Kawasaki Eliminator

The Eliminator returns to India as a premium imported cruiser with a modern attitude. Instead of following old-school cruiser traditions, it borrows a lively 451cc twin-cylinder engine from the Ninja 500. This gives it a sporty character that most cruisers in this segment simply do not offer.
 

The bike looks clean, minimal, and stylish. It sits low, feels approachable, and is easy to handle. On the road, the bike draws attention without being loud or flashy. However, its premium pricing places it against larger, feature-rich competitors. That makes value for money an important question.

After spending time riding it in different conditions, the Eliminator impresses with performance, refinement, and efficiency. But it also leaves room for improvement in comfort, features, and visual presence.

• The Eliminator follows classic Japanese cruiser styling, and its clean, minimal design looks modern without losing its timeless charm.
• The bike has an attractive stance, but a slightly bigger and more muscular fuel tank would give it a stronger presence on the road.
• Kawasaki offers only one black colour option, and this feels a bit limiting for a motorcycle with such a premium price.
• The paint quality and panel fitment feel solid and well-finished, giving the bike a nicely built and premium impression.
• The switchgear feels quite basic, and it could definitely look and feel more premium to match the bike’s pricing.
• With a low seat height of 735mm, most riders will find it very easy to place both feet flat on the ground.

• The riding posture keeps you seated low and slightly forward, and it starts feeling natural once you spend a little time on the bike.
• The narrow handlebar reduces leverage at slow speeds, which makes tight turns and traffic riding slightly less effortless.
• The rider seat cushioning feels average, and you may start feeling discomfort on rides longer than a couple of hours.
• The pillion seat is small and firm, so it is not very comfortable for long or regular two-up rides.
• The ergonomics work well for daily riding, but for long-distance touring, the comfort could definitely be better.

• The bike gets a 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine taken from the Ninja 500, and this gives the cruiser a sporty and energetic character.

• It gives around 44.7 bhp of power and the engine feels strong and capable, especially for a cruiser in this segment.
• The mid-range performance is lively, so overtaking and quick bursts of acceleration feel easy and effortless.
• At low speeds, the bike rides smoothly, which means it never feels jerky or uncomfortable in city traffic.
• Unlike traditional cruisers, this engine enjoys being revved, and it rewards riders who like a more spirited riding style.
• In everyday city riding, the bike can cruise comfortably at slow speeds, even when you are in higher gears.
• On the highway, it holds speeds of 100 to 120kmph with ease and never feels like it is working too hard.
• The six-speed gearbox feels smooth and precise, which makes every gear shift simple and stress-free.
• The clutch is light to operate, which helps reduce hand fatigue during stop-and-go traffic.
• You may notice slight vibrations at higher speeds, but they never spoil the overall riding experience.
• In real-world riding, the bike returns around 29 kmpl, which is impressive for a twin-cylinder performance motorcycle.
• The 13-litre fuel tank gives a riding range of over 400km, which makes it a great companion for long-distance touring.

• The suspension is tuned slightly on the firmer side, but it still smooths out rough roads and keeps the ride comfortable.
• In the city, bumps, potholes, and expansion joints are handled with confidence, and the bike stays composed.

• The rear suspension can feel a bit stiff over sharp potholes, which causes a small kickback at times.

• Even though it is a cruiser, the Eliminator feels surprisingly light and easy to control.
• It leans into corners quickly and starts to feel playful once you get familiar with its steering.
• The sharp turning response may feel unusual at first, but it becomes natural with time.
• The front brake offers strong and progressive stopping power, making braking feel safe and predictable.

• The rear brake works in a controlled and steady manner, which suits daily riding well.
• The dual-channel ABS works quietly in the background and never feels intrusive.
• On highways, the bike remains stable and planted, making long rides relaxed and stress-free.

• The round digital instrument cluster is clean, modern, and easy to read while riding.

• Bluetooth connectivity allows basic smartphone pairing and notification alerts.
• Full LED lighting improves visibility at night and adds a modern touch.

• Safety features are limited to dual-channel ABS.
• Advanced aids like traction control and ride modes are missing at this price point.
• Turn-by-turn navigation is not available on the display.
• The off-centre placement of the console adds a unique design element.

The Kawasaki Eliminator is a cruiser that dares to be different. It delivers sporty performance, smooth refinement, and everyday usability in a low-slung package. It feels fun in the city, confident on highways, and surprisingly capable in corners. Fuel efficiency and engine character are big highlights. However, the high price exposes its shortcomings in features, pillion comfort, and road presence.