2004Kawasaki ER-5

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The 2004 Kawasaki ER-5 is an accessible middleweight twin perfect for novice and budget-conscious riders seeking reliable everyday transportation. Known for its manageable 49 horsepower, fuel-injected 498cc engine and comfortable upright riding position, it excels as an affordable entry-level tourer with solid build quality and practical performance.

Capacity: 498.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 179.0 kg
Seat height: 810 mm
Power: 49.0 HP (36.0 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2004 Kawasaki ER-5

vs the 2003

Spec	2003	2004
Power	50.0 HP (36.8 kW)	49.0 HP (36.0 kW)
Torque	45.2 Nm (4.6 kgf-m or 33.3 ft.lbs)	43.0 Nm (4.4 kgf-m or 31.7 ft.lbs)
Seat height	800 mm (31.5 inches)	810 mm (31.9 inches)
Fuel capacity	16.00 litres (4.23 US gallons)	17.00 litres (4.49 US gallons)
Rear brakes	—	Expanding brake (drum brake)
Wheelbase	1435 mm (56.5 inches)	1430 mm (56.3 inches)

Other years 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 810mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2004 Kawasaki ER-5, with a relaxed knee angle of around 125 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: 498.0 ccm
Power: 49.0 HP (36.0 kW)
Torque: 43.0 Nm (4.4 kgf-m)
Engine type: Parallel Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.2737 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: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Performance

Top speed: 178.0 km/h (110.6 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1430 mm
Seat height: 810 mm
Dry weight: 179.0 kg
Wet weight: 193.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Dual shocks with preload adjustment
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 80 mm
Rake (fork angle): 24.0°

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 280 mm
Rear brakes: Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakes diameter: 160 mm
Front tyre: 110/70-H-17
Rear tyre: 130/70-H-17

Other

Color options: Black, Red

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	1997	1999	2002	2004	2006
Capacity	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc	498 cc	498 cc
Dry weight	174 kg	177 kg	179 kg	179 kg	193 kg
Seat height	780 mm	780 mm	790 mm	810 mm	800 mm
Fuel capacity	16 L	16 L	16 L	17 L	17 L