Keep more butts on bikes. That is the industry theme lately as manufacturers continue riding the post-Covid wave, which saw an influx of riders either getting back into riding or starting out. Attracting and then keeping these entry-level customers is the name of the game for Kawasaki’s latest sporty cruiser, the Eliminator. My rookie street skills fit the bill perfectly for their new-model launch on the sunny California coastline.

Photography by Kevin Wing

The Eliminator name returns to the Kawasaki lineup for 2024. You might remember the original Kawasaki Eliminator that was introduced in 1985 as the ZL900 “power-cruiser.” There have been several variants of the Eliminator since before disappearing in the mid-2000s. But it’s now reappeared as the all-new 451cc Eliminator. Its parallel-twin DOHC engine is based heavily on the sporty Ninja and Z400 platforms but has been stroked for more displacement and low-end torque to fit the cruiser mold, as is its rider position.

The rider triangle is more upright than the laid-back, feet-out position of Kawasaki’s larger Vulcan cruisers. A low 28.9-inch seat height makes the Eliminator extremely approachable, as does its light 386 pounds, which makes the bike feel agile and easy to balance at a stop light. LED lights and a small but effective LCD display give it a modern look.

Smartphone connectivity is also available via Kawasaki’s Rideology The App.

The Eliminator comes in three packages with increasing price tags: base/non-ABS ($6649), ABS ($6949) and SE ABS ($7249). The base and ABS models are offered in Pearl Robotic White and Pearl Storm Gray, and the SE Candy Steel Furnace Orange/Ebony.

Gone Cruisin’

I spent the day on the SE. I was drawn to its attractive orange and black colorway, and I’m all about ABS. You also get a headlight cowl, a USB-C outlet, fork boots, and a two-pattern seat that you don’t get with the other two.

I anticipated the Eliminator’s seat to be ultra-low and the bars to be overly stretched out like other cruisers I’ve ridden. But to my delight, this wasn’t the case. The Eliminator’s riding position was uber-comfortable right from the get-go. The seat is low enough to be appealing for new riders but not too low to be uncomfortable for taller riders. And the footpegs were positioned just right, in other words, right underneath you. The handlebar positioning was also neutral and well within reach. My 6’1″ frame is a little much for this bike, but overall, I didn’t feel too cramped. The Eliminator blends what every new rider wants: that cool look with a comfortable and friendly riding position.

The Eliminator powerplant stems from the familiar parallel twin in the Ninja and Z 400 models but, as mentioned, stroked for more cubic centimeters and torque. The initial roll-on is extremely smooth and hardly intimidating. Newer street riders, like me, will appreciate its smooth and predictable power when accelerating from a standstill. And to make stop and gos as easy as possible, Kawasaki gives you positive neutral finder, which helps the rider locate neutral when traveling approximately seven mph or less, or while stopped. This makes it an absolute no-brainer when trying to find neutral at intersections. Then, at takeoff, simply pull the clutch lever in, tap the gearshift lever, and off you go. A slip/assist clutch also aids in downshifting.

The Eliminator’s strong bottom end transitions nicely into a sporty midrange around the 4000 rpm mark. It’s here where the engine comes alive, and you start feeling some of that fun-loving Ninja DNA. From there, it pulls nicely through the bike’s six speeds and without excessive vibes. It certainly feels sporty.

The lightweight nature of the bike doesn’t require a whole host of power to get you going, and the bike feels nimble at speed and handles nicely. You won’t get tired from muscling the Eliminator around while en route. Our ride cruised through twisty back roads with a few freeway transfers, and a 70-mph pace was no problem for the versatile Eliminator.

I did have a few gripes. The brakes left a little to be desired, and the suspension was soft for my 170 pounds. Also, its engine note is not inspiring whatsoever, but that’s the norm with most 180° crankshaft parallel twins.

Overall, though, the new Kawasaki Eliminator achieves what it sets out to do—make life easy, approachable and fun for the newbie and even the more experienced rider. It’s also affordable and has looks you can be proud of. And you’ll never be mistaken as being the “new guy.” CN

2024 Kawasaki Eliminator Specifications

VIDEO | 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator First Ride

 

2024 Kawasaki Eliminator

Click here to read the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator story in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.

 

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