2025 Kawasaki Eliminator just rolled in, and it’s looking to shake things up in the cruiser world, particularly in Royal Enfield’s backyard. With its 451cc engine, this bike cleverly mixes old-school style with modern tech, offering a fresh alternative for riders who dig RE’s classic vibe but want something a bit smoother and more advanced. Forget the raw, vintage feel of a Royal Enfield; the Eliminator brings that famous Japanese precision, a super light 388-pound frame, and effortless handling that’s perfect for both total beginners and seasoned cruisers.
Punchy Engine Performance
Underneath, the Eliminator sports a 451cc parallel-twin engine, a direct descendant from Kawasaki’s Ninja family. It’s liquid-cooled and churns out a healthy 45 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, plus 31.7 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. That’s more than enough for quick getaways and smooth, confident cruising. To put it in perspective, it easily outpaces Royal Enfield’s 349cc single (which hovers around 20 hp) and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with their 650 twins (47 hp). The twin-cylinder setup really smooths things out, cutting down on those characteristic thumps you get from RE’s singles. It’ll hit 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds and push towards a top speed of 100 mph. Shifting gears is a breeze with its slick 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch that keeps the rear wheel steady during downshifts.
Loaded with Features
Kawasaki packed the Eliminator with thoughtful tech that truly gives it an edge. The digital dashboard is crystal clear, showing your speed, rpm, fuel level, and even what gear you’re in—a big step up from RE’s often more basic analog gauges. LED lights front and back mean better visibility for night rides, and the clever Rideology app connects your phone via Bluetooth, letting you track rides, get notifications, and even set service reminders. The SE model throws in a handy USB-C port for charging your devices and some sharp, exclusive graphics. Comfort-wise, the bike low 28.9-inch seat, forward-mounted pegs, and wide handlebars make it incredibly plush, whether you’re navigating city traffic or eating up highway miles. Its trellis frame keeps it nimble and responsive, a noticeable difference from some of RE’s more substantial builds.
Smooth Ride and Confident Braking
The Eliminator glides over bumps thanks to its 41mm telescopic front fork, offering 4.7 inches of travel that absorbs road imperfections without feeling spongy. Out back, twin shocks with 3.1 inches of travel are adjustable for preload, striking a nice balance between that classic cruiser aesthetic and real-world comfort on less-than-perfect roads. When it’s time to slow down, the braking is reliable: a 310mm front disc with a twin-piston caliper and a 220mm rear disc. The ABS option, which comes standard on the SE, provides an extra layer of confidence in dicey conditions—a feature you don’t always find readily available on Royal Enfields in this price bracket.
Price and Financing Options
Starting at a competitive $6,649 for the base model, $6,949 for the ABS, and $7,249 for the SE ABS, the Eliminator is priced to go head-to-head with Royal Enfield’s 650s (which typically range from