Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Test 2024

As we all know, cruisers are designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride on the open road. Kawasaki cruisers are no exception, as they are built with precision and quality in mind. With a range of models such as the Vulcan, Vulcan S, and the new Vulcan 900, Kawasaki continues to lead the way in the cruiser market. Additionally, Kawasaki's commitment to innovation can be seen in their development of the Vulcan S Cafe, offering riders a unique and stylish option for their cruising adventures. With a focus on performance and affordability, Kawasaki cruisers are a top choice for riders looking for a blend of comfort and style on the road.

The astute Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki has identified the need to make strides in the cruiser motorcycle market. It is worth mentioning that sales numbers in the middleweight category, specifically motorcycles ranging from 350 - 750 cc, have seen a notable increase of 56% since 2020.

One of the reasons why Kawasaki is introducing the new Eliminator 500 to its lineup in 2024 is due to five years of development leading up to its 2023 release in Asia and the USA. However, it will be marketed there as the Eliminator 400, featuring the standard 400 Ninja engine.

This cruiser motorcycle is designed for riders who prefer not to ride a heavy touring bike, but also do not want to push their hypersports bike to the limit before each ride. The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 is tailored for those who enjoy a more relaxed riding experience. It is perfect for riders who prefer cruising in Kevlar jeans, a leather jacket, boots, and sunglasses, whether they are grabbing a coffee or commuting to work to avoid the daily traffic congestion.

For a closer look at the Kawasaki Cruiser, we were invited by Kawasaki to Marbella, in the Andalusia region, where we had the opportunity to ride on stunning mountain roads in and around the Sierra Blanco mountains.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is powered by an in-line two-cylinder engine with a displacement of 903 cc, producing 45 hp (33.4 kW) at 9000 rpm. Despite its modest size, this engine boasts impressive torque of 42.6 Nm at 6000 rpm. Kawasaki's engineering prowess is evident in how they have managed to extract power from the lower end of the rev range by increasing the piston stroke from 51.8 mm to 58.6 mm compared to the 400 cc engine.

Features like co-current air intakes ensure a short, direct intake path to the two cylinders. The 5.8-liter airbox with cylinder-specific intake funnels ensures smooth engine response. Riding the Kawasaki Cruiser was a true delight, the powerful engine propels the bike confidently out of corners even at lower revs. The six-speed gearbox operates seamlessly, allowing for clutchless gear shifts by briefly easing off the throttle. Finding neutral is a breeze, making city riding a more enjoyable experience. After all, nothing is more frustrating than struggling to find neutral at a stoplight for minutes.

Side Note: The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 is designed for riders with an A2 driving license. With a weight of only 176 kg (177 kg for the SE version), this compact cruiser offers excellent maneuverability and agility.

The Kawasaki Cruiser features a traditional cruiser-style chassis with a tubular steel frame, dual-sided swingarm, twin shock absorbers, and a 41 mm telescopic fork. The front fork offers a fixed spring travel of 120 mm, and the rear suspension allows for spring preload adjustment in 5 different settings. The 130/70-18 front and 150/80-16 rear tires not only look appealing but also contribute to the mature aesthetic of the Eliminator 500. However, I am not entirely convinced by the choice of OEM tires, the IRC Grand High Speed GS 23R, as there are likely better alternatives available.

The Kawasaki Cruiser offers a stable ride with a long wheelbase of 1520 mm and a low seat height of 735 mm. The slightly offset handlebars add to the stability without sacrificing maneuverability. Riders can choose from two alternative seat heights (765 mm and 715 mm) thanks to Kawasaki's Ergo-Fit options, ensuring a comfortable ride for riders of all ages.

At 174 cm and 74 kg, the original seat and the pre-set components, handlebars, and levers of the Kawasaki Cruiser were just right for me. I adjusted the shock absorber to be 2 levels harder, as I prefer a sporty ride and the Kawasaki provided responsive feedback at high cornering speeds. This adjustment significantly improved the ride. The geometry of the bike is particularly helpful during hard braking, allowing for a smooth and controlled stop. The Nissin two-piston brake caliper grips the 320 mm front brake disk firmly, while the ABS system ensures safety in challenging situations. A 240 mm disk is used at the rear for braking.

The ground clearance of the Kawasaki Cruiser is sufficient for a chopper-style bike, although the footrests may occasionally touch the ground when riding aggressively. In extreme cases, the exhaust may also make contact. However, this would require a riding style that is not typical for cruisers. For everyday riding, these issues should not pose any problems.

The riding position on the Kawasaki Cruiser is extremely comfortable, with a neutral stance over the footrests that allows for a good amount of pressure on the pegs. This results in relaxed cornering, requiring minimal effort on the handlebars. The upright back position is gentle on the spine, eliminating the need for a visit to the yoga studio. The 13-liter tank complements the sleek silhouette of the bike and blends in seamlessly. On average, the Kawasaki Cruiser consumes around 4 liters of fuel, depending on the riding style.

The Kawasaki Cruiser does not come with any electronic gadgets, nor does it actually require them. Only the "Rideology the App" can be connected to your smartphone. Here, you can access everything from fuel levels and maintenance schedules to route planning and an overview. You will also receive notifications about incoming calls and messages on your smartphone. The full LED lighting is cutting-edge, and the LCD display is clean, straightforward, and easy to read.

The Kawasaki Cruiser SE model comes in metallic matte and carbon gray, while the standard version is available in metallic flat spark black. The radiator grille, headlight trim, black heat protection, and rubber lips above the telescopic fork are the distinctive visual features of the SE model compared to the standard version.