Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki500 Eliminator 2026 Small threat

The Eliminator name had fallen into oblivion in Europe. This faction in Kawasaki's custom range hadn't been in the news since the 125 model, eclipsed in 2008.

Yet it's an emblematic clan, with a wilder appearance and temperament than the VN and Vulcan. The time has come for a return of this mini-mad-max, with the 500 Eliminator.

Eliminators came in many sizes in the '80s and '90s. The 400 already existed in 1986, when its cubic capacity enabled it to attack its local market. Japan's tax authorities are keen on models under 400 cm3.

At the time, its engine had 4 cylinders. For a long time, the Japanese loved this type of engine, making it available in a wide range of displacements for a myriad of categories.
For its comeback, the Eliminator has opted for a more consensual architecture, with a parallel-twin cylinder, as on the 650 Vulcan S. For Europe, Kawa has not opted for the 398 cm3 block, but for the larger 451 cm3. It also equips the Z 500 and Ninja 500. It's the old block from the Z and Ninja 400, but lengthened in displacement by increasing the stroke by 6.8 mm. The result is a little more torque and responsiveness. This block will enable the Ninja to develop just over 50 hp - 45.4 hp to be precise - and just over 4 mkg. Not enough for a show of force like its ancestors of the last century, but enough for urban driving with style and attitude.

With its power-cruiser look, the EL 500 could well provoke a few emotions. Its low seat height (735 mm) will be a real asset for smaller riders, while its bulging eyes will make the competition sit up and take notice. The Honda 500 CMX Rebel is clearly the target, but Kawa could also put the Royal-Enfield Super Meteor on its list. With the same power, the Indian model draws more torque thanks to its displacement, but has to contend with an extra 50 or so kilos.

The Eliminator's profile may be a bit grumpy, but its chassis is much wiser. This 500 is the opposite ofa ZX-4R. It's built around a minimalist tubular steel frame (specific to this model) on which a 41 mm fork is anchored. The front features a large tire, typical of this category of machine, combined with a single 310 mm brake disc. Two pistons act to calm it down, as does the 240 mm rear brake pad.
No traction control or GoPro between the head gasket and the brain. Just LEDs for the headlights and an LCD speedometer.

With its power on the borderline of young licensees, the Eliminator 500 presents itself as the 650 Vulcan's lieutenant. The Greens are setting themselves a challenge by offering this little custom on European soil... and so much the better! Since the demise of the VN models(900 and 1700), custom customers have had little choice at Kawa.

Kawasaki also offers an S.E. version, complete with headlamp cover, fork gaiters and USB type C socket.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos