bike.

To be honest, depending on your style and progression in riding, you're going to get bored by the majority of first big bikes.

I can't comment on the ER6 as I've never ridden one, but I do know that I have to wind the ER right back to the stop regularly and it's just not that quick once you're used to it.

That being said, it's a nice feeling when you're on the tail of sportsbike riders (newly passed? Crap? who knows) in the bends on a little learner bike, but it is becoming frustrating.

Don't get me wrong, most bikes over 400CC will get you into trouble if you want them too.

Good to see another person who shares my views on the ER in comparison to the CB500

See if you can get yourself a 600 Hornet, they're said to be amazing little bikes and not slow by any means