Kawasaki Eliminator 500

Overview

The 2025 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 is a stylish cruiser motorcycle that embodies the essence of classic American cruisers with a modern twist. Launched in India with a price tag of Rs. 5.76 lakh, it retains the spirit of its predecessors while offering a unique blend of performance, comfort, and style. Here's a comprehensive look at this exciting motorcycle:

Kawasaki has long been renowned for its high-performance motorcycles, but the Eliminator series takes a different approach, focusing on comfort and cruising capabilities. The 2025 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 continues this tradition, offering a powerful yet laid-back riding experience that appeals to those seeking a relaxed, enjoyable ride.

Design and Exterior Features

The Eliminator 500 features a sleek and low-slung design, typical of cruiser motorcycles. It boasts a slender fuel tank and horizontal lines that create an elegant profile, suggesting a balance of active performance and composure. The bike is available in a single color option: Metallic Flat Spark Black, which adds to its sleek and modern appearance.

One of the standout design elements is the round LED headlight, reminiscent of classic cruisers. The tail design is original, with a slash-cut lower line that angles sharply upwards, contributing to the active performance image. The SE model features a two-pattern seat leather with stitching along its top edge, enhancing the premium feel.

Engine and Performance

The Eliminator 500 is powered by a 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, producing 45 PS of power at 9,000 rpm and 42.6 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. This engine is shared with the Ninja 500, but it's tuned for a more laid-back cruising experience. The bike features a six-speed transmission with a slip-and-assist clutch, making gear shifts smooth and effortless.

The engine's strong low-end torque benefits low-speed maneuverability, making it ideal for city riding. At higher speeds, the Eliminator's power delivery is linear and responsive, reflecting its Ninja lineage. This balance of power and torque ensures a comfortable ride in various conditions.

Key Features

1. Instrument Cluster: The Eliminator features a compact, round, all-digital LCD instrument panel. This modern display includes a bar-style tachometer and gear position indicator, providing essential information in a clear format. Smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki's RIDEOLOGY THE APP enhances the riding experience by allowing access to call and SMS notifications.

2. Safety Features: The bike is equipped with dual-channel ABS, which enhances braking safety by preventing wheel lock-up during sudden stops. Additionally, it includes a side stand sensor that prevents the bike from starting when the stand is down.

3. Suspension and Brakes: The Eliminator uses a 41mm telescopic fork at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride and predictable handling. Braking is handled by a single 310mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, both equipped with ABS.

4. Wheels and Tires: The bike rides on 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels, with a 130/70 front tire and a 150/80 rear tire. This configuration contributes to its low head position and long, low style.

Dimensions and Capacity

The Eliminator 500 measures 2,250 mm in length, 785 mm in width, and 1,100 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 1,520 mm, a seat height of 735 mm, and a ground clearance of 150 mm. The fuel tank capacity is 13 liters, and the curb weight is 176 kg.

Handling and Ergonomics

The Eliminator's chassis geometry is designed for light, natural handling, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The bike's low seat height and natural riding position, with handle grips positioned for comfort and footpegs that prevent leg cramping, contribute to stress-free everyday riding. The trellis frame, inspired by the Ninja 400's high-performance design, maintains the bike's active performance potential while ensuring a low seat height.

Competition

The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 competes in the cruiser segment, primarily against the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. While the Super Meteor offers a more powerful engine and a distinct retro style, the Eliminator focuses on comfort and ease of handling, appealing to riders seeking a laid-back cruising experience.

Price and Availability

The 2025 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 is priced at Rs. 5.76 lakh (ex-showroom), marking a Rs. 14,000 increase from its predecessor. Despite the price hike, the bike remains unchanged in terms of features and components, retaining its appeal as a stylish and comfortable cruiser.

Conclusion

The 2025 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 is a testament to Kawasaki's ability to blend classic cruiser design with modern technology and performance. Its powerful engine, comfortable ergonomics, and advanced features make it an attractive option for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging riding experience. As Kawasaki continues to evolve its lineup, the Eliminator 500 remains a unique offering in the Indian market, catering to enthusiasts who value style, comfort, and the joy of cruising.

Future Prospects

The Eliminator series has always been about providing a unique riding experience that diverges from Kawasaki's more performance-oriented models. As the Indian motorcycle market continues to grow, the Eliminator 500 is well-positioned to attract riders looking for a stylish and comfortable cruiser. Its success will depend on how well it resonates with the evolving preferences of Indian bikers, who increasingly seek a blend of style, comfort, and technology in their motorcycles.

Final Thoughts

The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 represents a niche segment in the Indian market, focusing on comfort and style rather than outright performance. Its design and features are tailored to provide a laid-back riding experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy cruising. With its modern amenities and classic cruiser appeal, the Eliminator 500 is sure to captivate enthusiasts seeking a unique motorcycle experience.