2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 450: Second impressions test ride

[@genegoodwin8925]

I am 71 years old and bought a 2024 Eliminator SE and love it. I added a rear carrier and a Givi 29ltr top case. I also changed the front spoclet from a 14 tooth to a 15 tooth. This lowered the rpm by 500 at highway speeds, I also bought a 38 tooth rear spocket to replace the 43 tooth but I'm afraid that will be too much of a change. If I do change the rear spocket this winter it should lower the rpm by about another 600 ot 700 rpm at highway speeds and make it more of a highway bike. Right now with just the front spocket change I can cruise at 75 pr 80 mph without too much vibration. It is strange about the rear shocks being yoo doft because mine are too stiff. I weight 180 and mine has a bit of a harsh ride. But it is also one of the best cornering bikes I;ve ever owned. And it is the most fun bike I've ever owned. I love the mod controls because they reminf me of some of the bikes I had back in the 60''s and 70's.

[@franck9764]

Hi..sure, the engine is running too fast, main issue on that bike. I will think of doing same as you, let us know if you tried the 38 tooth at rear, and if the motorbike is still pleasant

[@genegoodwin8925]

@franck9764 I tried to install the 38 tooth rear sprocket, but they sold me the wrong sprocket. The bolt pattern was different so I couldn't install it. I am going to leave the stock rear sprocket with the 15 tooth front sprocket. This lowered the rpm about 400- 500 rpm at highway speeds.

[@jameshenry1729]

Years ago when I put a Coffman on my CB 500 F ,I think I got less mpg but loved the sound & the 10 lb weight reduction.

[@sharkymarky7251]

Bought a '24 SE as my first bike about 3 months ago, and a 1,000 miles later, I'm absolutely loving it. More horsepower and lighter than the Rebel 500 and a MUCH more comfortable seat. Added a Puig Ranger windshield, a Shad 50L top case (on the Kawasaki rack), and mirror extenders (my only complaint about the stock setup). It's mostly for commuting, but I've had it at 70 on the interstate plenty. The windshield makes a big difference! I tested it up against the Rebel, Triumph Speed 400, and the RE Super Meteor, and, except for the cooler sound of the RE, I think I definitely made the right choice.

[@genegoodwin8925]

When you installed the Puig Ranger windshield did you leave the cowl on around the headlaight? I tried a windshield on my Eliminator SE but it didn't work well so I removed it. DOes the Puig Ranger deflect a lot of wind off your face? Does it look good?

[@sharkymarky7251]

@@genegoodwin8925 Yeah it fits fine. Removing the cowl was going to be a deal breaker for me. Too much a part of the overall look that I like. It was a royal pain to install solo though. You really need another pair of hands. Looks great and blocks the wind pretty effectively. It's also a 4-point mount, so it's a lot more solid than some.

[@genegoodwin8925]

@@sharkymarky7251 I installed a Puig windshield on mine but it deflected the wind right into my ears. I also added the Kawasaki rear carrier and a Givi 29liter topcase. I was afraid to go too big on the topcase because the bike isn't that big, so I stayed with the 29Liter. It works well and looks good. I might try a Puig Ranger screen in the future. I know the Eliminator is a small bike but with the right options it can be turned unto a decent touring bike. I don't travel much these days since my wife is crippled and I am her 24/7 caregiver. I just take a quick ride now and then and use the topcase for groceries. We use to take motorcycle vacations and camped out along the way. We traveled to places like The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive quite a bit, along with the Chesapeake Bay bridge, The Outer Banks of NC, Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Falls, and Lake Erie, Port Clinton and Geneva on the Lake. We had a good time until her cancer operations crippled her. Thank you for the reply and remember ride safely and enjoy every journey, Any ride where you return home safe and sound is a good ride.

[@nickcivis]

Thanks for the input and ride!

[@DerekFrampton]

I want this bike. BUT I'm waiting for the aftermarket support a lil bit. THe livestream was fun!

[@QuasiMotard]

Howdy, Derek! I got slammed with work last week, so I haven't sent your gloves out yet. I'll try to do that first thing tomorrow morning! 😉👍 --QM

[@DerekFrampton]

@@QuasiMotard NOT A problem buddy I just appreciate the whole giveaway as it is! NO HURRY! You'll get to it when you can I'm sure. Blessings!

[@floridasaltlife]

Great hearing from you again !!!

[@edwardsp1916]

Beautiful.

[@Scrib2004]

Good looking bike!

[@MadsWorld34]

i'm told old for loud exhaust now. but i HATE the way my adv sounds. i dont even know how to explain how it sounds.

[@hasanbadrun1307]

what tool you used to show telemetry display such as speed, lean angle, map etc? very nice setup bro

[@brandonclement]

You should Buy a CF Moto CLC 450 and compare the 2 bikes

[@barrywittmer4136]

32 degrees here

[@leeinwis]

I rode my bike yesterday, it was 42f , crf250 rally

[@ExcelsiorDDZ]

The windscreen 100% is the cause for the stabilization of the ride in motion.

[@drenhaxhija9173]

You have so many good mods on your bike do you have any links about the products

[@samsungtaco11]

does coffman make an exhaust for a triumph t120?

[@QuasiMotard]

Coffman's doesn't appear to have a fitment for the T120 yet, but they do have options for the Speed Twin: coffmansexhaust.com/products/coffmans-shorty-slip-on-exhausts-for-triumph-speed-twin-2022-with-baffles?sca_ref=3728039.6XIGN0SfzE . The price and fitment will be similar... perhaps just a slight bend change or adding hangar brackets. You can reach out to Coffman's support (ask for Wyatt) to inquire if they have a model that will fit: coffmansexhaust.com/pages/contact . Don't forget to tell them that Quasi sent you! Cheers! 😉👍 --QM

[@rajeevwx]

I got mine a month back. Great motorcycle, but the fuel gauge is acting really weird, it goes to single bar even the tank is almost full, goes up sometimes, I don't know what's happening! Did you also experience this?

[@jubei6802]

How far off, price wise and feels wise, is this from a rebel 500?

[@QuasiMotard]

The MSRP of both bikes is the same at $6799 (not including freight, destination, or prep fees). Subjectively, I think the Eliminator's ergonomics are better, it handles better, and it feels lighter on its feet. The Rebel has better rear suspension and the engine is calmer/smoother (less buzzy). I would need to ride both bikes back to back for a couple of hours to decide which is "better" for my riding chores. The Eliminator is sportier and likes to play at higher RPM; the Rebel is smoother for cruising. Economy will be about the same for both bikes, but the Eliminator holds 0.4 gallons more than the Honda (3.4 vs 3.0), so the Kawi might have more commuting/cruising range. Hmm... decisions, decisions. 🤔 --QM

[@jubei6802]

@QuasiMotard in the rebel you feel more 'in' the bike too I guess, ok. Thx Q 🤜🤛

[@brentcollins9727]

I’d take that bike in a millisecond.

[@anootoshsarkar686]

Get the new Royal Enfield Guerilla 450 for more smoother ride. The ride quality on that things does not even compare to this Kawasaki, except the shockers which are a bit stiff...but they can always be adjusted to perfection

[@drewt.4353]

If you neutral at a red it will idle lower.

[@RideWithAlex]

All those safety warriors will be inflamed badly when I get there and ride in a T-shirt and Dad force one's, I will try to get some gear but hey I'm still from the Balkans =)))))

[@davestraight8219]

10/4 pigpen