The prophecies have come true! The all-new Kawasaki Eliminator has come to Canada as a 2024 model, offering an affordable lightweight cruiser which should have plenty of zip.
In the past, Kawasaki used the Eliminator name on big-bore four-cylinder cruisers and smaller entry-level cruisers. The new machine kind of splits the difference here, powered by a 451cc parallel twin that’s based on the Ninja 400 engine. Obviously, you can expect more power (probably more torque, in particular) from this big-bore job—the Ninja makes almost 45 hp and 27 lb-ft of torque. We’d think the new machine should exceed both those numbers.
It comes with six-speed gearbox and slip/assist clutch, so it should have the same snappy shifting as Kawi’s other mid-weight models. The trellis frame is supposed to be inspired by the Ninja 400’s geometry. There’s a 41mm telescopic fork and twin shocks in rear.
Wheel sizes are 18 inches in front, 16 inches in rear, which is no real surprise—those numbers are fairly standard for cruisers, particularly in this displacement range. Both front and rear brake have dual-piston caliper, and ABS is standard.
Kawi says the new cruiser “offers a relaxed, natural riding geometry and an accessible low seat height of 735 mm,” and it also comes with Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit design. That means you should be able to purchase a range of accessories to get the bike better-fitted to your body size, similar to the accessory program for the Vulcan 650.
LED headlight and taillight and LCD dash are standard, as you’d expect. Riders can connect their mobile device to the dash via Kawasaki’s Rideology app.
At 176 kg curb weight for the base model, the Eliminator is much lighter than a big-bore cruiser, which will no doubt attract buyers, especially as the $8,199 MSRP is within striking distance of a younger beginner (also, basically the same price as a Honda Rebel 500, its biggest competitor on the current market).
Others will be attracted by the Eliminator SE variant, which adds a headlight cowl, USB-C charging port and a special two-pattern seat. The SE package adds $300 to the MSRP.
Available colours for 2024? White or black. See more details at Kawi’s website here.
