The Kawasaki Eliminator Plaza Edition: Redefining Entry-Level Cruisers
The Kawasaki Eliminator has always been a significant player in the cruiser world. While big-displacement V-twins are often seen as the icons of the segment, they can be intimidating for new riders due to their heavy weight, high price tags, and daunting ergonomics.
Enter the Eliminator. This bike is designed to provide an easy entry point into the cruiser lifestyle without the challenges of handling a massive machine.
At its core, the Eliminator follows a simple formula: lightweight, low seat height, and a parallel-twin engine that offers predictable power. Powered by a 398cc liquid-cooled four-stroke twin, the bike produces 48 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 27 pound-feet of torque at 8,000 rpm. Paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch, the Eliminator is forgiving for riders still honing their skills. Weighing in at just 390 pounds ready to ride, it is one of the more manageable cruisers available.
The chassis features a trellis frame, a 41mm telescopic fork, and twin shocks. With a seat height of only 29 inches, even shorter riders can comfortably reach the ground at stoplights. Braking is handled by a 310mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc with ABS. The bike is equipped with cruiser-appropriate tire sizes.
Practical details make the Eliminator a versatile machine for everyday use. The 12-liter tank, combined with the efficient engine, offers impressive fuel economy. The Plaza Edition, a dealer-exclusive model, comes with upgrades such as a USB-C charging socket on the handlebars and a GPS-enabled dual camera system for added safety and convenience.
While the Plaza Edition lacks some cosmetic features of the higher-spec SE model, it offers modern tech upgrades that cater to the needs of today's riders. This shift in approach by Kawasaki sets a new standard for entry-level cruisers, showing that beginner-friendly bikes can also come with advanced features.
Although the Plaza Edition is currently only available in Japan, its introduction signifies a shift in the motorcycle market towards more accessible, tech-savvy entry-level bikes. This trend could potentially influence future models in other regions, reshaping expectations for what an entry-level cruiser can offer.