Kawasaki has announced a new cruiser for its 2024 line-up, with the introduction of the Eliminator 500.
Details of the mechanicals have yet to be released, but the chassis is a classic custom bike set-up in the style of Honda’s CMX500 Rebel, with an 18” front wheel and 16” rear giving a classic street rod look. The Eliminator name harks back to the mad ZL1000s of the 1980s, which mated the iconic Z1000 four-cylinder motor to a long-and-low cruiser chassis, and the new 500 looks to continue in that vein.
Kawasaki says the Eliminator 500’s chassis design ‘inspiration’ comes from the Ninja 400, with the steering geometry promising ‘light and natural handling’. The 1,520 mm wheelbase is slightly longer than that of the Rebel while, interestingly, the swingarm is mounted directly to the back of the engine – which Kawasaki claims contribute to a light weight and good stability.
Kawasaki have yet to release any information regarding the engine, but we do know it will be a parallel twin motor compliant with the European A2 licence regulations. Currently Kawasaki’s A2 offerings are focussed on the 399cc unit used in the Z400 and Ninja 400, or as restricted versions of the venerable 650 twin found in the Z650, Ninja 650, Versys 650 and Vulcan S cruiser. The ‘500’ designation suggests an all-new engine developed specifically to meet A2 legislation, or at least a modified version of the 400 unit.
Cruisers are often popular with new riders as they are manageable and easy to ride. The Eliminator embraces this: the standard seat height is a very accessible 735mm, with lower (715mm) and higher (765mm) options available as accessories. The specification includes full LED lighting and an LCD dashboard, which can be connected to Kawasaki’s Rideology app.
As well as the standard version, a more highly specified ‘SE’ model will also be available. This features difference colours and graphics, a more premium seat design, a small bikini fairing and retro rubber fork gaiters, as well as a handlebar mounted USB-C charging port.
In common with most cruisers, Kawasaki are promising a full range of official accessories to allow owners to customise and modify their machines. Expect to see a full reveal at November’s Milan motorcycle show, and for the bike to be on display at Motorcycle Live, where we will most likely find out the price ahead of the model appearing in showrooms from January 2024.
