The Kawasaki Eliminator marks an exciting addition to India’s mid-size cruiser motorcycle segment. Combining modern aesthetics with the brand’s rich heritage, this bike is designed for riders who crave both style and substance on the open road. Powered by a refined 451 cc parallel-twin engine, the Eliminator promises a smooth and responsive performance that caters equally to city rides and long-distance touring. Its low-slung profile, LED lighting setup, and contemporary features offer a fresh take on the classic cruiser silhouette. Kawasaki’s decision to bring this globally appreciated model to India reflects the growing demand for premium, versatile cruisers with reliable powertrains. With competitive pricing and impressive specifications, the Eliminator stands ready to challenge segment favourites like Royal Enfield and Honda.
Design & Styling
Modern Cruiser with Attitude
Drawing inspiration from classic low-slung cruisers, the Eliminator mixes vintage cues with contemporary touches. Highlights include:
- Round LED headlamp and wide handlebars for commanding stance.
- Tear-drop fuel tank and minimalistic body panels keep the design clean and muscular.
- Blacked-out engine casing and sporty alloy wheels for an urban appearance, avoiding the retro-heavy styling of some competitors.
Rider Comfort & Practicality
The bike’s layout focuses on comfort:
- Seat height of 735 mm enables flat-footed ease for riders of varied heights.
- Broad handlebars grant a relaxed arm position, ideal for city and touring usage.
Engine & Performance
Twin-Powerhouse
The Eliminator’s heart is its 451 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine—a rare find in this segment. With 45 PS at 9,000 rpm and 42.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, it offers:
- Smooth, linear acceleration across city, highway, and overtaking scenarios.
- Refined cooling performance, courtesy of liquid cooling, avoids overheating on extended journeys.
Share of Powertrain
This 451 cc unit is shared with Kawasaki’s Ninja 500 and Z500, known for dependable performance.
Chassis, Handling & Ride Quality
Agile Yet Comfortable
The bike’s frame and chassis are designed for both sporty rides and relaxed cruising:
- Trellis frame and 176 kg curb weight provide agility unusual in cruisers.
- Suspension: 41 mm telescopic front forks + twin rear shocks smoothen urban bumps and highway undulations.
- Rider confidence is enhanced by wide tyres, good ground clearance, and dual‑disc brakes with ABS.
Features & Technology
Rider-Centric Tech
Though minimalist in appearance, the Eliminator is well-equipped:
- Fully digital LCD cluster displays speed, RPM, gear position, fuel level, trip info, and range.
- LED headlamp, taillight & indicators ensure bright, modern lighting.
- Dual-channel ABS across both wheels enhances safety in all riding conditions.
- Slipper clutch and assist clutch reduce warm-up vibrations and improve shifting comfort.
- Smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app is supported globally, and likely to feature in future Indian batches.
Mileage & Range
Despite the performance setup, the Eliminator boasts a respectable average of ~30 kmpl. With a 13‑litre tank, this translates to a travel range of approximately 350–390 km — well-suited for weekend touring needs.
Price & Variants
Priced at ₹5.62 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the Eliminator is a premium offering. While it currently comes in a single trim and color scheme, Kawasaki may introduce additional variations over time.
Legacy & Heritage
Roots in the ’80s
The “Eliminator” badge dates back to 1985, starting with the ZL900 A1—Kawasaki’s pioneering sport-cruiser blending powerful sportbike engines with cruiser frameworks.
Modern Rebirth
In 2023, Kawasaki rebooted the name with the Eliminator 400 and 500, featuring advanced tech and crowd-pleasing power delivery. Introduced at the 2023 Osaka Motorcycle Show, the 451 cc Eliminator quickly followed into markets like Japan, the U.S., Europe, and India.
Pros & Cons
Strengths
- Powerful parallel-twin engine delivering strong highway and overtaking capabilities.
- Modern styling with LED lighting and sporty appeal.
- Nicely balanced chassis, combining agility with cruising ease.
- Braking confidence via dual discs and ABS.
- Good fuel economy for daily use and touring.
Considerations
- Higher price point compared to single-cylinder Royal Enfields.
- Currently limited to a single colour and variant
- New entrants in service networks, such as app connectivity, may take time to optimise in India.
Final Verdict
The Kawasaki Eliminator 451 emerges as a compelling mid‑size cruiser—modern in attitude, refined in performance, and practical in mileage. With a powerful twin-cylinder engine, agile handling, contemporary features, and a classic-modern blend of styling, it presents a viable alternative to longstanding segment leaders like Royal Enfield.
Priced at ₹5.62 lakh, it stands as a premium choice—but one that could sway riders seeking more refinement, confidence, and touring prowess in their cruiser. For anyone looking for a functional, stylish, and powerful commuter-tourer cruiser, the Eliminator is a smart bet.