Kawasaki Eliminator 2026 — Specifications

The Eliminator name had fallen into obscurity for Europeans. This faction in Kawasaki’s custom range hadn’t been heard from since the 125 model, eclipsed in 2008.

It is, however, an iconic clan, with a wilder appearance and temperament than the VN and Vulcan models. The time has come for this mini Mad Max to return, with the 500 Eliminator.

Eliminators have seen multiple displacements in the 1980s and 1990s. The 400 already existed in 1986, where its displacement allowed it to attack its local market. Japanese taxation favors displacements of less than 400 cm3. At the time, its engine featured 4 cylinders. For a long time, the Japanese praised this type of engine, declining it in all sorts of ways, in a myriad of displacements for a multitude of categories.

For its return, the Eliminator is moving towards a more consensual architecture with a parallel twin, like on the 650 Vulcan S. For Europe, Kawa did not retain the 398 cm3 block but the more generous 451 cm3 block. It also equips the Z 500 and Ninja 500. It’s the former engine of the Zet Ninja 400 but with increased displacement through a 6.8 mm increase in stroke. Just to have a little more torque and responsiveness. This block will allow it to develop a little over fifty horsepower - 45.4 hp exactly - and a little over 4 mkg. Not enough to demonstrate force like its ancestors of the last century, but enough to ride urban with style and attitude.

Because with its little power-cruiser look, the EL 500 could well provoke some excitement. Its low seat height (735 mm) will be a real asset for smaller builds, while its globular look will tease the competition. The Honda 500 CMX Rebel is clearly targeted, but the Kawa could also put the Royal-Enfield Super Meteor on its list. With the same power, the Indian draws more torque thanks to displacement but must contend with around 50 kg more.

If its profile has a growl, the Eliminator is more restrained when it comes to the chassis. This 500 is the opposite of a ZX-4R. It is based around a minimalist steel tube frame (specific) on which a 41 mm fork is anchored. The front features a large tire, typical of this category of machine, associated with a single brake disc, 310 mm in diameter. Two pistons act to calm it, just like the rear disc caliper of 240 mm. Here, no traction control or GoPro between the head gasket and the brain. Just LEDs for the headlights and an LCD instrument panel.

With its power on the border of young license requirements, the Eliminator 500 presents itself as a lieutenant of the 650 Vulcan. The greens are setting themselves a little challenge by offering this little custom on European soil... and that's a good thing! Since the disappearance of the VN (900 and 1700), the custom clientele has little choice at Kawa.

Kawasaki also offers an S.E. version, with headlight fairing, fork boots and a USB Type C socket.

M.B - Photos constructeur