Man, the Kawasaki Eliminator 2025 is like that laid-back pal with a Ninja heart—low-slung style, easy handling, and enough grunt to make city streets or highways feel like your playground. Launched in India on April 17, 2025, as a CBU import, it’s Kawasaki’s approachable mid-size cruiser blending retro bobber vibes with modern tech for new riders or weekend warriors. Priced at Rs. 5.76 lakh ex-showroom (up Rs. 14,000 from 2024), it’s a premium pick against the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 or Honda Rebel 500—perfect if you want Japanese reliability in a cruiser package, though the single color might leave you craving more flair.
Retro-Modern Design
This bad boy’s a compact stunner—2,250 mm long, 785 mm wide, 1,100 mm tall, with a 1,510 mm wheelbase that’s nimble for dodging autos. At 176 kg kerb and 150 mm ground clearance, it skips speed bumps but hugs tarmac tight. The Metallic Flat Spark Black paint, round LED headlamp, and chopped fender scream bobber cool—18-inch front and 16-inch rear alloys with 130/70-18 and 150/80-16 tubeless tires grip like glue. The 735 mm seat height welcomes shorter riders, forward pegs stretch you out comfy—parks easy in tight mohallas, but exposed wiring nicks the premium feel.
Modern Features and Ergonomics
Hop on the wide solo seat, and low bars with forward pegs feel like a chill throne—no numb legs after hours. The round LCD dash pops speed, tach (bar-style), gear, odometer, trips, fuel, range, mileage, coolant temp, and Bluetooth alerts via Rideology app for calls or messages. LED lights, USB-C port, and hazard lamps add daily smarts—no nav or traction control, but ERGO-FIT tweaks bars, pegs, and seat for your fit. Upright posture nails city crawls or highway chills, though firm twin rear shocks jolt on rough patches—optional split seat boosts pillion comfort.
Strong Performance
The 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin DOHC engine, borrowed from the Ninja 500, pumps 44.7 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 42.6 Nm at 7,500 rpm—6-speed gearbox with slip-assist clutch shifts crisp, hitting 0-100 kmph in ~5.5 seconds and topping 160 kmph. Long-stroke setup dishes low-end torque for 50 kmph city sprints or 100-120 kmph cruises—minor vibes at high revs. ARAI 31 kmpl (real-world 29-31.45 kmpl, experts hit 31.45 mixed) stretches the 13L tank to 390-400 km at Rs. 4-5/km. The 5.8L airbox boosts throttle snap and intake growl, trellis frame with 41mm telescopic forks (120 mm travel) and twin shocks (90 mm) keep handling sharp—firm rear on potholes.
Safety and Braking
Nissin dual-channel ABS pairs a 310 mm front disc (dual-piston caliper) and 240 mm rear (single-piston) for smooth, predictable stops with great bite, even in rain—no intrusive feel. The low center of gravity and 176 kg chassis make it a breeze to flick through traffic or corners, beginner-friendly but with sharp turn-in needing a bit of getting used to. No traction control, but wide tires and sturdy frame grip like glue—chasing 4-star Global NCAP, tough for urban dings.
Pricing and Availability
Single STD variant at Rs. 5.76 lakh ex-showroom—on-road Delhi Rs. 6.63-7.10 lakh with RTO (Rs. 46k-50k) and insurance (Rs. 21k-25k). Stock at Kawasaki dealers like JBM Chennai or online via BikeWale/Zigwheels, with September festive deals: Rs. 15k-30k exchange bonuses, Rs. 10k cashback on SBI/HDFC/ICICI cards, or EMI from Rs. 10,377/month (10% down, 3-year, 8.5% interest). Maintenance Rs. 8k-12k yearly, backed by 100+ service centers—waits 7-30 days, resale 70% after two years if pampered.
User Feedback and Drawbacks
Riders praise the low 735 mm seat, torquey twin, and retro style—”Ninja heart with cruiser soul,” one Pune biker says. The slip-assist clutch and 31.45 kmpl keep it practical, ERGO-FIT suits all sizes, but gripes include:
- Rs. 5.76 lakh pricier than Super Meteor 650 (Rs. 3.68 lakh).
- Only Metallic Flat Spark Black—no bold shades.
- Firm rear shocks jolt on India’s rough roads.
- No nav or traction control feels stingy.
- Kawasaki’s service net lags Enfield’s reach, with part delays in sticks.
Comparison with Competitors
- Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 (Rs. 3.68 lakh, 47 bhp): Cheaper, bigger engine, wider service net, but less refined.
- Honda Rebel 500 (Rs. 5.12 lakh, 45.5 bhp): More budget-friendly, heavier (191 kg), fewer features.
- Jawa Perak (Rs. 2.19 lakh, 30.2 bhp): Bargain bobber style, lacks modern LED or tech.
Eliminator shines on lightweight agility and torque, but price and service reach trail.
Final Thoughts
The Kawasaki Eliminator 2025, launched April 17, is a slick cruiser with a 451cc twin pumping 44.7 bhp, digital LCD with Rideology app, and dual ABS. Its retro design, 735 mm seat, and 31.45 kmpl make it a blast for urban zips or highway cruises. At Rs. 5.76 lakh, it’s pricey with firm shocks and one color—but that Ninja soul and easy handling make it a joy for India’s roads. Swing by a dealer for a spin—your bobber’s ready to roll.
