Kawasaki has officially launched the much-anticipated Eliminator 500 in India, priced at Rs 5.62 lakh (ex-showroom). Initially making its global debut in mid-2023, the motorcycle is a significant addition to the country’s burgeoning premium bike segment.
Powering the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 is an innovative 451cc parallel twin engine, an evolution of the powertrain found in the acclaimed Kawasaki Ninja 400. This new engine boasts a 6.8mm longer stroke, an enlarged airbox, and 32mm throttle bodies, enhancements that are designed to boost torque and overall rideability. The result is an impressive output of 45hp at 9,000rpm and peak torque of 42.6Nm at 6,000rpm. The engine, which also features in the latest Ninja Kawasaki 500 and Z500 models unveiled at EICMA 2023, is paired with a six-speed gearbox complemented by a slip/assist clutch, ensuring smooth power delivery to the rear wheel.
Aesthetically, the Eliminator 500 stands out with its new chassis design, incorporating dual rear shocks for a classic cruiser appearance, distinct from its larger sibling, the Vulcan 650, which employs a monoshock setup. Despite these differences, it shares several design cues with the Vulcan, such as its lengthy and low profile and an 18-inch front wheel. However, the Eliminator sets itself apart with a 16-inch rear wheel, compared to the Vulcan’s 17-inch wheel. The bike’s braking system comprises a single 310mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS as a standard feature.
The Eliminator 500 is particularly appealing to riders who prefer a lower seat height, coming in at 734mm. It also features Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit system, similar to the Vulcan 650, offering customizable handlebar and foot peg configurations to accommodate different rider preferences.
With a ground clearance of 150mm and a weight of just 176kg, the Eliminator 500 is significantly lighter than the 235kg Vulcan S. It’s important to note that the Eliminator 500 is brought to India as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit, which partly contributes to its higher pricing. In the Indian market, it competes with other notable models such as the recently unveiled Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 and the Benelli 502C.
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