Kawasaki Eliminator specifications, dimensions and price
Kawasaki · Cruiser
The Kawasaki Eliminator is a 451cc cruiser with a twin rated at 51 hp, a six-speed gearbox and a 28.9 in seat. It starts at $6,499 without ABS and Kawasaki lists a curb weight of 385.9 lb for that model.
It takes the Ninja 500's engine and puts it in a lightweight, low, blacked-out cruiser that is easy to ride and comfortable at highway speed. Reviewers call it welcoming and fun, and it suits a new, returning or commuting rider who wants a cruiser without the weight of a big V-twin.
Kawasaki Eliminator
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 |
| Class | Cruiser |
| Engine | 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 451cc |
| Bore x stroke | 70.0x58.6mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
| Final drive | Sealed chain |
| Front suspension | 41mm telescopic fork |
| Front suspension travel | 4.7 in |
| Rear suspension | Twin shocks |
| Rear suspension travel | 3.1 in |
| Front brake | Single 310mm disc with twin-piston caliper (and ABS) |
| Rear brake | Single 220mm disc with single-piston caliper (and ABS) |
| Front tire | 130/70-18 |
| Rear tire | 150/80-16 |
| Seat height | 28.9 in |
| Wet weight (curb, non-ABS) | 385.9 lb |
| Wheelbase | 59.8 in |
| Rake (caster angle) | 30.0° |
| Trail | 4.8 in |
| Fuel capacity | 3.4 gal |
| Ground clearance | 5.9 in |
| Maximum horsepower | 51 hp |
| Maximum horsepower (at rpm) | 10,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 31.7 lb-ft |
| Maximum torque (at rpm) | 7,500 rpm |
| Ignition | TCBI w/ Digital Advance |
| Frame | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Electronic rider aids | Anti-lock Brake System (ABS only) |
| Special features | ERGO-FIT , Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP |
| Length x width x height | 88.6x30.9x43.3 in |
| Estimated dry weight (dry, non-ABS) | 359.4 lb |
| Starting MSRP | $6,499 |
| Destination charge | $650 |
What the Eliminator is like to ride
The Eliminator is an easy cruiser. Rider Magazine says its light weight, low seat, comfortable riding position and Ninja-derived engine make it as welcoming as it is fun, and that it is happy to lope through town and sit comfortably in a cruiser rev range with nice low-end pull. The reviewer added that the bike responds well, looks great and is a good value.
A 250 to 300cc cruiser, another suggestion for new riders, might not be ideal for people who frequently travel at highway speeds, which is the case the 451cc engine addresses.
Motorcycle.com describes the engine's horsepower as building in a smooth, linear fashion and notes that if Kawasaki wanted a torquey character it would have used a 270-degree crank. The report also says the Eliminator weighs nearly the same as the average 300cc motorcycle while offering the punch of its larger engine, so it stays approachable for new riders.
Brakes, display and small differences from the Vulcan S
The Eliminator's hardware is up to date. Motorcycle.com notes its 310mm front disc is 10mm larger than the Vulcan S's and is slowing 110 lb less curb weight, and that its 28.9 in seat is higher than the Vulcan S's stock 27.8 in, which shorter riders should check.
Rider Magazine lists an LCD with a tachometer, speedometer, gear indicator, clock and fuel level, plus an odometer, two trip meters, fuel range and current and average fuel consumption.
The ABS version adds $300 to the base price and 2 lb to the weight, and most buyers will want it.
Eliminator against the Rebel 500, Rebel 300 and V Star 250
Rider Magazine names Honda's Rebel 500 as the Eliminator's closest competitor, at a starting price of $6,449 when it wrote about the 2023 model. The 2026 Rebel 500 lists at $6,799 and 414 lb, against the Eliminator's $6,499 and 385.9 lb. Honda's Rebel 300 is the cheaper, smaller option at $5,349, and Yamaha's V Star 250 is a 249cc cruiser at $4,799 and 324 lb.
Kawasaki Eliminator — specification referenceA rider who wants a traditional V-twin sound and torque may not warm to a parallel twin that revs smoothly. Rider Magazine also noted the 28.9 in seat is a little taller than many cruisers', and suggested Kawasaki scale the model up for experienced riders with 750 and 1100 versions. A buyer who wants a bigger cruiser today should look at Kawasaki's Vulcan 900 on this site.
- Model-year range
- 2025–2026
- Compared editions
- 2
- Specification entries
- 28
- Entries that differ
- 0
Yes. Rider Magazine calls it as welcoming as it is fun, with a light 386 lb curb weight, a low seat, and a comfortable riding position. Motorcycle.com notes it weighs about the same as a typical 300cc bike while offering more power.
The ABS version costs $300 more than the base bike and adds 2 lb, according to Rider Magazine. That puts the ABS model at $6,799.
A 451cc liquid-cooled parallel twin derived from the Ninja 500, rated at 51 hp with a six-speed gearbox. Motorcycle.com notes it does not use a 270-degree crank, so it delivers smooth, linear power and not a torquey feel.