The Kawasaki Eliminator, officially launched in India, successfully revives a legendary nameplate with a modern, practical twist. Unlike traditional heavy cruisers, the Eliminator 400 (marketed globally and often referred to by its engine capacity, which is now 451cc in its global and Indian iteration) is a lightweight, low-slung cruiser that skillfully blends performance-oriented power with an accessible, comfortable riding profile, positioning it as the perfect motorcycle for both novice riders and seasoned commuters.
Design Philosophy: Accessible & Aggressive
It features a notably low seat height of just 735 mm, making it one of the most accessible middleweight bikes for riders of all heights. This, combined with a long wheelbase (1520 mm), contributes to a stable and confident low-speed handling feel.
The design is minimalist and purposeful, characterized by a round all-LED headlight, a sleek, elongated fuel tank, and blacked-out components from the frame to the twin exhaust pipes. This ‘blacked-out’ look gives it a bolder, modern street presence that contrasts with chrome-heavy retro cruisers.
Engine and Performance: Ninja DNA in a Cruiser Form
It is powered by a 451cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine (an evolution of the 399cc unit mentioned). This engine is tuned to produce approximately 45 PS (44.7 bhp) of maximum power at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 42.6 Nm at 7,500 rpm.
Unlike traditional cruisers that focus purely on low-end torque, the Eliminator’s engine delivers a free-revving, linear power band that is equally comfortable for relaxed city rides and spirited highway cruising up to a top speed of around 160 km/h.
It is paired with a slick 6-speed gearbox and features an Assist and Slipper Clutch (A&S), which reduces clutch lever effort and minimizes rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts. The bike delivers a respectable mileage for a twin-cylinder performance machine, with an ARAI-claimed figure of approximately 30 kmpl.
Ergonomics, Comfort, and Handling
It uses a high-tensile steel trellis frame, keeping the kerb weight exceptionally low at just 176 kg, which makes it incredibly easy to maneuver in traffic and park. The setup includes 41mm telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the rear, offering a classic cruiser look while providing a comfortable and stable ride quality that effectively absorbs road imperfections.
Technology
It sports a fully digital circular LCD instrument cluster that provides essential information like gear position, fuel level, and speed. Crucially, it includes Bluetooth connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology the App for call/message alerts and ride logs. Braking is handled by large disc brakes at both ends (310mm front, 240mm rear) with Dual-Channel ABS for maximum safety.
Pricing & Rivals
In India, the Kawasaki Eliminator is priced starting around ₹5.62 lakh (ex-showroom). This places it as a direct competitor to high-end cruisers like the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and the Honda Rebel 500. Kawasaki offers the standard Eliminator, alongside the Eliminator SE variant (in certain markets), which adds premium touches like a headlight cowl, fork gaiters, and a waterproof USB-C outlet.
The Kawasaki Eliminator is a smart choice that offers the relaxed style of a cruiser, the refined power of a Japanese twin, and the accessibility of a low seat height, making it a versatile and exciting option for riders ready to step up into the middleweight segment.