Kawasaki Announces the Return of the Eliminator for 2024

Kawasaki has announced the return of the Eliminator name to its motorcycle lineup. The original Eliminator was fitted with a 900cc sportbike engine similar to the one found in the 1985 GPz900R. Today, the all-new 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator ($6,649) is fitted with the parallel twin used in the Ninja 400 and Z400 but has a 6.8mm longer stroke than the sport models, increasing the displacement to 451cc. Kawasaki claims the bored-out, repurposed engine produces 31.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm.

For  2024 the Kawasaki Eliminator is offered in a standard model ($6,649), ABS model ($6,949), and the upscale Eliminator SE ABS ($7,249). All three models feature the same 451cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valves-per-cylinder parallel twin with a machined balancer shaft for reduced vibration. The Eliminator engine also features an assist and slipper clutch, two 32mm throttle bodies, and a downdraft intake designed to improve cylinder filling efficiency and eliminate space under the seat for an easier reach to the ground, according to Kawasaki.

A lightweight trellis frame is designed to be long and low for light handling while also paying homage to the Eliminator’s original silhouette. An aluminum swingarm and mounting plate bolts to the back of the engine, utilizing it as a stressed member. A 41mm telescopic fork offers 4.7 inches of wheel travel and twin shocks provide 3.5 inches of travel in the rear. The front brake features a 310mm semi-floating front disc and dual-piston caliper while the rear brake is equipped with a 220mm disc and dual-piston caliper.

Where the rubber meets the road, the 2023 Kawasaki Eliminator runs on an 18-inch front wheel and 130/70 tire and 16-inch rear wheel and 150/80 tire. The 3.7-gallon fuel tank tapers into the seat with respect to the original Eliminator and the retro-themed round headlight is full LED. In conjunction with the balancer shaft, the handlebar is rubber mounted and the ergonomics are relaxed for rider comfort.

A circular LCD instrument panel may look retro, but it offers modern-day amenities. The completely digital dash displays a speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, clock, odometer, dual trips, fuel gauge, fuel range, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, and maintenance reminder, and has Bluetooth connectivity using the Rideology app.

The 2023 Kawasaki Eliminator SE ABS model shares all of the same hardware as the standard and ABS models but features distinct colors and graphics, a compact headlight cowl, fork boots, a USB-C outlet, and a two-pattern seat cover with stitching along the top edge.

Although the Kawasaki Eliminator was once a power cruiser, for 2024 it has returned as a user-friendly, accessible standard. Designed with approachability in mind, the all-new Kawasaki Eliminator offers riders a lightweight take on a forgotten classic.

2024 Kawasaki Eliminator Specs