The 2025 Kawasaki Eliminator is here to stir things up in the cruiser market, aiming straight at Royal Enfield’s turf. With its 451cc engine, this bike mixes retro style with modern tech, offering a fresh choice for riders who love RE’s classic look but want something smoother and more high-tech. Unlike Royal Enfield’s old-school charm, the Eliminator brings Japanese precision, a lightweight feel at 388 pounds, and easy handling for newbies or seasoned riders. It’s built for chill city rides or weekend getaways, with a low seat and relaxed vibe. Available in standard, ABS, and SE ABS models, it comes in cool shades like Pearl Sand Khaki or Metallic Matte Dark Green, making it a head-turner.
Engine and Powerful Performance
The Eliminator’s 451cc parallel-twin engine, borrowed from Kawasaki’s Ninja line, is liquid-cooled and punches out around 45 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 31.7 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. That’s plenty for quick starts and smooth cruising, beating Royal Enfield’s 349cc single (about 20 hp) and matching closer to their 650 twins (47 hp). The twin-cylinder setup cuts down on vibrations compared to RE’s thumpy singles, and it hits 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds with a top speed near 100 mph. A slick 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutch make shifts easy and keep the rear wheel steady when downshifting. Plus, it gets about 50-55 mpg, so you’re not refueling every few miles.
Bike Features
Kawasaki loaded the Eliminator with practical tech that gives it an edge. The digital dashboard shows speed, rpm, fuel, and gear position clearly, outshining RE’s analog gauges. LED lights front and back improve night riding, and the Rideology app connects your phone via Bluetooth for ride logs, notifications, and service reminders. The SE model tosses in a USB-C port for charging and some sharp graphics. The bike’s low 28.9-inch seat, forward pegs, and wide handlebars make it super comfy, whether you’re cruising downtown or hitting open roads. Its trellis frame keeps things nimble, unlike some of RE’s chunkier builds.
Suspension and Brakes
The Eliminator rides smooth with a 41mm telescopic front fork (4.7 inches of travel) that handles bumps well without being mushy. The rear twin shocks, with 3.1 inches of travel, are adjustable for preload, balancing that classic cruiser look with decent comfort on rough roads. Braking is reliable, with a 310mm front disc and twin-piston caliper, plus a 220mm rear disc. The ABS option, standard on the SE, adds confidence in slippery conditions – a feature you don’t always get on budget-friendly Royal Enfields.
Price and Finance Plans
Starting at $6,649 for the base model, $6,949 for ABS, and $7,249 for the SE ABS, the Eliminator is priced to compete with Royal Enfield’s 650s ($6,500-$7,000). Local dealer prices may vary, so shop around. Financing is friendly, with 0% APR for 12 months at some dealers or low-interest plans for 36-60 months. Put down 20% on the base model ($1,330), and you’re looking at $150-$200 monthly payments. Kawasaki often throws in free gear or extended warranties, making it a better deal than customizing an RE.