It’s in the glow of a beautiful southern California sunset where we caught our first glimpses of the most recent collection of Kawasaki’s 400 cc Eliminators. These retro-modern mid-displacement machines, presented in Pearl Robotic White, Pearl Storm Gray and the SE in Candy Steel Furnace Orange with ebony, have a lot to offer beyond their creative names and thoughtful styling. Extra-comfortable ergonomics, approachable power, easy handling and an impressive list of updated technical features at an attractive price-point, Kawasaki’s updated Eliminator raises the bar in its class.
There is a full review coming soon, but here are a few features to tease your interest.
POWER
Unlike the usual rounding up that happens with model numbers, the parallel twin engine of the Kawasaki Eliminator is actually 451 cubic centimetres in size, with power that is delivered smoothly by a six-speed return transmission with close gear rations. Additionally, this bike offers its pilots a slipper cam which takes the pressure off in the case of elevated engine braking. All this attention to detail makes for a bike that handles confidently and with forgiveness, the perfect kind of feedback for newer riders and a sensory experience that more experienced riders will also appreciate.
COMFORT
The Eliminator looks like a cruiser, but the riding ergonomics offer an upright riding position that is both commuter comfortable and long-range capable. The standard seat height is the lowest in its class at 28.9 in so smaller stature riders can easily plant both feet, while also providing enough forward clearance that the longer legged are not forced into a cramped position.
Kawasaki generously uses rubber in the wide handlebars, scooped seat, and centrally mounted foot pegs which work together to eliminate virtually all vibration, with some extra assistance from the counterweighted tires. Additionally, after several hours, riders will definitely enjoy the firm, responsive twin-shock rear suspension. The set up of the Eliminator is not only easy on the body, but the quiet allows for rider and road to communicate more effectively.
STYLE
Learning to ride is fun, but looking like a beginner can sometimes steer less experienced riders away from the most appropriate bike for their skill level. Although it shouldn’t matter, Kawasaki knows that its consumers enjoy walking up to a bike that looks fierce. The Eliminator looks like a larger displacement ride but is small-displacement manageable. The bikes also pack stacks of fusion style: a round instrument panel and matching circular headlight with matching circular rear-view mirrors are paired with sleek tank-to-tail lines and ten-spoke wheels with a 2 in differential front to back.
With an MSRP of $8,199 for the standard ABS model, and an only slightly more elevated $8,499 for the Special Edition, the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator demonstrates that it is friendly to its rider on road and for your bottom line. Stay tuned for the full run-down of the re-released Kawasaki classic.
- From Sophia Vassiliadis
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