Kawasaki introduced the Eliminator name on the ZL900 A1 in 1985, which took a new approach by integrating a sportbike engine into a cruiser frame. Although the name fell out of favor in the twenty-first century, it is making a comeback with the release of the new Eliminator 400 and Eliminator 400 SE in 2023.
After months of speculation, the recently revived Eliminator was unveiled at the Osaka Motorcycle Show in Japan. The bike was shown in two versions at the event, but unlike speculation that they would be 250cc and 400cc four-cylinder models powered by the ZX-25R and ZX-4RR engines, the actual Eliminator is powered by a 398cc parallel twin engine from the Ninja 400 and Z400. The second is a more advanced “SE” variant.
The Eliminator 400 is equipped with a liquid-cooled, 399cc, parallel-twin engine, which is the same as the one used in the Ninja 400. However, the peak output figures of 48hp and 37Nm make it slightly more powerful.
The Eliminator uses a steel-tube frame with a twin-shock rear suspension, just like the Rebels. It looks more traditional, though, thanks to the adoption of an 18-inch front wheel and a 16-inch rear wheel. The Eliminator is a lightweight vehicle, weighing only 176 kg in the regular version and 178 kg in the SE model, which comes with a nose cowl, fork gaiters, and other technology, similar to Kawasaki’s other trellis-framed motorcycles. The bike had a short 12-liter fuel tank and a low 28.9-inch basic seat, with optional 28.1-inch and 30.1-inch seats being offered.
The SE version comes with some unexpected technology features, such as a standard GPS and a USB-C socket. However, what sets it apart is the addition of front and rear cameras that are integrated into a ride-recording system. The purpose of these cameras is to capture and upload recorded trips online. Additionally, the SE version boasts traction control and smartphone connectivity for the LCD instruments.
Although the Eliminator has the appearance of a cruiser, it does not feature forward foot controls. Rather, it utilizes standard mid-mounted pegs in order to emphasize accessibility, much like the Honda Rebel models, and to make it a motorcycle that can be enjoyed by a broad range of people.
The Eliminator, scheduled to make its debut in 2024, will initially only be sold in Japan. It’s pricing, which starts at 759,000 yen (about 4.76 lakh rupees) for the base model and 858,000 yen (roughly 5.39 lakh rupees) for the SE, is comparable to that of the Rebel 500, which is priced at 836,000 yen (roughly 5.26 lakh rupees). However, there is currently no information on the specific release date of the bikes, even in Japan. It remains to be seen whether the Eliminator will eventually be launched globally.
