The name Kawasaki Eliminator might stir up some nostalgia for Indian bikers who remember the single-cylinder Eliminator of the past. But this 2024 iteration is a whole new beast – a CBU (Completely Built-Up Unit) import sporting a 451cc, parallel-twin engine derived from the legendary Ninja 500. While it doesn’t have a direct competitor, it occupies a space somewhat close to the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 in terms of power. The big question: with a price tag of Rs. 5.62 lakh (ex-showroom), does the Eliminator offer enough to justify its premium price point? We took it for a spin to find out.
Sharp Looks, Room for Improvement
The Eliminator embodies the classic Japanese cruiser aesthetic – low-slung, flat handlebar, and a raked-out front end. It definitely grabs attention on the road, but let’s be honest, it could use a touch more drama. A more muscular fuel tank would add some presence, and the single color option in India (black) feels a bit limiting. Kawasaki’s international range boasts a vibrant orange and black scheme that would’ve been a real head-turner here.
The build quality presents a mixed picture. Overall, it’s decent, but we did encounter a few niggling issues – loose keyhole assembly and vibrations from the license plate holder. The switchgear feels basic compared to some competitors, too. On the positive side, the paint quality is excellent, and the panels fit together very well.
Comfort Concerns: Rider & Pillion
Swinging a leg over the Eliminator is a breeze thanks to the low seat height of 735mm. Even shorter riders (around 5’7″) will feel comfortable putting both feet flat on the ground. However, the riding position might feel a bit awkward at first. You sit low with a slight forward lean to reach the handlebars, which is typical of Japanese cruisers. While you get used to it over time, the narrow handlebar hinders leverage in tight spaces and traffic.
The rider seat offers average cushioning at best. Expect a sore bottom after a two-hour ride. The pillion situation is even worse. The narrow, cramped seat with stiff cushioning becomes unbearable after a short while. So, if you’re planning on carrying a pillion regularly, the Eliminator might not be your ideal choice.
Dual Personality Performance
The heart of the Eliminator is a 451cc, parallel-twin engine with a 180-degree crankshaft. This translates to 44.7bhp of peak power and 42.6Nm of peak torque, channeled through a smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox. Here’s where the Eliminator’s dual personality starts to show.
Cruising Comfort
At lower revs, the engine is a delight. It delivers smooth, predictable power perfect for relaxed cruising. The throaty exhaust note (courtesy of a well-tuned exhaust system) adds to the cruiser experience. The suspension setup, with telescopic forks at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, soaks up bumps and imperfections on the road admirably, making for a comfortable ride.
The Spirited Side
But the Eliminator has a hidden wild streak too! Rev it higher, and the engine transforms. It picks up revs willingly, offering a surprising amount of punch. This makes highway cruising a breeze, allowing you to overtake slower vehicles with ease. The handling is surprisingly nimble for a cruiser. The Eliminator carves through corners with confidence, thanks to its well-balanced chassis and light weight (around 390 lbs). While the ground clearance might limit you on extreme leans, for everyday riding, it’s more than sufficient.
Braking & Safety Features
The Eliminator comes equipped with a disc brake setup at both ends – a single disc at the front and a single disc at the rear. While the braking power is adequate for regular riding, it could feel a bit underpowered for aggressive riders, especially considering the bike’s surprising acceleration capabilities. A dual-disc setup at the front would’ve been more reassuring.
Safety features are a bit on the lean side. You get a single-channel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) as standard, which is a good thing considering Indian road conditions. However, the absence of features like traction control or a slipper clutch might be a concern for some riders.
Fuel Efficiency & Maintenance
Kawasaki claims a fuel efficiency of around 35-40 kmpl for the Eliminator, which is pretty decent for this segment. This translates to a good riding range considering
