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View Full Version : ER-5 upgrade, update. Bye-bye GN250



superjackal
12th March 2013, 08:15
Well it’s been a week and a big learning curve. The advice I received on getting a bigger bike was, on the whole, pretty spot-on. More power = more responsibility (and, uh, irresponsibility).

The bike is very different from the GN (duh). It turns more sharply and has more grip than my old GN. The engine is more responsive everywhere and it’s much more comfortable through traffic and on the motorway. The GN would sit at about 7500rpm at 100kph and the ER-5 sits at about 4000rpm. The big difference is, instead of being carried along by the traffic “current”, I now have the ability to manoeuvre around traffic and set my own pace. I’m super-careful with following distances but would appreciate some advice from other ER-5 riders as the back brake is pretty woeful. The front disc brake’s “ok” but seems a bit undersized for the bike’s weight. Unlike the GN, the ER-5 throws me forward onto the tank under braking so it seems more powerful. I’ve yet to experience the bike on a really windy Wellington day - the GN didn’t give me any trouble there.

I’ve done 250kms on it and the fuel consumption (especially given the extra performance and engine size) seems as good, maybe better, than the GN. I commute 50% through traffic and 50% motorway. I filled it up last night and with the gauge showing just above red and put 9.6 litres in for 206kms. That means I had 7.4 litres still in the tank? How reliable is the fuel gauge then? Do others owners experience similar? Can it be recalibrated properly? It has a small screen at the front which seems to make a big difference to wind resistance/fatigue. I can tuck underneath the wind for short periods but staying hunched up isn’t that comfortable. Naked sports bikes must be tiring on long journeys. Not to mention all the bug-splatter on your jacket.

The controls are better engineered and more comfortable, no extra features really over the GN except positive neutral. It took two rides to adjust to leaning forward onto the handlebars. My legs are tucked tighter but the position is cosy. When revving the engine hard, I’ve had to re-learn how to change up and the engine has more inertia than the GN. I have to make sure my hand frees the accelerator completely or I completely fudge the change. Little steps there, I think. I do miss the gear indicator on the GN as I’ve had to learn to keep better track of what gear I’m in – but it’s not really a problem at all. Maybe I’m just being dumb, but there’s no off switch for the headlight. I suppose that’s safer but would like the option to turn it off.

Cleaning it took longer than the GN. It has more bodywork and lots of extra engine bits. The side stand has a greater lean than the GNs and feels a bit less sure. The Er-5 starts more freely than the GN and sounds a whole heap better too. Through Mt Vic tunnel it has an almost jet-like whine.

I miss the familiarity of the GN250 but the ER-5 is, so far, very comfortable and enjoyable. The seat is much better than the GNs and I can hug the tank for more stability under braking and cornering. My ER-5 is basically all black and looks mean to me. Was it worth the upgrade? Yes. However, I’m glad I started on the GN as it’s an enjoyable, forgiving bike to learn on. The big surprise is how different an extra 30hp and 30(?) kg weight makes. I know the ER-5’s another learner bike but it genuinely represents a big step up. I’d eventually like to move to a Street Triple but I think another interim bike would be advisable. I’d also like to try a big cruiser.

I think that’s everything? Might make another post in a month if anyone’s interested.

digger02
12th March 2013, 09:14
Hey there, sounds like a learning curve alright, the bike is completely different in all aspects (size, weight, power, riding position etc). I am in a similar situation to you in that I want a street triple once I have my full licence but feel I need an inbetween bike before jumping to something which has that much power compared to what I am used to (145 honda commuter). Keep improving your skills and you'll be fine when you decide to get the Triumph.

Ender EnZed
12th March 2013, 10:22
I had a GPZ500 (The bike the ER5 is based on. Bit more fairing and a bit more power) as my first >250cc bike. It's may be a "learner" bike but I thought it was still a decent step up, it certainly went faster.


I’m super-careful with following distances but would appreciate some advice from other ER-5 riders as the back brake is pretty woeful.

Is it a drum? It won't be great but it should still be better than a GN's. Might pay to have someone take a look at it.



I’ve done 250kms on it and the fuel consumption (especially given the extra performance and engine size) seems as good, maybe better, than the GN.

They're pretty good at using next to nothing. I don't think my GPZ ever used much more than 4.5L/100km even on rides through the twisty bits of the Wairarapa that didn't see top gear at all. It was easily the most fuel efficient bike I've ever had.


How reliable is the fuel gauge then? Do others owners experience similar? Can it be recalibrated properly?

Bike fuel gauges are generally shit. Forget it's there and just reset your trip meter each time your fill up.

superjackal
12th March 2013, 12:00
Is it a drum? It won't be great but it should still be better than a GN's. Might pay to have someone take a look at it.



Fark, I think so...? It's got a cable heading south and there sure ain't no disc. Let me check the webbernet.... yep, drum.

It probably just needs adjustment as it's hanging pretty low too. The manual says no more than 20m from the footpeg and it must be 30-40mm.

When I push the bike I notice the sound of the front caliper touching the disc. Is this normal or something that should be checked? (Happened on the GN too). As I understand it any touchy-friction means heat which means not-so-good brakes....?

Grizzo
12th March 2013, 12:03
Great stuff, sounds like a barrel of fun!:headbang:

Hitcher
12th March 2013, 13:02
The ER-5 would be a lovely LAMS bike, and a nice step to something larger, if you ever felt the need.

gammaguy
12th March 2013, 14:31
Had a great ride once on a GPZ500 from Aucks to Chch

Very enjoyable,more power than I thought when revved up and handled brilliantly

A very nice bike

Tigadee
12th March 2013, 15:18
Fark, I think so...? It's got a cable heading south and there sure ain't no disc. Let me check the webbernet.... yep, drum.

Good news is you'd probably less likely lock up the rear brake in a panic! :laugh:


When I push the bike I notice the sound of the front caliper touching the disc. Is this normal or something that should be checked? (Happened on the GN too). As I understand it any touchy-friction means heat which means not-so-good brakes....?

I'm not experienced enough to answer that but it is very useful to learn to use engine braking more...

Dogboy900
12th March 2013, 19:16
After you go for a ride with gentle braking check to see how hot the brake discs are. They should be warm but not hot. Also check to see if both are the same temp. If one is way hotter thjan the other it could mean an issue that needs sorting. :)

Oh and congrats on the new bike.

Mental Trousers
12th March 2013, 19:28
Let me guess, you're now realizing the folly that is having your bike as part of your nicname ......

FJRider
12th March 2013, 19:41
When I push the bike I notice the sound of the front caliper touching the disc. Is this normal or something that should be checked? (Happened on the GN too). As I understand it any touchy-friction means heat which means not-so-good brakes....?

That's normal ... nothing to worry about. If it is hard to push ... that would be another matter. You would feel it if the brake was slightly on.

ducatilover
12th March 2013, 21:05
Glad to hear you're liking the new steed!

If you ever happen to get really lost and find yourself in the northern Wairarapa, pop in and I'll check your brakes over and throw some new fluid down 'em for you :first:


Sent from a toothpick jar in Mexico

Tigadee
12th March 2013, 22:04
Cleaning it took longer than the GN. It has more bodywork and lots of extra engine bits. The side stand has a greater lean than the GNs and feels a bit less sure.

Just don't wash it on a Sunday (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/157262-Sunday-washing-horrible-idea), aye? :lol:

McFatty1000
12th March 2013, 23:00
Good to hear someones opinion on it - looked at a few myself just after lams came out.

I'm interested to see what you think the stamina required for riding it compared to the gn is like, in a few weeks when you have a better idea. With the increase in power you might find yourself not so mentally drained from the change of being pushed around by traffic to being more in control of traffic around you as such

Berries
12th March 2013, 23:23
The side stand has a greater lean than the GNs and feels a bit less sure.
I mentioned it somewhere else the other day, but my GPZ500 was knocked off its stand by a sheep with an itch, so watch how you leave it. My GPZ was a stop gap between a KMX125 and a 'proper' bike. Twenty plus years later I am still not sure whether it was worth it, but as I am here to say that it probably was.