Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE test: cruiser body, sporty soul
In the 1980s Kawasaki decided to put the engine from a 900cc supersport bike (the ZL 900) into a cruiser-style chassis, thus creating the first bike that could be classified as a “sport cruiser.” Since then the brand has continued to use the Eliminator name and the same Sports engine concept in cruiser chassis for a variety of models. This time it is the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 that takes up the baton, sharing the engine with the Ninja 500.
The result is a very fun bike but also very accessible. At the same time it is very Versatile and usable in all kinds of situations, from the city to motorcycling and of course, as we will see, you can enjoy it a lot on any winding mountain road.
The model we are dealing with is the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE, which with those initials added becomes a special edition (special edition) and is distinguished from the basic edition by the standard assembly of some elements. Most importantly, a mask that surrounds the lighthouse and gives it a modern aesthetic and aggressive and some more details like black bellows on the fork bars, a better seat and a USB socket.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE Test: Long and low aesthetics and ergonomics
The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 has a recognizable design and its line follows the concept long and low (low and long) of some classic cruisers. But it certainly drinks from the sources of the neo-retro style that has become so common to us in recent years and by joining these two extremes, a very particular motorcyclewith a different and personal image.
The additions of the special edition are responsible for giving this Eliminator a more aggressive aesthetic. The fairing that surrounds the headlight is essential to complete the modern and retro (neo-retro) figure of the front end. There are also the black bellows, which complete the badass look that the Eliminator also boasts. gigantic silent in matte black that does not go unnoticed.
Another of the additions to the SE version over the basic version is, according to Kawasaki, an improved seat. The shape and extent of the improvement escapes us because we have not been able to touch the seat of the basic version, but it is fair to say that the seat of the SE version has caught our attention immediately because well finished, good padding and comfortwhich by the way is located at a very accessible 735 mm from the ground.
The passenger seat, on the other hand, is practically symbolic and we recommend that anyone who is going to use the bike alone remove it immediately in order to show off the tail, which is one of the most beautiful parts of the bike.
Aesthetically the Eliminator has a lot to say, yes it is true that it offers that image long and low but at the same time it has some Clear hints of naked bikeIn fact, the most representative aspect of this extreme is perhaps the riding position itself, which is much more similar to that of a naked bike than to that of a cruiser.
For reference, I measure 186 cms And for a change, the bike is a bit small for me. But it is true that I feel comfortable on it. The handlebars are especially narrow and this adds a certain amount of character by forcing us to adopt an attentive, controlled posture.
We can’t spread out like in other cruisers, nor does the location of the foot controls allow it, which once again, makes it difficult to The ergonomic triangle is very similar to that of a naked bike.
The only drawback I see with the driving position is that by mounting short mirrors (probably to multiply that aggressive image) it is sometimes difficult to see beyond our elbows.
Overall, the riding position is comfortable and natural, and the bike is very accessible to riders of all sizes. Despite having the long and low concept as its main principle, ergonomically the Eliminator is more like a naked bike.
This and the low seat height make it very easy to maneuver and it also has a surprisingly light running weight of just 177 kgThe result is a motorcycle that is accessible, agile and easy to move both when stopped and when moving.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE Test: Eliminator 500 Engine and Gearbox
This Eliminator is one of those bikes that may have its supporters and detractors and parts that we like more or we don’t like at all. But what we can all agree on is that the essential parts of the bike are those that give it character and the Eliminator has that. Specifically, one of the bike’s strong points is the engine and transmission assembly, which works really well.
We are talking about a 451 cc inline twin-cylinder engine shared with the Ninja 500 that has a marked sporting spirit that has not been completely eliminated before incorporating it into this Eliminator. It delivers a maximum power of 45 hp at 9,000 rpm and has maximum torque at 6,000 rpm with 42 Nm. Figures that are not bad at all for the segment and that also reveal the engine’s desire to go fast in revs.
It is an engine that, as we say, should be revved high to get the most out of it and that maintains the peaks very well. But despite this, it does not show excessive vibrations. In addition, the change with slipper clutch It is absolutely delicious and a joy to use, very smooth too.
It incorporates a system to find the neutral position very easily. In such a way that when the bike is stopped, it will never go from first to second if it is not convenient and this is something that new users will greatly appreciate.
Overall, the engine is very smooth, works very well and pushes throughout the entire rev range, but where it shines is in the mid-range and also has a very long range. This is why we say that it requires a bit of being driven with joy.
It should not be forgotten that it is an engine with a bit of mischief and we can see this in this Eliminator. It makes the bike move very freely (even with my 100 kg weight), very light and reaching speeds well above the legal limits very quickly. Very fun.
The tank has a capacity of 13 liters and the declared consumptions are around 3.8 l/100 kmwith which the theoretical autonomy exceeds the 300 kms.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE Test: Cycle Part
The chassis of the Eliminator 500 does not incorporate any filigree but it is very well resolved and we will also see later that it has an ace up its sleeve. The suspension set is made up of a conventional 41mm fork thick and 120 mm of travel and a pair of Rear shock absorbers with 90 mm travel.
Braking is handled by a 310 mm disc at the front and a 240 mm disc at the rearbitten by two NISSIN brand double-piston calipers. The wheels have aluminum rims of 18 inches front and 16 rearwhich together with the straight tank, gives the bike that downward line.
So far, so good, but it is in the chassis where Kawasaki has worked its magic. Despite the Eliminator’s long, low design and cruiser look, every effort has been made to keep weight to a minimum. The multi-tubular steel frame is so well done that it greatly helps to lighten the bike, leaving it at a weight of astonishing 177 kg in running order.
This lightness reduces the effort required to move the bike when stopped and contributes to the rider’s confidence in holding and handling the bike. On the road it also helps reduce the stress of driving by being practically a feather this Eliminatorwhich we can redirect as we wish in practically any situation.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE Test: Simple but effective equipment
The equipment of the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 could be described as basic, but I think to do it true justice it would have to be said that it is simple. The spirit of the bike is to give a essential motorcycling experience and put a smile on our faces on twisty sections, and that’s what it does well. If it has also saved some costs on the road with Kawasaki, we’re not going to hold it against it.
The instrumentation is very spartan, but correct and adequateIt is a round LCD screen that perfectly displays the most important data, with a tachometer, gear indicator and Bluetooth connection. But it looks a little outdated compared to the full-colour TFTs of all shapes and sizes that much more modest brands have been incorporating for years now.
It is a full LED motorcycle and there is little more to comment on regarding equipment, since due to its sober and minimalist character, it does not include many more flourishes. What it does include is a USB socket on the right pineapplewhich we are glad to find, but which unfortunately draws attention due to its poor integration.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE test: this is how it goes
Beyond design and aesthetics, beyond equipment and everything else, this Kawasaki Eliminator 500 is a real dynamically hit and can provide a lot of satisfaction to anyone who wants to use it for both leisure and business.
It is positioned as a motorcycle that can do a bit of everything and stands out for its versatility. Dynamically it is very fun and has a lively engine with punch and an undeniable sporty character. Not only because shares the engine with the Ninjabut even from the riding position we can tell that we are not looking at a pure cruiser. The ergonomics require us to attack more, making us a little more attentive.
As soon as you move it, two things stand out: firstly, the engine always wants to go at high revs. past 7,000 rpm where the maximum power is found and where the bike is smoother, but also has a stretch that is very good. The other thing that calls attention is that such a long bike can be so agile. Partly it will also be due to its very low weight, which is 177 kg when full.
The bike is able to reach high speeds and maintain top speeds without too many problems when riding on the highway, although its main limitation in these areas is simply the lack of aerodynamic protection. On winding roads, It’s a pleasure to make her change direction and link turns. thanks to how light and agile it is.
Braking is more than sufficient, in fact very adequate despite having only one front disc. It is not short, the NISSIN brake set incorporates double piston calipers and the bike is very light, so despite the simplicity of the system, the bike brakes forcefully.
In some curves (and roundabouts) I have found that the footrests rub, not so much if we lean slowly, but if we compress the suspension suddenly. This probably has more to do with my 100 kg weight than with the ground clearance of the bike, which seems more than sufficient to me. In any case, it is worth taking this into account.
To summarize: the bike has a great dynamic behavior. It revs up happily and keeps itself glued for the upper part of the rev counter, just like a sports car. Before you know it, it will put a smile on your face and is super fun to ride. It is ideal for everyday use and can be perfectly used for a leisurely stroll. A pleasure on any winding roadThe shifting is very smooth and precise and the lever has a fantastic feel. It is a full-fledged Kawa and runs very smoothly.
