Kawasaki’s quarter-smiler!
Drag-styled Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE offers a fresh take on mid-capacity cruisers
The original Eliminator was one of the more bonkers bikes in Kawasaki’s mid 1980s line-up, a drag strip- inspired straight-liner powered by the firm’s flagship Ninja 900 mill that could nail 60mph in under three seconds. Fast forward 40 years and the name is back, only this time on an A2-friendly, half-litre machine aimed squarely at new riders and those moving up to a first big bike.
First impressions of the new Eliminator 500 centre around the long, low and lean profile, with all components blacked out save for the light lenses, downpipes and brake discs. The shallow fuel tank and bobbed rear bodywork flow with the horizontal lines to echo that quarter-miler heritage, while the stripped-back style leaves nothing to the imagination.
The SE model on test features metallic matte carbon paint, a headlight cowl and fork gaiters, which enhance the look even further. Seat height is oh-so-low at just 735mm, which should make it easy for even the most vertically challenged to get both feet flat on the floor. Optional parts are available to either raise or lower this by 30mm or 20mm respectively. The riding position is neutral, almost identical to the upright Z400, which combines with a low kerb weight of 177kg to make the Eliminator inviting, manageable and unintimidating.
All controls require a minimum amount of effort, in particular the clutch, which doesn’t need much more than a single finger. That ease of use is down to Kawasaki’s Assist and Slipper Clutch system, which reduces spring load as well as compensating for enthusiastic, or accidental, downshifts.
Off the line it lets you put the power down smoothly for a carefully measured launch, and won’t make your hand ache when completing numerous slow-speed
‘The parallel twin engine is eager to deliver’
manoeuvres, allowing the rider to focus on the technical aspects of riding, such as road position and observation, rather than getting bogged down battling with machine control.
With all this talk of user friendliness you might expect the Eliminator’s performance to be somewhat staid, but the Ninja 400-derived parallel twin is eager to deliver. An increase in stroke has upped the capacity from 399cc to 451cc, and although the 44.7bhp output is the same there’s a useful torque boost of 4.2lb.ft to 31.4lb.ft, reaching its peak at 6000rpm. That gives it plenty of bounce off the bottom end and enough mid-range poke for a well-planned overtake.
Throttle response is spot-on, which Kawasaki say is a result of setting the oval throttle valves at an angle to allow for quicker opening whenever you give the right-hand grip a twist. Wind it wide open and it’ll spin up to the 9000rpm red line with gusto, but tickle it around town and it’ll deliver exactly what you dial in. Thanks to a balancer shaft the motor is largely vibe-free and will only send a tingle through your toes when pushed to the limit.
Although it’s smooth and quiet for the most part, the Eliminator has a cheeky intake growl to herald each shift as you charge up through the six-speed ’box. Each gear snicks in satisfyingly and it’s just as positive going up or down. Neutral, when needed, is also easy to find.
The low centre of gravity makes for confidence-inspiring handling, aided by an 18in front wheel that likes a gentle push on the bars to encourage it to turn in. It’s a reassuring feeling, letting the rider know that they’re in control. A steel trellis frame, again inspired by the Ninja 400, keeps the Eliminator composed and, although basic, the 41mm forks and twin rear shocks are up to the job. There’s no adjustment, other than rear preload, but even when you haul the anchors in hard, the Eliminator grinds to a stop without any drama. OE tyres are IRC Grand High Speed, which although not a mainstream brand, didn’t give any issues on test.
‘There’s a cheeky intake growl to herald each shift’