In the world of motorcycles, Kawasaki Eliminator has long held a reputation for power, performance, and innovation. But every now and then, they surprise us with something that blends history with modern-day muscle — and that’s exactly what they’ve done with the Kawasaki Eliminator. A revival of a legendary cruiser name, the all-new Eliminator returns not just with style, but with serious engineering that’s built for the modern rider.
Whether you’re new to the cruiser world or a seasoned biker looking for a lighter, more agile machine that doesn’t sacrifice performance, the Kawasaki Eliminator delivers an exciting blend of aesthetics, approachability, and performance.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of the Kawasaki Eliminator, from its design and engine to riding dynamics, tech features, pricing, and who it’s for. So let’s hit the road.
Table of Contents
A Legacy Reborn: What Is the Kawasaki Eliminator?
The Kawasaki Eliminator is not a new name. Originally launched in the mid-1980s, the Eliminator series was known for blending the sportbike DNA with a cruiser style. Back then, it was a muscle bike meant to challenge norms and deliver top-end thrills in a laid-back format.
Fast-forward to today, and the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400 and 450 have brought that iconic concept back with a vengeance — now with a lightweight chassis, modern styling, and a parallel-twin engine that gives it a distinct edge in the cruiser category.
It isn’t just a cosmetic resurrection — Kawasaki has reimagined the Eliminator for the next generation of riders, especially those looking for a comfortable, versatile cruiser that can do it all: city rides, weekend road trips, and even daily commuting.
Design and Aesthetics: Sleek, Minimal, and Muscular
The design philosophy of the new Eliminator speaks volumes. This is a motorcycle that keeps things simple but aggressive. At a glance, it’s unmistakably a cruiser — low-slung seat, long wheelbase, and relaxed riding ergonomics — but there’s a modern touch everywhere.
- Round LED Headlamp: A retro-modern touch that pays homage to classic motorcycles while providing excellent visibility.
- Minimal Body Panels: The tank is sleek and contoured, giving it a muscular look without being bulky.
- All-LED Lighting: From the taillamp to indicators, the Eliminator features full-LED lighting that enhances visibility and style.
- Low Seat Height: At just 28.9 inches (735mm), the seat is accessible for a wide range of riders, especially beginners and shorter riders.
It comes in multiple color options like Ebony, Pearl Robotic White, and Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, all of which give the bike a classy, premium appearance.
Engine & Performance: Punchy Parallel-Twin Power
One of the most exciting features of the new Kawasaki Eliminator is its engine. Depending on the market, Kawasaki offers either a 398cc or 451cc parallel-twin engine, derived from their well-regarded Ninja lineup.
- Kawasaki Eliminator 400: This version, primarily for Japan and some Asian markets, gets a 398cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, producing around 48 PS at 10,000 RPM and 37 Nm of torque at 8,000 RPM.
- Kawasaki Eliminator 450: The international version gets a slightly bigger 451cc engine, tuned for stronger low-end torque — ideal for relaxed cruising and city rides.
These engines are mated to a 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch, allowing smoother gear shifts and better control during aggressive downshifts.
Performance Highlights:
- Responsive acceleration across the rev range
- Excellent low-end and mid-range power
- Smooth highway cruising at 90–100 km/h
- Fuel-efficient — with real-world mileage of 28–32 km/l
This makes the Eliminator one of the most versatile and user-friendly cruisers in its class.
Chassis, Suspension & Handling: Lightweight and Agile
A cruiser that handles like a sportbike? That’s not a dream — it’s Kawasaki’s goal with the Eliminator. The bike uses a lightweight trellis frame, keeping curb weight at around 176–180 kg, making it significantly lighter than traditional cruisers like the Royal Enfield Meteor or Honda Rebel 500.
- Front Suspension: 41mm telescopic forks for plush city and highway ride.
- Rear Suspension: Twin shock absorbers with adjustable preload.
- Brakes: Single 310mm front disc and 240mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS.
- Tires: 130/70 front and 150/80 rear tires on 16-inch rear and 18-inch front alloy wheels, striking a great balance between agility and cruiser aesthetics.
Whether you’re filtering through traffic or leaning into curves on mountain roads, the Eliminator feels balanced, nimble, and confident — ideal for new riders and experienced ones alike.
Rider Comfort and Ergonomics
Kawasaki paid close attention to ergonomics. The seat is not just low — it’s also well-padded and broad, offering good comfort even for longer journeys. The footpegs are mid-mounted, giving you a neutral riding triangle rather than a stretched-out cruiser feel.
Handlebars are slightly raised for an upright position. Taller riders may feel slightly cramped on long rides, but Kawasaki offers optional accessories like extended footpegs and taller seats.
For pillion riders, the seat is adequate for short to medium distances. You can also upgrade with backrests and touring kits if you plan longer rides with a passenger.
Technology & Features
Despite its retro-inspired design, the Kawasaki Eliminator comes equipped with modern tech, which makes it stand out in the cruiser category:
- Full Digital LCD Console with:
- Speedometer
- Tachometer
- Gear position indicator
- Trip meter and fuel gauge
- Smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki Rideology app
- Dual-Channel ABS for safety
- Slipper Clutch for smoother gear shifts
- LED Lighting All-Around
Optional accessories include:
- USB-C charging socket
- Grab rails
- Windshield kits
- Saddlebags and luggage mounts
- Engine guards
These extras make it easy to personalize your Eliminator, whether you’re a daily rider or weekend tourer.
Pricing and Availability in India
Kawasaki officially launched the Eliminator 500 (451cc) in global markets in 2023 and is expected to bring it to India by late 2025 or early 2026.
Expected Price in India: ₹5.25 – ₹5.75 lakh (ex-showroom)
This positions it against:
- Honda Rebel 500
- Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
- Benelli 502C
- Keeway V302C
While the price is slightly on the higher end, the Kawasaki badge brings premium quality, refined engineering, and a global brand image that makes it worth the investment for many riders.
Who Should Buy the Kawasaki Eliminator?
The Eliminator is a fantastic option for multiple types of riders, thanks to its friendly ergonomics, lightweight frame, and punchy engine. Here’s who should consider buying it:
- Beginner riders looking for a low-seat, approachable cruiser
- Intermediate riders wanting a stylish urban bike with highway capabilities
- Commuters seeking a practical and comfortable machine
- Weekend cruisers looking for a mix of fun, tech, and ease of handling
- Kawasaki fans wanting a non-sporty, laid-back ride
It’s not for those who want an aggressive streetfighter or a long-distance tourer, but for everything in between, the Eliminator is a solid performer.
Pros and Cons
Let’s break down the key advantages and potential drawbacks:
Pros:
- Lightweight and beginner-friendly
- Refined, responsive parallel-twin engine
- Premium build quality and finish
- Modern features like Rideology connectivity
- Comfortable seat and relaxed riding ergonomics
- Sharp and modern cruiser styling
Cons:
- Expected price in India may be on the higher side
- Pillion comfort could be better for long rides
- Limited touring equipment in standard variant
- Engine performance may not satisfy hardcore power cruisers
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer for the Urban Cruiser Scene
The Kawasaki Eliminator is not trying to be a Harley, a Royal Enfield, or a classic American cruiser. It’s doing something different — offering a lightweight, performance-oriented, and user-friendly alternative for those who love the cruiser look but don’t want the drawbacks of weight, vibration, and high fuel consumption.
It’s a motorcycle built for real-world conditions — whether you’re riding through busy city lanes, cruising by the seaside, or just enjoying a Sunday morning ride. The Eliminator is stylish, capable, tech-savvy, and fun — a winning combination for a modern urban cruiser.