When you think about cruisers in India, Royal Enfield has long been the name synonymous with power, legacy, and an unbeatable cult following. But as we enter 2025, a new competitor has arrived to shake up the mid-sized cruiser segment: the Kawasaki Eliminator. This bike is redefining what a cruiser can be, offering a fusion of futuristic design, Ninja-derived engine performance, and modern features, all while retaining the soul of a classic cruiser. With a 451cc twin-cylinder engine, refined ride dynamics, and impressive mileage, the Kawasaki Eliminator is making waves across India.
Let’s dive into why the Kawasaki Eliminator is the cruiser to watch in 2025.
Design & Aesthetics
The Kawasaki Eliminator stands apart from the typical cruisers that dominate the market. While it retains the classic long wheelbase, low stance, and stretched profile, its design is anything but retro. This motorcycle carves out its own identity, blending the traditional cruiser silhouette with modern, bold elements.
The matte-black finish on the frame, wheels, exhaust, and engine gives it a stealthy, aggressive look that contrasts with the chrome-heavy designs of its competitors. The round LED headlamp pays homage to timeless cruiser aesthetics, while crisp LED indicators and a futuristic taillight bring the design into the modern age. The sculpted fuel tank, minimalist bodywork, and fat rear tyre all contribute to a sleek, muscular appearance.
Designed for a younger generation of riders who appreciate modern aesthetics but don’t want to forsake cruiser traditions, the Kawasaki Eliminator blends the old and the new seamlessly.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Kawasaki Eliminator is a 451cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, derived from the Ninja 400 platform. However, this isn’t a sportbike engine—it has been tuned specifically for cruising, offering the perfect balance of power and relaxation. With around 49 PS of power and 42–45 Nm of torque, the Eliminator delivers a smooth yet potent riding experience.
The bike features a 6-speed gearbox, paired with a slipper clutch, which allows for smooth gear shifts and minimizes wheel hop during aggressive downshifts. The engine’s linear torque delivery ensures the bike doesn’t feel underpowered in the city, and it still has enough grunt to comfortably cruise on highways at triple-digit speeds.
What truly sets the Kawasaki Eliminator apart is its blend of sportbike performance and cruiser comfort. It’s agile in traffic, responsive on highways, and powerful enough to leave most of its competitors behind.
Ride Comfort & Ergonomics
Cruisers are designed for long-distance comfort, and the Kawasaki Eliminator excels in this regard. With a kerb weight of just 176 kg and a low seat height of 734 mm, this is one of the most approachable cruisers for Indian riders, especially those who may be new to big bikes or have shorter inseams.
The ergonomics are thoughtfully designed, with slightly forward-set foot pegs, an upright handlebar, and a wide, cushioned seat that ensures comfort on both short city rides and longer highway journeys. Whether you’re commuting or going for a 300 km trip, the Eliminator’s ergonomics keep fatigue at bay, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, tuned to handle the rough Indian roads with ease. Whether navigating potholes or cruising at high speeds, the suspension setup absorbs bumps effectively while maintaining stability and comfort.
Technology & Features
In today’s tech-heavy world, the Kawasaki Eliminator keeps things minimalistic but still offers enough modern technology to enhance the riding experience. The fully digital LCD instrument cluster displays all key information like speed, gear position, trip meter, fuel gauge, and clock. It’s bright enough to be readable under direct sunlight, ensuring visibility in all conditions.
Some variants of the Kawasaki Eliminator come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, which displays call and message notifications on the screen—keeping you connected without the distractions of overly complex systems. The bike’s USB-C charging port ensures your gadgets are always charged while on the move.
Other useful features include:
- All-LED lighting for superior visibility and modern aesthetics
- Hazard light function for safety during poor weather or when stationary on highways
Fuel Efficiency & Range
One of the most surprising features of the Kawasaki Eliminator is its fuel efficiency. Despite being powered by a 451cc twin-cylinder engine, the Eliminator delivers an impressive 30 kmpl in real-world riding conditions. With a 13-litre fuel tank, this translates to a range of nearly 390 km on a full tank, making the Eliminator a practical choice for long-distance rides and daily commuting alike.
This balance of performance and efficiency is rare for a premium cruiser in this category, making the Kawasaki Eliminator an appealing option for riders who want power without the fuel-guzzling nature of traditional cruisers.
Pricing & Value Proposition
At ₹5.62 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kawasaki Eliminator is priced above the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Honda H’ness CB350. While it may seem on the higher side initially, the Eliminator justifies its price with its twin-cylinder engine, lightweight design, premium features, and refined build quality.
For riders who want a more refined, powerful cruiser without stepping into the heavy litre-class territory, the Kawasaki Eliminator offers unparalleled value. It’s the perfect stepping stone for those who want the comfort and style of a cruiser but with the agility, performance, and build quality of a sportbike.
Kawasaki Eliminator vs Royal Enfield
The Kawasaki Eliminator directly challenges Royal Enfield’s dominance in the cruiser market. While the Meteor 350 offers a more affordable and classic experience, the Eliminator offers:
- A twin-cylinder engine with higher refinement and power
- Sportbike DNA for smoother, more responsive performance
- A lighter weight for better city agility
- A futuristic design appealing to younger riders
If you’re looking for a more modern cruiser that blends the comfort of a cruiser with the agility and performance of a sportbike, the Kawasaki Eliminator is your ideal choice.
Real Rider Scenarios
- Daily Commuter: For city riders, the Kawasaki Eliminator is easy to handle thanks to its lightweight build, smooth power delivery, and comfortable ergonomics.
- Highway Rider: For long-distance cruising, the 451cc engine offers smooth power, a comfortable seat, and an impressive range, making it ideal for touring.
- Beginner-Friendly Cruiser: New riders will find the Eliminator approachable due to its low seat height and manageable power delivery.
The Kawasaki Eliminator isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a redefinition of what a cruiser can be. With its futuristic design, sportbike DNA, comfortable ride, and practical fuel efficiency, the Eliminator stands as a true challenger to the traditional cruisers in India.
If you’re looking for a cruiser that offers modern performance, stylish design, and comfortable ergonomics, the Kawasaki Eliminator is the bike to consider in 2025. It brings together the best of both worlds, offering a blend of tradition and modernity, comfort and performance, and style and substance. The Kawasaki Eliminator sets a new benchmark for mid-sized cruisers in India.
FAQs
Is the Kawasaki Eliminator suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is beginner-friendly due to its low seat height, smooth power delivery, and lightweight design.
How does the Kawasaki Eliminator compare with the Royal Enfield Meteor 350?
The Meteor 350 is more affordable and classic, but the Eliminator is more refined, powerful, and modern, with a sportier feel.
What is the mileage of the Kawasaki Eliminator?
The Eliminator delivers up to 30 kmpl, which is impressive for a twin-cylinder 451cc bike.
What about servicing and maintenance?
Kawasaki service costs are slightly higher than Royal Enfield, but the Eliminator’s premium build quality ensures fewer long-term issues.
Can it be used for long tours?
Yes, with its comfortable ergonomics, impressive fuel efficiency, and 390 km range, the Kawasaki Eliminator is perfect for long-distance touring.
