OpenTube

I Just Bought a 2003 Kawasaki ER5 Motorbike… Here’s Why 👀

ThatGirlBiker

21,475 views

NEW BIKE DAY!
Today I’m giving you a full walk-around of my new to me 2003 Kawasaki ER5 and chatting about why I chose this little workhorse. Cheap to run, easy to wrench on, and perfect for winter riding — exactly what I needed!

In this video I cover:
🏍️ A full walk-around of the Kawasaki ER5
💬 Why I bought this bike
🛠️ What I plan on fixing/modifying
💷 How much I paid
🌧️ Why it’s the perfect budget winter bike

Whether you’re looking for your first bike, a reliable commuter, or just love old-school Kawasaki machines, you’ll enjoy this one.
Let me know if you want a full “mods + fixes” series!

Subscribe for more moto content, ride-outs, and bike builds!

20 Comments

@michaelcrouch5708 10 months ago

I had one of these as a daily rider for three years, great workhorse and super dependable, really enjoyed it.

@raymond1472 10 months ago

Great winter bike. If it was mine…I’d treat it to heated grips,top box and a smallish screen (and obviously a service and tyres) It will last you the next 5 or 6 winters. I wouldn’t worry about it looking tatty. Unlike your other lovely bikes you won’t ever have to worry about this one being stolen. Great Chanel….thank you and take care.

@simonward-o3z 10 months ago

Great bikes can't go wrong

@TheSwearingRoom 10 months ago

You'll be surprised how much fun those 500's can be. I had a gpz500s that was great fun

@trevormartin5459 6 months ago (edited)

I've had one of these for years and really enjoy it.Thanks for taking the time Enjoy.😀

@splodge57 10 months ago

Enjoyed the video. I've been riding 52 years and still like the sporty position of my 2002 ZX6R. But I also get fun out of riding my upright twist and go scooter in the winter. If you're lucky the oil leak may be from the drain plug, I always use a new washer when changng the oil.

@BSecureCCTV 10 months ago

I have an ER5 I ride it all round great bike loads of fun.

@neilemery7454 6 months ago

I had one of these a few years back and they're decent for what they are , went past cars at 90 so wasn't to bad

@deputydawgac 10 months ago (edited)

Centre-stands are a knack, once you get it it's reasonably easy. The last one I owned was a big heavy Beemer and you had to press down on the stand while pulling the bike back. You just need to find where to hold the bike - the Beemer had a grab handle that pulled out. Get some teflon spray, like GT85 in the ignition lock.👍👍

@s_h_e_l_l_y_p 10 months ago (edited)

Maaate, bargain!! You're going to have so much fun on that and will be good as a project for when the weather is toooo bad this winter. Proper raw bike that, zero whistles and bells, you'll feel fully in contact with the road. I've had a Kwak, they're good.

@Paul.Gascoyneuk 10 months ago

Just subscribed , looking forward to see how you go on with the Er5 , I owned one from new for 15 years , bought as a commuter I was’nt keen when I first got it but it grew on me , I altered the seat and put a Delkevic silencer on it and a few minor changes , like a plonker I sold it a few years back and wish I had’ t, major failure with these is the petrol tap , hope you enjoy your winter rides 👍

@thepub245 10 months ago

Had a GPZ 500 years ago good bike.

@BSecureCCTV 10 months ago

You will do something to this bike you will love it

@hawkslayers1 10 months ago

Theres nothing like a well setup carb 😃

@TheRidingVet 5 months ago

Ive got one. Love it. Very reliable and fund to drive bike 😊

@Tad-t1y 10 months ago

That's the same bike I ride same colour to they are great bikes very reliable bike good on you

@bigwill4423 10 months ago

Great bike and an absolute bargain. It's obviously been used as a "winter hack" by the previous owner and hasn't seen much love but hey, it's a winter hack at the end of the day. I reckon you'll be converted to "upright" bikes after riding it for a while and can see you becoming completely converted to that in the future. Only issue is that slight oil leak which needs to get checked out. May just be from the oil filter but who knows. Get it checked anyway and happy (winter!) riding! 😎👍

@johna6968 10 months ago

Had a kle 500, gpz 500 and two er5's.. Smashing little things.

@tristanmorgan852 10 months ago

Never had one but they seem like a good bike

@robinhood9613 10 months ago

Wish I kept mine as a winter hack but then I think that of all my old bikes! Had one over 25 years ago. Everything else has been sports with a gixxer since 2008 and a recent addition of a GSX-S. Being older the upright is proper comfy.