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Naked Motorcycles

1997Kawasaki ER-5

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The 1997 Kawasaki ER-5 is an affordable, lightweight naked bike perfectly suited for beginner and commuter riders. Its accessible 50 hp parallel-twin engine and manageable 174 kg weight deliver predictable, easy-to-control performance. Known for reliability and low maintenance costs, the ER-5 became a popular entry-level motorcycle offering practical everyday transportation.

Capacity
499.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
174.0 kg
Seat height
780 mm
Power
50.0 HP
Other years 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 26Agility 51Comfort 65Off-road 15Touring 45Road manners 60
Off-road & trail15%
Cornering50%
City riding70%
Daily riding70%
Touring45%
Two-up40%
Track15%
Best for
It's best suited as an easygoing commuter and learner-friendly all-rounder rather than a performance or adventure machine.
Built for
It has the character of a simple, reliable, no-fuss naked bike that prioritizes practicality and ease of use over excitement.
Not ideal for
It's not for riders seeking strong acceleration, high-speed touring comfort, or any serious off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 780mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Kawasaki ER-5, with a relaxed knee angle of around 120 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
499.0 ccm
Power
50.0 HP
Torque
46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m)
Engine type
Parallel Twin twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2874 HP/kg
Bore x stroke
74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression
9.8:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Injection
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
185.0 km/h (115.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Seat height
780 mm
Dry weight
174.0 kg
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 19971999200220042006
Capacity 499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches) 499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches) 499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches) 498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches) 498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)
Dry weight 174.0 kg (383.6 pounds) 179.0 kg (394.6 pounds) 179.0 kg (394.6 pounds) 197.0 kg (434.3 pounds)
Seat height 780 mm (30.7 inches) 780 mm (30.7 inches) 810 mm (31.9 inches) 800 mm (31.5 inches)
Fuel capacity 16.00 litres (4.23 gallons) 17.00 litres (4.49 gallons)
Color options Black, Red

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki ER-5?

The 1997 Kawasaki ER-5 has a Capacity of 499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki ER-5 have?

The 1997 Kawasaki ER-5 has a Power of 50.0 HP.

How many gears does the Kawasaki ER-5 have?

The 1997 Kawasaki ER-5 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki ER-5?

The 1997 Kawasaki ER-5 has a Torque of 46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m or 33.9 ft.lbs).

How much does the Kawasaki ER-5 weigh?

The 1997 Kawasaki ER-5 has a Dry weight of 174.0 kg (383.6 pounds).

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