Engine Performance
The 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator is powered by a robust engine that promises seamless acceleration combined with a satisfying rumble that adds to the riding experience without being overpowering. The throttle response is quick, and the power delivery is smooth across the entire rev range, ensuring a thrilling yet manageable ride.
Handling and Comfort
Kawasaki has given special attention to the Eliminator’s ergonomics. The seat design and the handlebars’ positioning ensure a comfortable ride, whether cruising long distances on freeways or navigating through city traffic. Also, its excellent weight distribution and firm yet forgiving suspension contribute to its easy handling and cornering ability.
Braking and City Performance
Equipped with a strong and consistent braking system, the Eliminator ensures rider safety and confidence. Its nimbleness and responsive nature are advantageous when weaving through congestion. The upright seating and compact dimensions provide an excellent view of the road ahead and make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Engine Displacement and Cruiser Stance
Kawasaki’s 2024 Eliminator can be described as a mix between a standard and a cruiser. Derived from the Ninja 400 and Z400 streetbikes, the new Eliminator utilizes the same engine, but with a larger displacement of 451cc. The parallel-twin engine found in the Eliminator has the same bore (70.0mm) as its sporty siblings, but with a 6.8mm larger stroke (58.6mm) for increased low-end torque. Its steel trellis frame is inspired by the Ninja 400 platform but has revisions to achieve a 28.9-inch seat height and a 59.8-inch wheelbase, giving the Eliminator its cruiser stance.
Engine Configuration and Performance
The Eliminator’s 451cc parallel twin engine employs a downdraft intake strategically located under the seat to enhance cylinder-filling efficiency. This arrangement is instrumental in boosting the engine’s performance, offering a smoother and more responsive ride. The engine also features 5.8L airbox intake funnels of varying heights, meticulously designed to eliminate torque valleys throughout the rpm range. This results in seamless engine response, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience.
The Eliminator’s engine incorporates a lightweight flywheel to enable it to rev quickly. The exhaust system, specifically engineered for low- to mid-range power, further enhances the bike’s performance, making it an ideal choice for both city commuting and long-distance cruising.
A six-speed transmission is also a part of the Eliminator’s robust setup, offering close gear ratios for optimized power delivery. The bike’s final gear ratio is 43/14, ensuring a balance between speed and torque.
To add to the user-friendly nature of the Eliminator, it features an assist and slipper clutch. This system provides a superlight lever pull, improving rider comfort during long rides. In addition, the slipper clutch prevents the rear tire from hopping during excessive engine-braking, thereby enhancing safety and control during high-speed deceleration.
Design, Suspension, and Pricing
The 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator doesn’t just rely on its engine for strength. In pursuit of weight reduction, the engine also functions as a stressed member. The square-tube-construction swingarm is mounted to a die-cast aluminum plate bolted to the back of the motor. The suspension system incorporates a non-adjustable 41mm telescopic fork offering 4.7 inches of travel in the front and twin shocks with preload adjustment in the rear, providing 3.1 inches of travel.
The braking system comprises a 310mm disc with a dual-piston caliper up front. At the rear, a 220mm disc and single-piston caliper deliver reliable stopping power. The Eliminator model is available in three options: without ABS for $6,649, with ABS for $6,949, and the premium SE model, which includes ABS, for $7,249.
Aesthetic Details and Connectivity Features
Further enhancing the Eliminator’s cruiser look is a stretched gas tank with a 3.4-gallon fuel capacity and a pair of 10-spoke wheels. The bike rolls on 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheel sizes, shod with IRC Grand High Speed GS-23F tires.
The Eliminator strikes a stunning balance between form and function, featuring full LED lighting and a digital instrument panel with a gear position indicator. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity through the Kawasaki Rideology app, allowing riders to check vehicle information, record their routes via GPS, and receive phone notifications.
In conclusion, the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator proves to be a masterful blend of style, performance, and comfort. Its robust engine, balanced handling, and impressive design elements make it an appealing choice for those seeking both city commutes and long-distance rides. The Eliminator’s innovative features, such as the Bluetooth connectivity via the Kawasaki Rideology app, further augment its modernity. At an accessible price point, and with options to choose from, it offers value for money that is hard to match in today’s market. Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist or a casual rider, the Eliminator promises a ride experience that is thrilling, comfortable, and thoroughly enjoyable.
