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| Name | value |
|---|---|
| year | 1998 |
| area code | UK,FR,NL,AR,GR,IT,NR,SD,SP,ST |
| frame range | JKAER500AAA 015001 - JKAER500AAA 028000 |
| engine range | EX500AE 018001 - EX500AE 999999 |
Launched in 1997, pretty much as a training motorcycle, to compete against the now dated Suzuki GS500E and similar models from Honda.
The ER 500 though had some advantage over the other two, mainly that nearly 50bhp engine, counter balanced and totally bullet proof.
The compact unit has been powering Kawasaki’s since the mid 1980’s, and now has any faults evident back then, completely dialled out today.
It’s popularity as an entry-level machine; used so much by rider-training organisations speaks volumes for its dependability and durability especially by novice riders lacking any kind of mechanical sympathy!
After 11 years of continuous production, this is probably one of the best all round budget middleweights available, delivering strong performance and decent all round handling.