The all-new Kawasaki Eliminator 500 finally launched in India after its global debut last year. The motorcycle is priced at Rs 5.62 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The Eliminator name returns to India and this time borrows its underpinnings from the smaller parallel-twin Kawasakis.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 – Design And Specifications
When it comes to styling, the eliminator shares a lot with the Vulcan. Similar to the Vulcan, the Eliminator is a long and low motorbike and also has a large 18-inch front wheel, however, it gets a 16-inch rear wheel compared to the Vulcan’s 17-inch wheel. The Eliminator has a ground clearance of 150 mm and weighs 176 kg.
The bike also has a low seat height of 734 mm, which will appeal to a lot of short riders. Similar to the Kawasaki Vulcan 650, this motorbike has Kawasaki’s ergo-fit system that allows riders to choose from various optional handlebars and footpegs.
The braking department of the Eliminator is handled by a single 310 mm disc at the front and a 240 mm disc at the rear with Dual Channel ABS as standard. The bike uses a brand-new chassis along with dual rear shocks, giving it a retro cruiser look unlike the Vulcan 650, which uses a monoshock. The Eliminator is only available in one colour option for now – Metallic Flat Spark Black.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 – Powertrain
The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 sports a new 451 cc parallel-twin unit that is derived from the engine in the Kawasaki Ninja 400. This motor gets a longer stroke, a larger airbox and bigger throttle bodies. This engine produces a peak power of 45 hp at 9,000 RPM and a peak of 42.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM. The mill is mated with a 6-speed gearbox with a slip/assist clutch.
This unit also made its appearance recently in the new Kawasaki Ninja 500 and Z500 at the EICMA 2023. Kawasaki also developed this engine to make the bike more fun to ride as compared to the 400.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 – Expected Price and Rivals
Kawasaki will bring the Eliminator 500 into the Indian market as a CKD unit, so expect the price tag to be high. As for rivals, the closest ones that will give competition include the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 (recently unveiled).
Given we have fewer options to choose from when it comes to cruisers, this bike is a very welcoming addition to the market. Check out the official video of the Eliminator 500 in action in case pictures aren’t enough.
