The cruiser motorcycle segment in India has long been ruled by Royal Enfield, with its iconic models like the Classic 350, Meteor, and Bullet. These bikes are known for their retro appeal and thumping single-cylinder engines. But the landscape is quickly changing with the arrival of a bold new contender – the Kawasaki Eliminator. Armed with a modern 451cc parallel-twin engine, a sleek design, and impressive mileage of around 30 kmpl, the Eliminator is here to shake things up.
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the Kawasaki Eliminator such a compelling offering, how it compares with traditional cruisers, and why it might just be the best cruiser motorcycle in India today.
Kawasaki Eliminator Bike – At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Kawasaki Eliminator |
| Engine | 451cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled |
| Mileage | Approx. 30 kmpl |
| Weight | 176 kg (approx.) |
| Price | ₹5.60 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Top Speed | Around 170 km/h |
| Best For | Long-distance touring, daily rides, highway cruising |
A Modern Cruiser for the Modern Rider
For years, Royal Enfield has dominated the cruiser category with bikes that evoke nostalgia. However, riders today are increasingly looking for performance, efficiency, and refinement—areas where Kawasaki shines. The Eliminator is a breath of fresh air in a market saturated with old-school machines. It combines the spirit of a cruiser with the heart of a performance motorcycle.
With its sleek, minimalist design and forward-thinking features, the Eliminator offers a modern riding experience without losing the cruiser charm. Whether you’re navigating city streets or hitting open highways, this bike is built to deliver both comfort and thrill.
Why the Kawasaki Eliminator Stands Out
1. Powerful 451cc Engine
The Eliminator is powered by a 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine derived from Kawasaki’s well-regarded Ninja platform. It produces about 49 bhp of power and 42.6 Nm of torque, offering a smooth, refined, and responsive ride.
Unlike the thumpy and raw feel of a single-cylinder Royal Enfield, the Eliminator’s engine is smooth across the rev range, offering strong mid-range torque ideal for both city traffic and high-speed cruising.
2. Impressive Mileage
Despite being a more powerful bike, the Eliminator still manages to return an impressive 30 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cruisers in its segment. That’s a rare combination—strong power and high fuel efficiency wrapped in one.
3. Lightweight and Nimble
One of the major advantages the Kawasaki Eliminator has over its rivals is its lightweight construction. At just around 176 kg, it’s significantly lighter than most Royal Enfields. This translates to easier handling, quicker acceleration, and better low-speed maneuverability, especially in dense traffic or during tight U-turns.
4. Feature-Packed Ride
Kawasaki has equipped the Eliminator with a host of modern features that appeal to today’s riders:
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LED Headlamps and Tail Lights for improved visibility
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Fully Digital Instrument Cluster with trip meters, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, and more
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Assist and Slipper Clutch for lighter lever action and safer downshifting
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Dual-channel ABS for confident braking
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Low Seat Height (734 mm), making it accessible to a wide range of riders
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Optional touring accessories like saddlebags and windshields
These features clearly give the Eliminator a technological edge over Royal Enfield cruisers, which still lean heavily on analog elements.
Design: Classic Meets Contemporary
Kawasaki has nailed the design language with the Eliminator. It sports a long wheelbase, relaxed riding posture, and streamlined bodywork, staying true to cruiser DNA. Yet, it incorporates modern styling cues, such as the sculpted tank, sleek LED lighting, and blacked-out mechanicals, giving it a stealthy and aggressive appeal.
The bike manages to retain classic cruiser proportions while appearing athletic and agile—something few cruisers achieve well.
Performance That Impresses on Every Ride
Let’s look at the core performance stats of the Eliminator:
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Engine: 451cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled
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Power Output: Around 49 bhp
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Torque: 42.6 Nm
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Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
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Top Speed: Approx. 170 km/h
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Mileage: Around 30 kmpl
These figures don’t just look good on paper—they translate to real-world performance that feels fast, smooth, and confidence-inspiring. Whether you’re overtaking on the highway or cruising at low speeds in town, the Eliminator delivers without breaking a sweat.
Kawasaki Eliminator vs Royal Enfield – Head-to-Head
| Comparison Area | Kawasaki Eliminator | Royal Enfield Classic 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 451cc, parallel-twin | 349cc, single-cylinder |
| Power | 49 bhp | 20.2 bhp |
| Mileage | ~30 kmpl | ~35 kmpl |
| Weight | ~176 kg | ~195 kg |
| Tech Features | Digital console, LED lights, slipper clutch | Semi-digital, halogen lights |
| Price | ₹5.60 lakh | ₹1.93 lakh |
While Royal Enfield offers unbeatable brand heritage and affordability, Kawasaki’s Eliminator is clearly more advanced in terms of technology, performance, and rider comfort.
Who Should Buy the Kawasaki Eliminator?
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Riders who want performance with comfort
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Those looking for a reliable long-distance cruiser
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Anyone who appreciates modern features and smooth power delivery
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Enthusiasts ready to upgrade from traditional Royal Enfield machines
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City dwellers who need a lightweight and nimble cruiser
FAQs – Kawasaki Eliminator Cruiser
1. What is the price of the Kawasaki Eliminator in India?
The Eliminator is priced at around ₹5.60 lakh (ex-showroom).
2. Is the Eliminator suitable for daily city riding?
Yes. Thanks to its light weight and easy handling, the bike performs excellently in traffic.
3. What about maintenance costs?
Kawasaki bikes usually have slightly higher maintenance costs than Royal Enfields, but offer better build quality and reliability.
4. Can it handle long road trips comfortably?
Absolutely. Its relaxed ergonomics, strong engine, and available accessories make it ideal for touring.
5. Does the Eliminator come with safety features?
Yes. It includes dual-channel ABS, an assist and slipper clutch, and LED lighting for better visibility.
Final Verdict
The Kawasaki Eliminator offers something that many Indian cruisers don’t—a blend of performance, comfort, technology, and efficiency. It challenges the Royal Enfield monopoly by providing a more refined engine, better handling, and advanced features.
If you’ve been a long-time Royal Enfield fan but crave an upgrade, or if you’re simply looking for a future-ready cruiser, the Kawasaki Eliminator is hard to ignore. It’s not just a motorcycle—it’s a statement that the modern cruiser revolution has officially begun.