Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator Review - Best Muscle Cruiser?

[@Taylor-GTO]

I owned a black ZL900.. it was about my most favorite bike of all time. Twist the throttle at almost any speed and the tire would right up! Man I wish I could go back to those good ole' days. ;)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@Taylor-GTO Right on!

[@leviefrauim1425]

I’ve repeatedly messaged Kawasaki over the years to make a modern version of the Eliminator using the Ninja 1000/Versys 1000 tech. I think that would be a cool, practical, modern cruiser. Solid review, as always, John. Thank you!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@leviefrauim1425 Thanks, Levi! It would be really fun with the H2 motor in it!

[@kwakithailand]

Cm'on, mate, the ZH2 engine is available.

[@halfbaked_duke2709]

Love your videos, brings back alot of memories of riding with my friends in the mid 80s

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@halfbaked_duke2709 Awesome, I'm glad you enjoy the videos!

[@marcelgaud]

Jon, always love your shows,,,,,,,,, never cared for this type of bike, but after listening to you, your show, very interesting! Thanks

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@marcelgaud You're welcome, Marcel.

[@RogerHale-t7k]

Thanks for taking me on the ride Jon! That was fun!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@RogerHale-t7k You're welcome, Roger!

[@liberals_destroy_everythin2497]

This video was pure GOLD. You were very thorough, included the finer points that so many people leave out (suspension travel!) That engine made the riding portion especially fun. There are at least a few on Searchtempest. Maybe if I didn't live in the boring flat desert. Thank you for your efforts. You have obviously had an exciting motorcycle life.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@liberals_destroy_everythin2497 Thanks! I really appreciate the feedback. Cheers!

[@gordonborsboom7460]

I have long thought this was one of the best looking bikes of the era with the raked out fork. This one in red is not a good combo. Black is my preference. It also looks better with a rider on it, as it hides some of the slap dash styling of the bike, like the chrome side cover and the two-up seat

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@gordonborsboom7460 Right on!

[@stevenlabounty7134]

I really like all the details you give about the bikes, but I always enjoy the rides you take on them.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Steven! I really appreciate the feedback. Cheers!

[@notarekujira]

still own a ZL900A2 in Japan. Although it has a long wheelbase, the front and rear shock absorbers have been upgraded, and by using the throttle to make the most of the torque, it is an excellent motorcycle that can run nimbly even on mountain roads. To all ZL enthusiasts around the world, please continue to cherish this valuable vehicle that was only on sale for two years.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! I agree, the ZL900 is a surprisingly nimble and capable motorcycle that is still very exciting to ride. Cheers!

[@StratfordWingRider]

Japanese muscle cruisers are so cool. They answer the question, “what if you rode a Harley, but it was fast and reliable?” I’m a sucker for an inline 4 too

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@StratfordWingRider Right on!

[@propdoctor21564]

A friend had one in the 80s and has another now. Also has a Vmax... I have had a Vmax and two V65 Magna. The Eliminator was the quickest off the line and cornered the best... Also I think it is the best looking.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@propdoctor21564 Right on! I agree with you on all those points. Cheers!

[@yomommaahotoo264]

Whatta Gem.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@yomommaahotoo264 Right on!

[@fxsaddles7985]

Really good review Jon! 👌

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@fxsaddles7985 Thanks!

[@michaelhoffman997]

The only bike I never changed the exhaust or intake. Best power and great sound note for stock. Had a kz900 and zl900 at the same time. Fun times. I would love to own 1 again. Now I have a Suzuki M109 Bullavard, totally reminds me of the ZL on steroids in the styling. Had to have it . It's now got a 160 tire on the front (witch was the biges tire on the back in 85 lol) 280 out back.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@michaelhoffman997 Right on! Tire sizes certainly have changed over the years. I've ridden the 109. It's a quick V-twin. Cheers!

[@girthydoinks]

I really appreciate these videos man. Great job thx.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@girthydoinks Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!

[@nickrider5220]

Another great video Jon 👍🏻 Always appreciate details like revs for a given speed, tells you if an engine is relaxed at cruise - the Eliminator would've been better with a longer top gear.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@nickrider5220 Thanks, Nick! The aggressive gearing gives the Eliminator the aggressive nature that I enjoy. But you're right - taller gearing and a bigger gas tank would make it a more relaxed daily driver. Cheers!

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

Good morning Jon ☕️. I always wanted to try out this "temptress". Nice ride and review. 👍 Eric

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@user-sh5dy5tr9d Thanks, Eric!

[@ericromeiro6688]

Great Reviews & Videos 👍😊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ericromeiro6688 Thanks, Eric!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

love it ! hope it comes back as a 900 in Asia . This would surely take some HD sales.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ed.t.hansen6499 Right on!

[@356cruzer4]

Great review Jon! Your passion for this model really shines through. I'm a fan of your muscle cruiser series. If you get a chance sometime down the track please also review the Yamaha XVZ1300 (the one with the V4 from the V-Max) and of course the mighty Honda Valkyrie. They would make a great addition to your Muscle Cruiser playlist. Keep up the great work 👍👍👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks! I've owned the Royal Star and both generations of Valkyrie previously. I will feature them on the channel if I get the chance. Cheers!

[@danielcraig9642]

Hello from France ! I just discovered this vid and your channel, and.. I thank you a lot for all this information about this so rare bike ( in Europe and in France.... (It was never imported in France,and... there just ten one's for sale in whole Europe country...!!) So, I'm looking to the Vmax, as it's more easiest to find a mint one ... But, I really appreciate your exhaustive infos, and the way you film... You share so well, the fun the bike give you !! (I've had the impress, to sit just in your back... whaooo !! a lot of adrenalin !!) Thanks for sharing, Ride safe, ✌, V

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@danielcraig9642 Bon jour! Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The V-Max is also a fun machine with outstanding performance. I was in Nantes, France, in the late 1990s. It was fun to see many of the European motorcycles that we didn't get in the US. Are the French models still limited to 100 hp like they were in the 1990s?

[@danielcraig9642]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Well !! " An Almost Froggies" lol ! Come on my dear ! Your welcome! The world is finally so small ! ( I was working as Chemist/Pharmacist in a Pharmacy of a town near Nantes, in the 2000 years...) this Law power régulation was aborted since 2000, but all bikes who were released before this time must be still under the 100 HP nor today ... So, you couldn't ride in France today, a US (or Canadian, or Japanese) V-Max with V-Boost, because you're over the 100 HP.. Anyway, I'm just looking for a V-max Gen 1, OEM looking, (or, a ...Sport glide HD ,Wicked cheery Mat and black ..and Stage II, lol!) All twos are so Badass... read you soon, Ride safe ✌, John-christopher

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@danielcraig9642 Very cool! My wife and I have lots of good memories from our time in Nantes. Good luck in your search for a V-Max or Sport Glide!

[@haxan6663]

I owned one for about 6 weeks. I loved the look and the take off, but wasn't so keen on the handling on twisty roads or the frequency that I had to fill up with that small tank. I love the sound of the 80s Kawasakis.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@haxan6663 That's interesting. The handling takes a little getting used to, but I'm able to hustle it in the corners. It was much better than the other muscle cruisers in the twisties. The small tank is annoying on a daily driver for sure. Cheers!

[@Coldwarrior7781]

Kawasaki's masterpiece.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

One of them... Cheers!

[@ricardoberterame5950]

Hola jhon.me alegro que hayas vuelto a hacer un video con la Eliminator.lo mejor!! Cuando la sacas patinando gomas( apuesto que fue tu cun̈ado.ja) .Me parece de esa epoca es la mejor y perdura el estilo que tiene.saludos

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hola Ricardo, era mi cuñado el que hacía el burnout en su Eliminator. Pensé que era hora de hacer otro vídeo de Eliminator para ver si podía hacerlo un poco mejor esta vez. ¡Salud!

[@ricardoberterame5950]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 barbaro jhon...saludos

[@langhamp8912]

I rode a friend's 900 back in 1991. He had previously owned a Harley, and we were both in absolute agreement that, very soon, Harley was going to be put out of business by Japanese muscle cruisers like the V-Max, ZL900, v-magna, and so on. How could they not, with their impeccable fit and finish, far better engines, and much cheaper prices?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@langhamp8912 Right on! At least the fit and finish of the Harleys improved over the years. In reality, slow, relaxed cruisers make far more sense than wickedly fast ones. If you want outright performance, there are better platforms than a cruiser. Cheers!

[@marcelgaud]

Wow, after watching this,,,, I'm gonna go out, ride my XS1100H........ it's finally cooling off here, some it's under 100F, everyday (96).

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@marcelgaud Awesome! Enjoy your XS!

[@wdhewson]

Gotta love how the KZs keep on pulling............. In my area gas stations have gotten few but bigger, so range is really important.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@wdhewson Yep. It's something Eliminator owners need to be aware of. Cheers!

[@vicpnut1]

Always thought this was the meanest/coolest looking bike back in The day ….imo it still looks awesome

[@vicpnut1]

Never thought of the gas tank ,it being small ….sounds like the perfect candidate for someone to make an aftermarket replacement ,or some sort of retro fit from another model ..

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I always liked the looks of the Eliminator. Cheers!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yep, I would love to see a tank on the Eliminator that looked like the original Z1 900 tank. Cheers!

[@vwpieces]

55 miles is my low till reserve, usual is 73. I've owned my 1985 since 1990. Has stage 3 dynojet and an early D&D header. Sat for a while and I have a first start on here I did on here last winter. Most of the hydraulics needed rebuild. Front master now works better than it did 20yrs ago. You only need the clutch for pulling out and into second.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@vwpieces Right on!

[@TheMarcball]

Had a V-max since 1995... and now im thinking that Eliminator would be a nice 6th addition to my stable. Although i did remember the zl1000 and preferred its look.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@TheMarcball The ZL1000 is nice too, though the 900 was slightly quicker. I would love the larger tank of the 1000. Cheers!

[@1990-t1j]

Afriend had one of these. He loved it.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@1990-t1j Right on!

[@jbtoptc7327]

Love this. 😁👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@jbtoptc7327 Right on!

[@GeemailMailboxx]

I was just getting ready to make a pot of coffee and a little breakfast. After watching this, and the sun finally peaking out, I'm going to go for a bike ride first.😅 Thanks for the inspiration. 👍🏍️💨

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@GeemailMailboxx Awesome! You're welcome.

[@shinethelight01]

Some bikes are happy to cruise along, and some bikes beg you to go faster. Clearly the Eliminator 900 is one of the latter. I own a ZRX1200 & an FJ 1200. The ZRX does not mind just cruising. The FJ is like, "Can we go faster? Pleeeeeeese!"

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@shinethelight01 Right on!

[@neotree605]

I had a 85 eliminator 900 awesome bike. Then I went to a v max next.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@neotree605 Right on!

[@mojorisin7371]

Amazing how Kawasaki has that similar sound like Honda's. You can always tell which bike it is from the inherent engine tone of their motors.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@mojorisin7371 Right on!

[@Truth-Liberator]

I know of someone who has toured extensively on one. Three time's around north America amongst other countries.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@Truth-Liberator I sincerely hope he rigged up a bigger fuel tank. Otherwise, I wonder how many times he ran out of gas in the process? Regardless, he must have enjoyed spending time at gas stations! Cheers!

[@marcelgaud]

It's been since 4th of July when I've last ridden .........just too damned HOT!!!!!!!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@marcelgaud I agree, hot weather can be just as miserable to ride in as the cold.

[@Coldwarrior7781]

Where you at?

[@marcelgaud]

@@Coldwarrior7781 Yuma, ARIZONA!

[@Coldwarrior7781]

@@marcelgaud SE Texas. It gets hot here too but with high humidity. I just ride anyway. Otherwise the thing would just rot in place.

[@haxan6663]

We rarely have that problem in the UK.

[@willbar1961]

This is one I always liked and wanted but never got. I did have a Magna and Sabre. Rode the VMax but didn't like it as much. Since all these, in nice condition, have become expensive I probably won't get any of them and just be satisfied with the CBX and 1100F Super Sport..

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@willbar1961 Right on! Of those bikes, the Sabre was my favorite to ride. Cheers!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

2 up riding looks great ! A sure win against Honda, HD ; add a top box, panniers . Wow

[@ThyLiquor]

Be sure to keep those carbs clean. They have no overflow tubes, so you won't know that you may have a hydro-lock situation until you hit the starter button. Don't have the carbs cleaned-overhauled without installing those overflow tubes.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ThyLiquor Right on! That's certainly something to be aware of.

[@Aprojeep]

What are you running for main jets?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@Aprojeep That's a great question. I assume these are the stock mains. I can't say with 100% certainty because I haven't had the carbs off to check. There hasn't been a need since it runs great currently. Cheers!

[@stevefavia]

No competition for the VMAX!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@stevefavia The V-Max was the 1/4 mile king, but there are other aspects to riding a motorcycle. The Eliminator was quickest off the line and up to 100 mph, handled much better in the corners, was more comfortable, etc. I look forward to reviewing the V-Max as well - it's a great motorcycle. Cheers!

[@stevefavia]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Bought my vmax new in 85,that I still have,2 of my friends had the 900 eliminators,neither one was faster off the line much less to 100,the gen 2 vmax I bought new in 2009,makes them feel like scooters.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@stevefavia My friend has the gen 2 Max. I'm hoping he'll let me ride it sometime 🤞. I would love to review it on this channel. It's amazing how quick the newer bikes are and how effortless they are to ride fast. Cheers!

[@leadsled8961]

Was that bike not the fastest accelerating motorcycle for its day. I have a CycleWorld article for that rocket.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It was never the quickest/fastest in the 1/4 mile, but it was still very quick and very entertaining to ride. It had a completely different feel than the other V-4 powered muscle cruisers. Cheers!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

rear lights off the back seem to be difficult for a top box ! ; Why put them there !!

[@KennethMayo-h9h]

Nice old classic had no idea it turned a quicker qt mile time than most of the early 80s bikes p.s. need a few wheelie shots you aint that old

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@KennethMayo-h9h Right on! The Eliminator is very difficult to wheelie off the line. It will spin the rear tire before lifting the front wheel. Cheers!

[@michaelhoffman997]

And that was a good thing. Ide often get a 3 inch front tire lift in a drag race . It's a long bike to comfortably rip wheelies

[@korooss1]

Очень хорошо

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Спасибо!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

if it does not come to thailand; then the Honda will get the win with its 1000,1300, 1100

[@Team-fabulous]

Have to disagree with you regarding the comparison between the Kawasaki and the V-Max. I had a V max in 1990 and my chum had the Eliminator. My Max totally destroyed the Kawasaki in every department. Away from the lights the Kawasaki wasnt to be seen.....

[@liberals_destroy_everythin2497]

Maybe your chum was trying to save gas?

[@michaelhoffman997]

Me on my ZL and my buddy had The V Max way back too. Imo In a straight line the V Max was very fast. And out performed the ZL light to light. I thought the ZL handled alot better overall.

[@Team-fabulous]

@@michaelhoffman997 some people say the big max didn't handle which is nonsense, you simply had to hustle the big lady ...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@Team-fabulous I suspect the rider had a lot to do with the race results. It takes a pro to get the best out of either bike at the drag strip. Plus, the V-Max isn't a slouch 😉. Cheers!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@liberals_destroy_everythin2497 Hahaha! He was on an Eliminator. Probably didn't want to run dry between lights 🤣.

[@flexjay87]

Gotta say, the radiator on the Kawasaki looks horribly big .

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@flexjay87 It is big.

[@ispeed1971]

Your channel is easily te best retro motorcycle channel on KZbin. Love the GenX motorcycle porn lol

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ispeed1971 Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!