Faults:

Corrosion is a problem on the ER 5, and it should be cleaned and protectant applied frequently to prevent corrosion, especially if used in winter.

The rear drum brake can wear unevenly and sometimes requires wheel replacement if the drum becomes warped.

Sometimes cold starting is a problem, when the temperature is low, it presents symptoms such as a slow-turning engine and clicking noises.

Fuel can clog the injectors and moving parts of the carburetor, especially if the gas tank is left unused for long periods of time.

General Comments:

The Kawasaki ER-5 is a simple, easy-to-use, parallel-twin, middleweight urban motorcycle. As an economical work bike, you won't find any fault with the Kawasaki ER-5, as long as your expectations don't go beyond simply getting from A to B.

For me, the ER-5 is better than most of its rivals, but that doesn't mean it's without its flaws. The bike's brakes are particularly poor, and the passenger only makes things worse. Then there's the corrosion I mentioned earlier. To prevent it, you'll need to wash the bike regularly and spray it with a water-dispersing spray constantly, especially if used during winter. Electrical problems are another problem with the ER-5.

It's as basic as possible, although it's common to add a few spare guards. The only worthwhile accessory for this bike is a Scottoiler, which helps extend chain life and reduce maintenance.

The engine is generally quite good and reliable. It's a twin-cylinder that doesn't lack verve and makes the most of its power in the city.

However, if you increase the ambition, even slightly, the Kawasaki ER-5's engine feels very harsh. Highways aren't its strong suit, and the ER-5 struggles to ride in pairs without a fairing.

Faults:

Normal wear and tear. It's well-reported that the finish on the ER-5 isn't brilliant - and that's true - but not to the extent that it spontaneously falls apart.

General Comments:

Effortless to ride at motorway speeds when equipped with a Puig Touring Screen and handguards. Benefits from a radiator protector, and I think a rear carrier is a must. It'll get a fair lick on, but takes its time getting there. Touring ability is under-rated; conversely, its qualities as a short-distance town/city commuter are slightly exaggerated. It lived most of its production life in the shadow of the 1993-2003 Honda CB 500 twin, which in all honesty was probably the better machine, but not vastly so. IMHO the ER-5 represents better value these days - a genuine "bargain basement" purchase. Better described as "dated" rather than "retro", its appearance conceals a certain ruggedness.

The ER-5 was widely used in rider training schools, which can be looked at in two ways - the bikes could've been badly (if inadvertently) ill-treated, but would also have been regularly serviced and given frequent maintenance checks.

I love mine. I've bought other, more exotic motorcycles with the intent of downgrading the ER-5 to my "second-choice", but that doesn't work - the Kawa always remains my favourite and has been dubbed "Old Faithful" by my friends. It may be a banger, but it's MY banger.

I'm surprised no-one has yet mentioned the trade-mark brown downpipes, though...