Is The New Kawasaki Eliminator The Easiest Cruiser To Ride?

A small cruiser with sporty DNA. Kawasaki is bringing back the Eliminator name with a pair of 400cc, mid-mount foot control cruisers based on the parallel-twin Ninja and Z400. Is this most approachable cruiser yet?
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[@nicholash8021]

Back in 1987 I had an 86' Kawasaki Eliminator ZL900 (908cc engine). What a beast that was and a joy to ride. The low center of gravity and the acceleration was mind blowing. It's sad that the latest generation is only half the engine of the one from almost 4 decades ago but the new one sure is gorgeous. The 0-to-60 was around 2.8 to 3 seconds. I had mine (stock) up to155mph and I only slowed down because I ran out of road--literally a "Jersey barrier" was up ahead. I was 174lbs at the time and even going very slightly uphill on an access highway. I'll never forget it. I sold it in 1989 for more than I paid for it (around $3500) and bought a computer with the money. That initial investment and trade is why I'm a successful software engineer today and perhaps why I'm still alive.

[@robertpeters6419]

I have one and really like this bike, it handles well and is very stable.

[@trainingyourmother4059]

What’s the top speed?

[@tombombadilofficial]

0:35 Kawasaki finally decides to no longer accept that Honda is kicking their asses with the Rebel 500 so they decided to re-release the ol’ reliable.

[@Fred-ns1tl]

It's not like Honda's '500' engine is pushing any boundaries. If we take a look at bikes of yore, their power per cc, we may be surprised...

[@tiffinhappy9744]

Had mine for little overthree weeks and it handles great.

[@kaiserrazzaq6865]

I sat on one of these at the London Motorcycle show last month. It was my favourite bike in terms of comfort and natural seating position.

[@silky_smooth9475]

Just picked up one of these the other day so far 60 miles on it and really like it its my first cruiser I used to ride dirt bikes and this is an amazing bike I'm 6.1 and I fit just fine

[@matt59fire]

That's not a cruiser. First off it's below 400lbs. And the foot position is neutral. I guess you are correct. But it's like a modern sport. Not a biker club type

[@SkintSNIPER262]

What's your inseam?

[@pavolhreha7566]

​@@matt59fire Power crusider

[@matt59fire]

@@pavolhreha7566 crusader? DEUS VULT

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

In 1968, before the Honda CB750 was introduced, the Honda CB450 was the King of motorcycles. Yes, Harley and British bikes had way more displacement but the Honda CB450 was the best performing. So I could ride a 450cc bike today. I don't need 100+ horsepower to have fun.

[@Fred-ns1tl]

Same, don't really need more than 500cc for commuting imo. I ride a KLX230SM arount town even highway. it tops out at 75mph! so i want a Honda CB300R or this Eliminator to be able to hit the ton, as a more comfy commuter bike vs the larger heavier 'big boy' bikes

[@robertdorr6607]

the Eliminator is more fun to ride then the 650 model. It handles really well-ish, but your feet are always a centimeter from the ground in the twisties.

[@Guitarooster52]

Sounds like a nice engine to replace the 300 in the Versys X300.

[@eflanagan1921]

From your lips to Kawasaki ears

[@Fred-ns1tl]

I see everyone is thinking same. Then watch, 6 years from now the Versys X-300 will be saught after 😄

[@manuelabreu8764]

I think this bike is more a Small Sport Cruiser, and I will be very happy to add it to my garage. Very different animal than the Royal Enfield

[@kurtinfl]

It seems to be a modern iteration of the Ltd 454; primarily a standard with slightly cruiser-ish ergonomics and style. The original Eliminator 900 was a road burning power cruiser with a Ninja motor. This name is definitely aspirational.

[@Fred-ns1tl]

I think the original Eliminator 900 looks badaxx. I want the matte black 2024 real bad, like bad financial decisions bad :P I love watching videos about those older bikes, so much personality back then.

[@angelnokare6906]

How is the ground clearance when leaning? Is it very easy to scrape the footpegs/exhaust? I saw some videos and it looks very cloose to the ground when leaning to the right

[@julyman9]

Wish they made this with the 650 engine

[@NotAffiliated]

They did kinda. It's the Vulcan S 650

[@julyman9]

@@NotAffiliatedVulcan is different in sense it does not have slipper clutch, has forward foot controls, no Bluetooth , no LED lights. Just want them to make a Eliminator 650 with dual front discs and I will be first in line to buy one

[@NotAffiliated]

@@julyman9 I've been debating between those two so your comment is helpful. A slipper clutch and LEDs would be nice! I know the Vulcan is bigger and could be both my 1st and 2nd bike essentially, but the Eliminator is growing on me and I want to be a good rider and learn well and quickly. I"m not intimidated by the Vulcan on an ultimate safety level per se but perhaps I'm more concerned about developing bad / coping habits by getting my 2nd bike as a first bike. How hard to you think it would be to get a new Eliminator and replace the entire front end with something from another bike, like a Ninja 1000 or a CBR1000RR....what ever would fit. I want to customize my bike and the thought actually crossed my mind to get the Eliminator and then modify it to make it handle even better. At this point it would essentially become my 2nd bike. I saw a video of a guy who put a GSXR front end on a Harley FXR and it was SICK. I want to mostly street but also road coarse the bike but not to be competitive with others but just to learn and become a better rider. I did this with my cars in the past. I got nice, fast cars and daily-ed them and modified them lightly and ran them on the track from time to time. I want to do the same thing with bikes now.

[@1219magnum]

Great production sir. Think I'll go get one.

[@sir2honda]

If it had a crossplane motor then I'd consider it. Otherwise, the 1250$ price difference between this and the Z400 just doesn't validate the slightly larger displacement for me.

[@Fred-ns1tl]

Go sit on one. It grew on me, i want one. I didn't like it at first.

[@NinjaKoalaAUTW]

we need a good exhaust for this baby

[@madmadrigal66]

I juist got me one Thanks Boddy.

[@mikewanamaker7352]

Someone needs to explain the Kawasaki “doohickey “. Please,why/when is this necessary? Design flaw? Purpose? All Kawi’s?

[@eflanagan1921]

Don't worry about it ,afaik KLR650 problem only .

[@Fred-ns1tl]

​@@eflanagan1921Not even that. Phil of ClevelandMoto Podcast said it's not a problem. People just tend to think they need it from word of mouth, but he said he's had no issues

[@Ares310788]

this or the Rebel?....

[@just-dl]

My impression: eliminator is the better bike. Rebel is the better looking bike. I’ve sat on both. Ridden neither. So I’m going with second hand info. But frankly,both are good choices. I’d love to see a good head to head comparison of the two.

[@saifalmaddah8039]

What do i buy this bike or honda rebel ?

[@Fred-ns1tl]

Either. Also consider the CB300R if you like Thumpers and dont mind a slower bike.

[@spartanx169x]

IMO, the biggest drawback to the Vulcan S 650 is the Forward controls. If it had mid controls like the Eliminator it would be a much better bike. IF they put the 650 in the Eliminator, the Vulcan S will be doomed.

[@Krispy1011]

If they put the 650 in the eliminator it will then be a Vulcan S

[@nicholasrandles6657]

Another bike with a tiny pillion seat. Small to mid sized bike options for decent two up riding is limited.

[@paul5683]

You should see the pillion seat on my xmax scooter, you could serve a good sized pizza on there.

[@Fred-ns1tl]

Haha... one of the reasons i want the Elim is my wife would ride with me. We both agreed she may not ride far on the stock seat!

[@benjaminminty9602]

i like the se but I’ll never understand why anyone makes an orange bike. no thanks. hopefully they’ll change the color next year.

[@just-dl]

That’s funny because the color is the only part of the se package I like…different strokes….

[@Fred-ns1tl]

I like the matte sparkle black. I got a few bikes in similar color, but also with blue trim, looks badass.

[@bobmarino05]

That's an insane price point when you can get a rebel for 5

[@Fred-ns1tl]

It is a bit up there. Keep in mind dealer fees as well. But it's sportier than the rebel. If Harley sold this they'd be doing themselves well! haha

[@Krispy1011]

Th Eliminator certainly is a good bike, great for beginners - but it is not a cruiser - its a light weight sport cruiser. I have been riding for many moons and this is no cruiser.

[@SprakanaKerum]

I don't even know what a sport cruiser is, LOL. It's either a sport bike or a cruiser. Those 2 have very different aesthetics and engine profiles

[@Krispy1011]

Its my term, so whats a sport bike for you? its usually a street bike or a cruiser or a touring or a dirt - whats a sport bike?@@SprakanaKerum

[@SprakanaKerum]

@@Krispy1011 I'll give you examples: a Honda CBR500, or a Kawasaki Ninja 650. See? Wasn't so hard

[@Krispy1011]

Thats excellent - but I would classify the Kaw 650 Ninja and the Honda CBR500 as street bikes, you can say their engines might be "sporty" but that to me doesn't make them a sport bike - but thats my thinking and I'm stickin to it. good day!@@SprakanaKerum

[@Dave-sw2dm]

We used to them factory customs. The original Eliminator had an inline 4 ninja engine. Factory customs: Kawasaki LTD, Honda Custom, Yamaha Special, Suzuki L.

[@johnd9031]

Nice looking.

[@temporaryscars]

I like it, but as a non-beginner, I'd love to see it in 700ccs. Under 500 just sounds like it would be way too slow.

[@eflanagan1921]

385lbs light !

[@Fred-ns1tl]

I disagree. After realizing how much fun i have riding smaller lighter bikes, i think this may be a great commuter. Also the Honda CB300's, CB500' and Rebel 300's and 500's. I also loved the MT-03 after sitting on one, fit me very well. Light 300cc bikes are slower but can do the job. Anything around 380lbs with low-slung weight like this Eliminator sounds like a joy to move around the garage and go bar hopping.

[@Kaaukuu]

Nice bike. I don’t know about the name. “Eliminator” as in “Rider Eliminator”?

[@martinowings3597]

It’s a drag racing term. The. NHRA has a competition eliminator class or it just means the Eliminator round where you blow away your opponent 😊

[@Soysaucemoto]

Scraping on a slightly banked turn. That's going to scare some new riders. Taller pegs and seat would help.

[@JDeezle21]

Let’s drop this motor in the Z400 also

[@aluisious]

Kawi needs a crossplane parallel twin.

[@thinkdunson]

@JDeezle21 agreed.

[@Fred-ns1tl]

They did, the 'Z500'. The '24 Eliminator seems to be the official initial release for the updated Ninja400/Z400 engine. It is supposedly 451cc now. I'll take a bit of torque!

[@ruthhancock7665]

For an extra $800, just get a Vulcan. This bike is way overpriced

[@DennyClark-es9qw]

Just bought a 2024. The only thing I liked was the color. Eliminator are are junk.

[@Fred-ns1tl]

You do not like it?

[@uilnosaj]

Here is my take, just bought one today, the gear changes does give you a lot of feel.

[@trainingyourmother4059]

Top speed ?

[@ozcanciftci5050]

What i dont like are,foot peg pisition,tge sound,width should have been designed longer,mirrors suck,ugly exhaust...

[@aluisious]

Oof this kid has a voice for print media.

[@thinkdunson]

wow. i think he did just fine. much better than many other motojournalists i've seen on youtube.

[@just-dl]

Harsh. But reminds me of the quote “he has a face for radio.”

[@JNorth87]

Looks like the cheapest motorcycle they could make.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

A used Sportster must be cheap as chips in America. I know what bike I'd rather. And it wouldn't be an unspecial "special."

[@thinkdunson]

nope. doesn't matter what it is or what year it is; harleys are never cheap compared to something similar. any time i hear someone is thinking of getting into motorcycles and they want a cruiser, i do everything i can to steer them away from harley. there are tons of other options that are actually fun to ride while also being way more affordable than a harley.

[@just-dl]

The only thing cheap about the sportster is the build quality.

[@Bryan11210]

BS title

[@vxe6vxe6]

Just say no.

[@Evoluztion]

To bad it's only a 450.. Needs to be at least a 750+

[@Soysaucemoto]

If it had the 1043cc from my 2016 Z1000 I'd buy one and smoke every cruiser out there

[@tiffinhappy9744]

Targeted toward adiffefent customer is thereason it doesnt have alarge motor. I love mine and super impressed with the motor

[@just-dl]

Vulcan 900.

[@in5364]

God that looks ugly. It can be the best bike but I wouldn't own one

[@HammerDog01]

Sad. Just sad. Eliminator used to be a power cruiser. Now it comes with training wheels. Stop trying to make every bike for a new rider.

[@spartanx169x]

This bike will be extremely popular in Europe and Asia.

[@tombombadilofficial]

This bike is extremely popular in Asia. Where it was specifically designed for in the first place. Cope and Seethe.

[@just-dl]

Are you seriously saying there’s not enough large displacement bikes out there? Kawasaki alone has multiple options to choose from. Besides, older, experienced bikers aren’t leading the sales effort. Getting new riders on two wheels is good for all manufacturers. Now and into the future.

[@paul5683]

​@@just-dlThat's like these guys that have a 34 to 36 inch inseam, complaining about a bike being too short for them. Dude, just go ride any other bike on the market.