Rider February 2024 | Page 45

2024 KAWASAKI ELIMINATOR
Base Price : $ 6,649 Price as Tested : $ 6,949 ( w / ABS ) Website : Kawasaki . com Warranty : 1 yr ., unltd . miles Engine Type : Liquid-cooled , transverse parallel-Twin , DOHC w / 4 valves per cyl . Displacement : 451cc Bore x Stroke : 70.0 x 58.6mm Transmission : 6-speed , slip / assist wet clutch Final Drive : Chain Wheelbase : 59.8 in . Rake / Trail : 30 degrees / 4.8 in . Seat Height : 28.9 in . Wet Weight : 386 lb ( 388 lb w / ABS ) Fuel Capacity : 3.4 gal .
option to switch between odometer , two tripmeters , fuel range , and current and average fuel consumption .
The Eliminator pairs with Kawasaki ’ s Rideology app , and once connected , the display shows text and call information . More interesting are the options available on the app itself , which include vehicle information , general display settings , and trip logging .
The Eliminator also has a slip / assist clutch and a positive neutral finder , features that are quite helpful for newer riders . When stopped or traveling below 6 mph , a lift of the toe from first gear will automatically access the neutral position and prevent upshifting to 2nd gear .
New Bike for the New World
The Eliminator ’ s closest competitor is the Honda Rebel 500 , which has a base price of $ 6,499 . Both bikes have a sporty cruiser style , and a glance at the spec charts shows similar numbers . The Honda Rebel has 20cc more displacement than the Eliminator , but they make roughly the same torque ( about 32 lb- ft ). The Eliminator is lighter than the Rebel and has a longer wheelbase by about an inch .
The Eliminator comes in three versions . The base model has an MSRP of $ 6,649 . For an extra $ 300 , you can upgrade to the ABS version . Both the base model and ABS version are available in Pearl Robotic White and Pearl Storm Gray . Tack on another $ 300 , and for $ 7,249 , you ’ ll get the SE version , which includes ABS , a headlight cowl , a USB- C outlet ,
Kawaski ’ s motto for the Eliminator is “ Just Ride ,” and it ’ s a bike that invites you to do exactly that . With a curb weight of only 386 lb and a seat height of 28.9 inches , it ’ s easy to handle for new riders , and technology like the slip / assist clutch , positive neutral finder , and optional ABS make the Eliminator even more approachable and beginner friendly .
fork boots , and a two- pattern seat ( bike in center above ). It ’ s also the only version available in the eye- catching Candy Steel Furnace Orange / Ebony colorway .
As someone who loves to see new riders finding their place in the world of motorcycling , I ’ m glad Kawasaki has recognized a hole in its lineup and made the effort to fill it , providing a cruiser option that ’ s more approachable and significantly lighter than the 650cc Vulcan S . With its light weight , low seat height , comfortable riding position , and a Ninja- derived engine , the Eliminator is a motorcycle that is as welcoming as it is fun .
RIDERMAGAZINE . COM / FEBRUARY 2024 / 45