2024 Kawasaki Eliminator vs. Kawasaki Z400 - Comparison Review!

The 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator has arrived! How does it compare to the Kawasaki Z400 or the Kawasaki Ninja 400? That's what this video is all about! Check out these bikes for yourself at Jim Gilbert's PowerSports in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The number one volume Kawasaki Dealer in the country! powersports.wh...

[@brianthompson324]

You’re reviews are so detailed. Love it. Thank you!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! Feel free to subscribe!

[@brianthompson324]

Do the updates to the ninja and Z lineup change your thoughts in regard to which would be your choice?

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@brianthompson324 as fast as a class, the Ninja and Z don't change classes. I still highly recommend the 400's and will feel the same about the 500's but I have yet to see the 500's in person. Once I properly review them, I'll he able to share more thoughts on them.

[@markusthedrummer8143]

Man yall are lucky to offer that awesome green color on the Z! I bought my Z last year in the white and I love it but I'd easily swap it for that green. In the states in 2023 all I saw were black or white so I opted for the white. I love the Z400, compared it to all others in this price range and the Kawi was way more comfortable and the clutch was way more forgiving on the Kawi over the Yamaha MT-03 which has less hp anyway. Let the good times roll Kawi.

[@dhess34]

The exact comparison I was looking for, thanks!

[@floridaredneck]

You had convinced me on the Eliminator SE in another video,, and it's funny that I was at the bike store today looking at it again and up comes this dude driving that explosive lime green Z400 - just like this video! I don't see these two as comparison bikes, as I do with the SE against the Vulcan S or Rebel 500. To me, these are not comparable as one who loves the SE, but I wouldn't give you anything for that green thing. The salesman was pointing out that the dual colors (black/orange) on the gas tank (SE) are paint, as opposed to decals. I don't know why he said that, but being an auto detailer, I had my magnifier and looked. The surprising thing I found was not that it was paint (I never thought it wasn't), but that the orange has tiny golden metal flakes in 3D, which doesn't show unless you are close to it. It looks flat orange in videos and pictures, but it's not like that in person. Even if you don't like orange (I neither like it or dislike it), the paint itself is stunning. Oh, and the paint on the green one was stunning too. It looked even more 3D, perhaps the metal flakes are larger, but it was beautiful - for what it is. I know it's just me, but those look like they're missing something in the back.

[@JorgeNX]

Range/fuel efficiency would be a nice topic to touch on. Great reviews 👍

[@PeterLoweOne]

It's too difficult for me to be accurate about fuel efficiency. I just mentioned in reply to another comment that I was out on my own bike in a group ride and I got 20% better mileage on that ride than I usually do, but then I went for an... Athletic ride... And got about 20% worse mileage than usual. That's a big swing with the same rider. Now factor in riders of different weights, and you can really effect overall fuel efficiency. I always suggest that people check out an owner's forum for these bikes to see what people are actually getting in order to give a more accurate range.

[@trailguy]

It’s not publicly official yet, but I’ve seen 45mpg with range listed (by the same source) as “150-200 miles” which is a huge span but I suppose rider weight, terrain, speed and how you ride can account for that span.

[@peacebewu]

@@trailguy Which source? Is 45mpg for the eliminator? Cuz it seems a bit low for the z400, compared to the reviews I've seen online.

[@cmgzfiveonezero]

Wow I wish I lived close to your shop I’d buy a bike from you rn! Thanks for the great comparison!

[@RorySRussell]

Z400 or Ninja 400 with eliminator colors would be cool. Wish gas milage was talked about. I am in USA but still like your reviews on the bikes. Now I keep calling the Z class Zed and get weird looks from people when I do. LOL

[@PeterLoweOne]

Gas mileage is always really difficult to talk about on a motorcycle. It can really vary based on how much you weigh and the type of riding that you do. I went on a group ride a few weeks ago and got 20% better mileage than I usually do. Then I went blasting through some fun roads and my dash was reading about 20% worse than usual. That's a big swing in mileage. The best thing to do is to hop on some owner's forums online and see what a large variety of people are getting. Riding style and weight of the rider can all factor into the final numbers in a big way.

[@fredorico41]

We call it Zed class in Australia 🦘 too👍🍺

[@YooperDanKulka]

I have a Kawasaki z 400 2022. I'm 70 yrs old. Zero to 60 in 4 seconds. My mpg is 54 and I get on it. No pussy around. Will be adding TST racing accories. Go like hell or don't go at all.

[@YooperDanKulka]

I also added a 7/8 handle bar off set riser. I ride more up right.( Better for my back) I also cut the mirror rod in half and added a 3/8 inch steel tubing 4 inches long so I can see better around my shoulders. Will do the same thing with the elemator 500. Plus all the engin protection from the ninja and z will fit.😊

[@charleslewis33]

I get about 58MPG on the 24 eliminator

[@NoToFear]

First accessory I fitted to my Z400 was bar raisers. 1inch up and 1inch back. BUT > All I want for Xmas next year please Kawasaki is a Versys 300X with a Z400 powerplant. It will be the best all round Swiss Army knife do whatever on the road. Just with a better seat please.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I want a Versys X 300 with the new Eliminator 450 cc engine and mid level suspension, instead of entry level. Maybe include a little bit of adjustability. That would be an amazing bike!

[@KF1]

Sweet pair of bikes. I wonder, if not for the Honda Rebel 500, would Kawasaki have been more accurate with the name? I've seen in other markets it's called the Eliminator 450, which sounds more honest.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Oh I think you're 100% right. To be fair, the Ninja 400 matches the horsepower of the Honda 500, so the Kawasaki is going to be more powerful (and likely lighter) but I think the name is Kawasaki's way of signaling to the Rebel 500 buyer that there is another bike in the class for them to consider. The Honda engine is only 20cc bigger, so they're both stretching to say 500. The Kawasaki just stretches a little more.

[@kiplambel4052]

@@PeterLoweOne Nope! The Eliminator has the same HP as the Ninja. It just has more torque, which comes with the longer stroke. The HP and torque specs between the Honda and Kaw are almost identical, except the Honda hits it slightly lower in the rev range. The Honda also has more than an inch of rear suspension travel.

[@duanestiles4821]

Thanks Peter you’re a good guy

[@nocareriots]

if you hold both buttons down on the dash of the z400 you can change your tach to choose between 3 different views.

[@jimgilbertspowersports3037]

Peter looking forward to watching your review on the 2024 Kawasaki Z500

[@trailguy]

Btw I’m almost certainly going to buy the eliminator instead of the z400, which I was pretty darn sure of. I love the new bike, even the colors of the ES (I’m a Baltimore orioles fan). Great vid, right up my ally.

[@donjonspaniard83]

Hi Peter, great content! Just a quick question from me (in case this perspective changes the view). For someone who’s never ridden any bike before, no experience whatsoever and choosing their very first out of these two, which would you suggest? The Eliminator?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Great question, but it’s always difficult for me to recommend for other people. In general, one style, or one seating position will appeal to people over another. The best thing to do is to try to see them both in person. If you want something that is the most sport, you may want the Z400, but if that doesn’t mean that the Eliminator isn’t peppy and sporty in its own way. I think most people will find the Eliminator to be a little bit more comfortable, but the new Z500 is a quite comfortable bike for me. So the best advice I can give is choose the one that you’re drawn to the most. Make an emotional decision as much as a practical one, and you’ll probably be perfectly happy.

[@stevemcnamara7704]

Very well done and helpful.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@suzyamerica4679]

I've sat on the Eliminator 450 and it fits. Been trying to figure out if it would work as a long-distance highway vehicle for one plus luggage .. like 6-day trips.

[@leeinwis]

With a after market wind screen it would I bet , assuming the weather was nice ( no fairing) .

[@BlackArroToons]

Nice comparison. I hear Kawasaki is working on a new 2024 Ninja 500 twin. Probably not an option in North America though as it would compete too much with the Ninja 400 is my guess, unless it replaced the 400. Plus the 2024 E1 Ninja Electric bikes now for pre-order.

[@stevenyates6732]

I did driving test on z400 in Europe A2 class, it's lovely bike but I felf little cramped, so I'm considering eliminator 500

[@PeterLoweOne]

I really like the Eliminator. It's better than I expected it to be!

[@kalnwi2023]

Play ZZ Top while ridin it .@@PeterLoweOne

[@duanestiles4821]

Great review but it would be nice if you could ride so we can see how good the bikes are awesome review

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'll be riding many bikes in future reviews. When a bike is brand new, and not a demo bike, I try to do these reviews to get information out as soon as possible, and to allow people to share what they want to know about the bikes. But I do have commitments from several dealers and a manufacturer to be riding new bikes soon.

[@rickrobinson8417]

Great comparison! I wonder how the insurance cost would compare between them.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Should be similar, I would think.

[@trailguy]

What helmet goes with the eliminator?

[@weylins]

This is the top of my list bike. I'm currently wearing a AGV K1 on my 2014 Honda Forza 300. No plans for a different helmet. Personally, I think it will go fine with the hybrid sportbike-cruiser aesthetician of the Eliminator. The NEXX X.G100 from their Garage series would also go great with an Eliminator.

[@tweisloc]

I painted an orange stripe and put a couple of orange decals on my black open face helmet:

[@chevy_009]

Always Always full face helmet! If you ever doubt looks over safety look up lowside half helmet crash! Always FullFace!

[@weylins]

@danielschneider1663 when I started riding again after a couple of decades without a bike, I really considered a half-helmet or three-quarter.... then I ran across images of a guy who went down at 60mph in a half-helmet, and his jaw had literally been torn off... fuck that! Full face and EEC tested for me always.

[@chevy_009]

@@weylins I honestly cringe when in Florida when I see people ride without helmets, I mean The whole point of motorcycles is to be free but Man! Is it worth it!

[@brianthompson324]

My only problem is I like them all. Have a great weekend .

[@PeterLoweOne]

Just buy them all! Problem solved! (Can I come borrow one?) 😃👍

[@brianthompson324]

@@PeterLoweOne I wish I had those kind of finances available! 😂 If I did you’d definitely be invited.

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@brianthompson324 Haha! Same goes for you. Once I have all the bikes, you're invited!

[@georgebungot3163]

Did Kawi discontinue the ninja400/z400? Will there be a 2024 version of them?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I expect them to be back for 2024

[@rubezahlx]

comparison of two kawa "choppers" 1. Vulcan S 2. New Eliminator. same level, different style. can be interesting. Greetings!

[@narendrairengbam112]

These bikes are missing one premium things, that is USD forks. For such premium price tags for a 400cc bike, they should have provided USD forks. That rubber fork boots on the eliminator just eliminated the poor looks from the lack of USD forks. Anyways these are over priced if they are coming to India because Royal Enfield 650cc parallel twins are available for around 4000 to 5000 dollars in India. Even other 300 to 400cc bikes are available similar prices. And to sell these 400cc ones for almost 9000 dollars would be a really tough job, especially with the lack of premium stuffs like USD forks and other premium chrome lines. However that Ninja 400 may do well in the market as it is priced right.

[@georgebungot3163]

Are they discontinuing the ninja400 and z400 so they can transition to ninja450/z450?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I haven't heard that.

[@georgebungot3163]

@@PeterLoweOne can u help us out what is the truth.

[@marksanderson5135]

The ninja and z500 are available the UK so it's a 3 way choice ninja z or eliminator all with the same 450 engine

[@Reubenn1]

What’s the Hp on the Eliminator ?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Kawasaki doesn't release horsepower numbers in North America, so I have to rely on the numbers that I see in a Google search the same way you do. I've read about 52 or 53, and while I think those numbers make sense, I can't verify that they're correct.

[@Reubenn1]

@@PeterLoweOne Thank you for replying Peter I really appreciate it, how ridiculous is it that they don’t supply Hp figures to dealerships, I’ve seen conflicting figures from 45hp to what you’re saying up to 52-53 very confusing..

[@sinlungherald9857]

You miss the exhaust note

[@leeinwis]

The dash on the Eliminator is absurd for how much the bike costs .

[@Bogsmoto17]

Z400 is no longer avail here in the ph 😢

[@damirpuksec9566]

Eliminator 500 ...top speed ??? Ansver .... please

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm not sure. I haven't taken it up to top speed. It will comfortably handle highway speeds.

[@6thedays]

150/160 kh

[@JohnSmith-cn2im]

I would like to buy both them ..lol

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha. Not a bad option if you think about it!! 😃👍

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi Peter

[@nikolamiljkovic7416]

Rider size

[@juanpablogonzalezs.v.8319]

No changes for 2024. Z500 comes out

[@TommyMakalele]

I buy z500 In Germany is 6000 Euro

[@leeinwis]

Can't you even have your own money ? F Euro garbage , nothin but globalists.

[@Geno20916]

I will take whatever is on sale 😂

[@philipfreeman72]

Eliminator .

[@tiffinhappy9744]

Eliminator is a 450

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yup. You should watch the video. In Canada, they're calling it a 500. www.kawasaki.ca

[@just-dl]

@@PeterLoweOnethanks. This is the bit I was looking for. Stateside they’re down playing numbers. Just Eliminator and Eliminator SE.

[@billychampy316]

What's up with Kawasaki's ugly ass color options. So uncool. 😢

[@jamesonpace726]

Funny how only non-Murcans call this & that "cruisers". It is not a cruiser. It may be a "straight" bike or universal or sit up & beg, but not a cruiser. Harleys & the assorted clones of old are cruisers. This ain't....

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm not making up terms. On the Canadian Kawasaki website, this bike is listed under the category of "Street Cruiser" so that's what I call it. Just because it doesn't fit your definition of a cruiser, doesn't mean others, including the company that makes it, can't classify it as a cruiser.

[@weylins]

Speaking from America... this is a cruiser. Same as the Rebel 500/1100 is. Same as the Yamaha Bolt is. That bullshit elitist "only Harley and Indian and etc make cruisers" mentality does nothing but damage the hobby.

[@tweisloc]

I own a 2024 Eliminator SE ABS like the one in the video, and I would say it is a bit of a hybrid. Feels like a sport bike engine mounted on a cruiser chassis. Unique, comfortable, and a lot of fun!