Kawasaki revamps cruiser lineup with new Eliminator 400
If Kawasaki Eliminator makes its way to India, it will lock horns with the recently launched Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650.
Key Takeaways
- Eliminator 400 is on sale in Japan only, with no confirmed reports of launch in any other market.
- Available in two variants—Standard and SE—priced at 7,59,000 yen (approx Rs 4.71 lakh) and 8,58,000 yen (approx Rs 5.33 lakh), respectively.
- Borrows powertrain from Ninja 400 and Z400.
Kawasaki, known for building some of the most enthralling superbikes, has brought out a new cruiser motorcycle. The Japanese bikemaker has resurrected the ‘Eliminator’ back from the dead and launched the Eliminator 400 cruiser in its home market. The motorcycle was previously showcased at the Osaka Motor Show a few weeks back.
The new Eliminator 400 is available in two variants—Standard and SE—priced at 7,59,000 yen (approx Rs 4.71 lakh) and 8,58,000 yen (approx Rs 5.33 lakh), respectively. It is manufactured in Thailand and is currently on sale in Japan only.
Kawasaki Eliminator 400
It is worth noting that Kawasaki retails its cruiser range under the Vulcan moniker. Kawasaki first coined the Eliminator name in 1985 on the ZL900 A1. However, this nameplate was side-lined at the start of the new millennium.
Eliminator 400: A typical cruiser
While the Vulcan range is a modern interpretation of a power cruiser, the Eliminator 400 is headlined by old-school retro elements with a few modern touches. It gets a classic, low-slung cruiser stance with forward-set foot pegs, a low bucket saddle, and a raised handlebar turned inwards, thus, offering a relaxed riding posture.
Eliminator 400 features blacked-out internals instead of chrome
Visual highlights include a round headlamp, circular rear-view mirrors, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, fork gaiters, an exposed frame, and a stubby exhaust canister. The top-spec SE variant also gets a small flyscreen upfront as a standard fitment. Unlike traditional cruisers, most bodywork and cycle parts are given a black treatment instead of chrome.
Features on offer
Kawasaki Eliminator 400 is packed with features, including all-LED illumination, a circular digital instrument cluster, and Bluetooth connectivity. The top-spec SE trim gets additional tech in the form of USB Type-C power socket, a dual-tone seat, a GPS-enabled instrument panel, front and rear cameras, designed to function as dash cams, and traction control.
Eliminator 400 highlights
The Japanese brand also offers optional extras like a low seat, high seat, pillion grabrail, rear carrier, radiator guard, tank pad, and heated grips with the neo-retro cruiser. The cruiser tips the weighing scales at 176 kg and gets an accessible seat height of 735mm. The SE trim weighs 178 kg.
Mechanical specs
Eliminator 400 is powered by a 399cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that performs duties on Ninja 400 and Z400. The motor pumps out 47 bhp at 10,000rpm and 37 Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch.
As for hardware specs, Eliminator 400 is underpinned by a trellis frame sitting on conventional 41mm telescopic forks upfront and a twin shock absorber at the rear. Braking duties are handled by a single 310mm semi-floating disc upfront and a 240mm disc at the rear, featuring dual-piston callipers at both ends. Dual-channel ABS complements the braking hardware.
Eliminator 400 underpinned by a trellis frame and powered by the same 399cc engine as Ninja 400 and Z400
Kawasaki's modern classic motorcycle W175 its most affordable at Rs 1.47 lakh
The cruiser rolls on an 18-inch front alloy wheel wrapped in a 130/70 tyre and a 16-inch rear alloy wheel shod with a 150/80 tyre. If launched in India, Kawasaki Eliminator would be a perfect rival to Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650.
Edited by Suman Singh