The name Kawasaki Eliminator holds weight. It’s not just a motorcycle. It’s a reminder of when cruisers had attitude and character. And now, after years of silence, the Eliminator has returned. But this time, with a twist.
Let’s get into why the new Kawasaki Eliminator is making heads turn in India and abroad. And why it may just be the modern cruiser people didn’t know they needed.
Retro Meets Today’s Street Style
You won’t mistake the new Eliminator for anything else. It keeps that long, low-slung silhouette that cruiser fans love. But it doesn’t feel stuck in the past.
The round LED headlight, blacked-out engine, fat rear tyre, and slim tank all blend classic looks with modern aggression. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it knows how to get it.
The fenders are short. The exhaust is stubby. The entire vibe is minimalist but bold. And it works.
Comfort That Feels Natural
The Eliminator rides low. Seat height is around 735 mm, which makes it super accessible. Even shorter riders will feel in control.
The handlebar position is natural. It’s slightly raised, so your hands sit easy. The footpegs are forward-set, but not too stretched. This balance gives you a relaxed riding posture without feeling like you’re riding a sofa.
The seat itself is soft and wide. Whether you’re riding solo or with a pillion, it doesn’t feel cramped.
A Ninja Heart Inside
Here’s the twist. The Eliminator uses a 451cc parallel-twin engine. This motor is based on the same platform as the Ninja 400 but gets a longer stroke for better torque delivery.
It makes around 45 bhp and 42.6 Nm of torque. That might not sound like much for cruiser fans used to bigger engines. But the way this engine performs is different.
It revs smoothly. Power delivery is linear. And it doesn’t struggle at lower RPMs like some sportbike engines do. In fact, the mid-range is strong enough for city pulls and highway cruising.
The 6-speed gearbox is slick. Clutch is light. And if you’ve ridden any of the Kawasaki twins before, you’ll notice the refinement instantly.
Lightweight And Easy To Handle
Most cruisers feel heavy and slow to respond. Not the Eliminator.
It weighs just around 176 kg (kerb). That’s extremely light for a cruiser. Especially one with a twin-cylinder engine. This makes a huge difference in daily use.
Low-speed handling is easy. U-turns don’t feel like a chore. And filtering through traffic is actually possible.
It doesn’t feel like you’re wrestling with metal. Instead, it feels like an everyday bike with cruiser comfort.
Suspension That Matches Indian Roads
You get telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers at the back. The travel is decent. It’s not too soft, but not bone-jarring either.
Bad roads, broken tarmac, and speed breakers are handled well. Even two-up riding stays comfortable.
Ground clearance is around 150 mm. That’s good enough for most Indian roads, unless you’re riding through wild potholes.
Braking And Safety Setup
Kawasaki hasn’t compromised on safety. The Eliminator gets a 310 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc. Dual-channel ABS comes standard.
Braking feel is sharp. The front offers good bite, and the rear is predictable. Whether you’re riding solo or with a pillion, the setup feels trustworthy.
Tyres are fat and grippy. You get an 18-inch wheel at the front and a 16-inch at the rear. These contribute to both stability and style.
Digital Touch Without Overkill
The Eliminator gets a round LCD instrument cluster. It shows:
- Speed
- Gear position
- Fuel gauge
- Clock
- Trip meters
- Odometer
It also gets Bluetooth connectivity. Through the Kawasaki Rideology app, you can access ride data and alerts.
What’s nice is that Kawasaki didn’t go overboard. No touchscreens, no voice commands. Just clean info in a classy format.
Custom Look With Factory Options
Kawasaki knows that cruiser riders love personalization. So they offer several accessories:
- Rear seat cowl for a solo look
- Backrest for pillion comfort
- Tank pads and graphics
- LED turn indicators
- Custom seat options
These allow you to build a version of the Eliminator that fits your vibe. Whether you like it stripped-down or loaded, the bike gives you a solid base.
Pricing And Positioning
In India, the Kawasaki Eliminator is priced around ₹5.62 lakh (ex-showroom). Yes, it’s more expensive than a Royal Enfield or a Honda H’ness. But it offers a very different experience.
You’re paying for a refined engine, lightweight handling, and Kawasaki reliability. It’s not trying to be cheap. It’s trying to offer value through quality.
For someone moving up from a 250-300cc bike, the Eliminator feels like a natural step.
Built For City And Highways
This bike isn’t just a looker. It rides well in both city and highway conditions.
In the city, the light clutch and low-end torque make it easy to deal with traffic. It doesn’t heat up too quickly, and gear shifts are smooth.
On the highway, it can cruise at 100-110 km/h effortlessly. There’s enough grunt to overtake without dropping gears. And even at high speeds, it stays planted and calm.
Windblast is there due to the naked design, but if you’re used to naked bikes, it’s manageable.
Who Should Buy The Eliminator
This bike is for riders who:
- Want a cruiser but hate bulky machines
- Prefer smooth twin-cylinder power
- Need comfort for daily use
- Want premium design without looking old-school
- Trust Japanese engineering
It’s not just for show. The Eliminator can handle serious miles. At the same time, it looks cool parked at a café or on your Instagram feed.
FAQs About Kawasaki Eliminator
Is the Eliminator beginner-friendly?
Yes. It’s lightweight, has a low seat, and offers smooth power delivery. Great for new riders who want a mid-size bike.
What is the top speed?
Around 160 km/h, but the bike feels best at 90-110 km/h cruising.
Is it good for long rides?
Absolutely. The seat is comfortable, and the engine stays smooth on long rides.
Does it heat up in traffic?
Mildly. But the cooling system works well, and the fan kicks in quickly.
How is the service network in India?
Kawasaki has decent coverage in metros and major cities. Service costs are higher than budget bikes but match the premium segment.
Which bikes compete with the Eliminator?
In terms of price and vibe, rivals include the Honda CB350 RS, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, and Keeway V302C.