The 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator has made its debut in the American market, aiming to compete head-to-head with the Honda Rebel.
This new cruiser from Kawasaki comes equipped with a fresh engine, marking a significant shift in the cruiser motorcycle landscape. Traditional heavyweight cruisers are no longer the dominant choice, as metric cruisers have gained immense popularity. In response to this trend, Kawasaki has revived the Eliminator nameplate after a 16-year hiatus, reintroducing it as a 400cc model in 2023. Now, Team Green has officially launched this new cruiser in the United States, and it boasts notable updates that aim to ignite the sub-500cc cruiser segment and challenge its Japanese counterpart, the Honda Rebel 500.

A Familiar yet Refreshed Parallel-Twin Engine

One of the key distinctions between the Japanese version of the Eliminator and its U.S. counterpart lies in the power plant. The American model features a 451cc parallel-twin engine, derived from the 399cc unit found in the Kawasaki Ninja 400. While the peak horsepower remains undisclosed by Team Green, it does deliver 31.7 pound-feet of torque. Although this is a four-pound-feet increase compared to the 400cc model, the new cruiser falls just 0.2 pound-feet short of its rival, the Honda Rebel 500. Nevertheless, all this power and torque are transmitted to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch.

The new engine is housed within a bespoke tubular chassis and subframe, primarily derived from Kawasaki's 400cc naked bike. The frame features high-tensile steel construction to keep weight low and enhance riding dynamics. Suspension duties are handled by 41 mm telescopic forks in the front and dual shock absorbers in the rear, paired with an 18-inch front wheel and a 16-inch rear wheel. Braking performance is ensured by a 310 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc, both equipped with Nissin calipers. With a weight of just 386 pounds (388 pounds for the ABS model) when fully fueled, the Eliminator promises accessibility for riders of all sizes, along with its 28.9-inch seat height.

A Stylishly Designed Cruiser

In terms of design, the Eliminator boasts an appealing aesthetic. Its alloy wheels, blacked-out mechanical components, and LED lighting provide a modern touch, while the "retro" charm is evident in features like the round headlight and mirrors. These elements are complemented by the cruiser's low-slung stance, slim fuel tank, and chopper-style rear fender. While the overall design may bear some resemblance to the Honda Rebel, the Kawasaki cruiser still manages to exude its own handsome appeal. It is available in two simple color schemes, Pearl Robotic White and Pearl Storm Gray. Of course, opinions on its design may vary, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.

Beyond its design, the Eliminator offers mid-set footrests, a two-piece seat, and a somewhat tall handlebar, creating an upright riding position that is more comfortable than the Z400 but less laid back than Kawasaki's 650cc mid-capacity cruiser, the Vulcan S (more on that later). Once in the saddle, riders are greeted by an LCD instrument cluster that comes with smartphone connectivity via the Rideology app. This allows riders to access motorcycle data on their phone and receive phone notifications on the bike's dashboard. Additional features include LED lighting all around, with both ABS and non-ABS variants available. For those seeking more, Kawasaki offers an Eliminator SE variant, which includes fork gaiters, a headlight nacelle, a USB charging port, and dual-tone seats. The Candy Steel Furnace Orange livery adds another distinctive option.

Is It Worth the Price?

Kawasaki USA has priced the 2024 Eliminator with a starting MSRP of $6,649, reaching up to $7,249 for the SE ABS version. This positions it as the most expensive 400cc Kawasaki model available in the American market, a significant $1,250 more than the Z400. Furthermore, it is $200 more expensive than its rival, the 2023 Honda Rebel 500, which already boasts a dedicated fan base. Adding to the competition, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is expected to arrive soon with a price tag under $7,000, featuring a larger engine and classic cruiser appeal, combined with top-notch fit and finish, as confirmed during our brief test ride.

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