i found a 2004 ER-5 for £1300 with 22,000 miles on.
It’s from a training school. Would this be a good bet? or might it die horribly very soon?
My thoughts is that they would have taken care of it but I could be wrong lol…
as long as its been well serviced, p’haps check the clutch and body damage
It’d definitely be worth a look. I remember when I was learning to ride on a CB500 we didn’t spend all our time revving the bikes to the redline or dropping them, we just rode sensibly because that was what was required. Plus if you think about it did you drop the training school bike or crash it? I don’t think many of us did.
So long as the clutch is smooth, the brakes are ok,the chain & sprockets are ok and you don’t mind cosmetic damage I should imagine it’ll be ok… £1200 seems a bit steep to me, but I’m not really up to speed on used bike prices anymore so I might be talking ********…
Actually, I’d say it’s suspiciously cheap.
I’m looking to sell my ER5 which is 2.5 years older and has 8000 more miles for more than 1200, and I know the amount of care I’ve put into her (new chain and sprockets, servicing, etc.) in just a year. Plus I know I’m the only one that’s ridden her and that she’s been properly looked after, not dropped, etc…
If you are interested btw, send me a PM. 
Dropped my CB500 three times! 
i have found a NOT training school 2004 gs500 which i like so watch this space, gonna give it a test ride tomorrow
Update, bought the GS500 yay!
Traded in the YBR
I would’ve got the GS too.
my ER5 was £1300, 2001 with 1 owner and 12000 miles