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Kawasaki ER-5 Twister

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Make Model

Kawasaki ER-5 Twister

Year

2000 - 02

Engine

Four stroke, parallel twin cylinders, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.

Capacity

498 cc / 30.4 cu-in
Bore x Stroke

74 x 58 mm

Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio 9.8:1

Induction

2x 34mm Keihin CVK

Ignition 

Digital
Starting Electric

Max Power

50 hp / 36.5 kW @ 8500 rpm

Max Torque

45.2 Nm / 33.2 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm

Transmission 

6 Speed 
Final Drive Chain

Front Suspension

37 mm telescopic fork

Front Wheel Travel 125 mm / 4.9 in

Rear Suspension

Dual rear shocks with 5-way adjustable preload

Rear Wheel Travel 114 mm / 4.5 in

Front Brakes

Single 280mm disc 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

160mm drum

Front Tyre

110/70 R17

Rear Tyre

130/70 R17

Wheelbase 1430 mm / 56.3 in
Seat Height 815 mm / 32.1 in

Dry Weight

180.0 kg / 396.8

Fuel Capacity 

17 Litres / 4.4 US gal

The ER-5 uses the well-proven parallel twin engine from the GPZ500S in a basic roadster chassis. Aimed at novices and commuters, rather than sports riders, the ER-5 nevertheless offers economical performance and sure-footed handling. The steel-tube cradle frame is stiff enough for the 37kW (50bhp) the re-tuned GPZ engine pumps out, and although the suspension is rather soft, the ER-5's light weight means it hasn't got too much work to do. That low mass helps the brakes too, although the single front disc and drum rear aren't the strongest stoppers on the market. The sculpted tank holds only 15 Litres (3.5 gal), but the 498cc engine easily returns over 60mpg, giving an impressive range.