Kawasaki ER-5 Twister

Make Model	Kawasaki ER-5 Twister
Year	2003 - 05
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.