Bought mine back in November. I absolutely love it. It's so comfortable with plenty of power. And agile as hell. Honestly, it's the favorite of five bikes I've owned over the decades.
I was struggling between the eliminator and rebel. I ended up going with the eliminator because it fit my height better. So far, I'm extremely happy with it. I love the way it looks and handles. I am gonna have to change out the exhaust and mirrors. Those being the only two things that bother me. Other than that, it's a beautiful, powerful little cruiser.
Great review! Love the details. I didn’t quite get the exhaust note as a negative thing. I think the obsession with “exhaust note” is an odd one. While it may hint at the performance of the bike there’s no real correlation between the two. The earlier comments about the excessive weight up front and how it was felt on the twisties…that was a more compelling negative comment in my book. I didn’t get the impression it was a major concern but I file that under “duly noted” and “adjust accordingly!” My only complaint is using the 500 moniker in Europe and Canada. In the US and India, 450 is used which I think is better. But if that’s my only complaint, it’s a great bike indeed.
Thank you. An interesting review on a bike I wasn’t aware of until I listened to you on FEC. It’s a horses for courses bike I’m sure, as others have said, the downpipe area of the exhaust looks awful and vulnerable. Let’s see you on some more reviews mufga.
Hey guys, I am 1.85 cm tall, and i dont really see any comments or reviews of this bike for taller people. And i would like to know if it would suit my height and ride it comfortable. Never had a bike before and im interested in buying this bike :D
You speaked about me also 1.85 and i really want to see someone at this hight and i strated taking pratice to get the full lisence and i wnat this as a first bike
I was rode a 350 meteor, and when I climbed the hill street it feels like under powered. I have sold the meteor and I'm looking forward to get the eliminator.
Just been for a test ride and I did like it totally different from what I’ve had before,very Revie 65-70 nice above I was getting vibes through my hands and bum but overall it’s light easy to ride don’t know what it would be like with a pillion that seat don’t look very nice,mirrors no good at all have to sort them out,think a bigger tooth on gear box would make a difference,but the lightness and Manoeuverability seems to fit what I want now I’m 72 🙁,As you get older speed ain’t everything been able to push it about parking and getting it in and out off your garage gets you on it 😊.
I just want to add i have seen videos of this bike and in the videos it looks different when you see it upclose the bike looks awesome i bought a kawasaki vulcan and i saw this bike while takeing dilivery of vulcan and this bike looks sexy...
I am seriouly consisering the Eliminator. I am getting older and still want to ride on 2 wheels not 3. I sold my BMWr1150r. It was getting too heavy and I didn't feel as confident with only either toe touching with both feet or leaned over a tad to get one foot flat down. My question is, do you think I am going to be disappointed with this bike or is the height and lightness going to make up for the lack off power? I am not a speed demon but I did love how quick my Beemer was.
An honest and well put together review, Mufga, I hope you find the videos more comfortable as you do more of them. What was the box on top of the front brake reservoir?
I’m so tired of these stupid reviews calling 500cc bikes beginner bikes. No one calls a Toyota Corolla a beginner car. Any bike that exceeds the speed limit by 50% or more is not a beginner’s bike. The whole notion is ridiculous. Hop on a Suzuki gsxr1000. That’s a beginners bike. You can ride around an entire city and never have to shift out if 1st gear. You hardly need to know how to ride. You might as well be riding a scooter.
Great video. The bikes you mentioned, the Honda Rebel 500, Eliminator and the RE Meteor 350 are the bikes I am considering. First time road rider. Rode bikes off road in my youth but want a road bike. Watched so many videos and still am not sure. I guess the best way to decide is to test ride all of them. One thing that attracts me to the RE is the bigger fuel tank. But to be honest, I'm not sure what is 'normal' in terms of tank size for a 'entry/midi cruiser with these size engines
Im a newbie and just got my Eliminator but mine is 450, I dont think we have 500 here in US, its really a fun beginners bike, only thing that annoys me is the big exhaust so Im looking to replace it with shorter/smaller one.
How are they allowed to call that a 500? That's a 450 and I refuse to call it anything else. I'll accept rounding up to 25cc, but 49cc? That's scummy and misleading.
@TheTwinPost launched here in the US as the 450 as well. EL450 is the designation here. And all reviews have refered to is Eliminator 450. Though in Canada it's tagger as a 500. I wonder if that's a Commonwealth thing.
Can the controls be move forward at all? Is there an upgrade for the mirrors available? I'm 6'3" 220 or so. middle aged, and wanted to get a first bike. I understand a taller seat is available for people my height so the rider wouldn't feel so scrunched up. I like the looks of the bike. I'll have to check the dealer to see if thry have one I can check out in person. The alternative bikes I've been looking at are the Triumph T120, Harley Street Bob, and Harley Heritage Classic.
Nice review, I am getting older unfortunately and heavier biker +900 are getting more difficult to handle in traffic, looking for a good quality lower and lighter road bike for 2 to 3 hours ride , how comfortable is this bike .. to goal is to be comfortable and enjoy ride with a reliable bike . ps I have stop riding at 55 and started again a 62 , now riding a Can-am Ryker , but missing the bike feeling .
Comfort is quite subjective - some riders find sportsbikes' head-down stance comfy, others fit upright adventure bikes better, others prefer feet-forward cruiser ergonomics. The only way to know whether you'll find the Eliminator comfortable is to sit on it - or, better yet, take one for a test ride. For what it's worth, at 5ft 9in I found it (with the standard seat) a tiny bit cramped legroom-wise, but otherwise generally pretty comfy.
I see guys custom these has scramblers. Kawasaki should of slightly swinged that way with raise it up a little bit make the exhaust come up more implement some sort of under guard plate. And stuby tires.
I’d say you missed out (lack of) ground clearance. Back in 1993 I bought an EL 250 Eliminator (ZZR 250 engine with 6 gears - CRAZY) and rode it down through France to Spain (and back). Whilst I had to fill the peanut tank a LOT, it didn’t complain, was super comfortable - and I still sort of “miss it” - 20-ish bikes later. I wouldn’t get this tho’. The one to get was the ZZR 900 or some of the US ones. The other Elephant in the room is the Kawasaki Vulcan 600. What are they gonna do with that ??????? It’s a popular bike (with Girls - there’s a very popular Girl-specific Vulcan club !)
Martin, I notice the Elimonator is chain drive. The front drive gear is how many tooth drive gear size? Id like to increase it by 1 more tooth so as to drop the rpm's by 500 rev's per minute- getting the 1st gear more life & raising the fiel economy. I dont need cruise control, or, other techno-wizadry. Im 59 years old 5'9" & 270lbs. I'm a "first time" rider and this bike is a fine starter bike to learn on. Hope hear from you soon!🦅🇺🇸🏍️👍🐻 Doug
Final drive is a 14-tooth front sprocket and a 43-tooth rear. Sums suggest 60mph in top is around 5300rpm. Changing to a 15-tooth sprocket would (theoretically) drop that to about 5000rpm. Hope this helps!
Some years ago I had a Versys 650 to which I fitted a larger front sprocket. Made it more relaxed at highway speeds, but completely killed the performance. Wouldn't pull itself out of a wet paper bag. Keep the standard gearing and get used to the revs (and always trying to find 7th gear).
I wonder what a group test of this, the honda and the Enfield would look like? 🤔 (Mind you, thats purely to watch you guys mucking around on them than for any serious purchase consideration... 😅)
I'd say it's clearly designed with newer riders squarely in mind, or at least riders seeking the extra confidence of an ultra-low seat height. But that doesn't mean they're the only people who can ride it! Only you can judge whether a bike is the right size or speed for what you want, like or prefer. People would have said the SV650 was a beginner bike when I bought mine, and I've still got it 20+ years later!
For me, reviews like this miss the point. It's all mechanical, no feeling. And TBH, patronising. I can hear the inner voice of the tester saying 'But it's not my kind of bike...' Well for gawds sake get someone to test it whose kind of bike it is! All the basic info is covered, but there's no passion...
Interesting, in the US it has the name, Kawasaki Eliminator 450. Not sure why the different name, maybe because in the USA most people wouldn't know what a meter is, even if you hit them over the head with it.
But it's not just about the numbers. Kawasaki ate more than capable of making a 75bhp, rip-snorting 500cc twin if they want to but for this bike it's all about the delivery and making life easy for the riders. Not everyone wants to razz around at full-chat, some people like to sit back and enjoy the open road. Plus, the way the power is delivered on this bike is sharper, crisper and more fuel efficient thanks to modern fuel injection, digital ignition etc. Thanks for your comment though - we appreciate them all. Steve R.
Bought mine back in November. I absolutely love it. It's so comfortable with plenty of power. And agile as hell. Honestly, it's the favorite of five bikes I've owned over the decades.
hey im looking at this bike, is there many custom parts for it? like exhausts, seats etc
@@ItsJustDramaNo, newly released.
I mean there is a few “race non ece” slip on
Looking at buying this bike I really appreciate your review
Had a nice ride with one this weekend, I loved it, light and agile, and enough power for the 450cc, quite surprising. I liked it a lot.
I was struggling between the eliminator and rebel. I ended up going with the eliminator because it fit my height better. So far, I'm extremely happy with it. I love the way it looks and handles. I am gonna have to change out the exhaust and mirrors. Those being the only two things that bother me. Other than that, it's a beautiful, powerful little cruiser.
How tall are you? if I may ask. Looking at those two options as well for a beginner
@ryandeleon8320 I'm 6'3
Thanks. I'm also looking for a cozy, "lazy" bike for cruising, as a 6'2 beginner. This one fits like a glove.
@@A_n_y_t_i_m_emy mom Got one brand new, she’s 5.2” and fits fine
Great video - The Eliminator has always been a "starter bike" to me. I started out on a 250 VN Eliminator and my friend on an EL 250 Eliminator.
its insane im borrowing it for a few days this bike is insane for what it is! llike WOW!
That exhaust is toast!
180° isn't the best sounding engine especially for a cruiser motorcycle
@@TheTwinPost they were referring more to how low to the ground it is. It's going to get ripped off, dented or scraped up to fuck.
@@ohmylanta4558 150mm ground clearance is pretty decent for a bike like that I guess
@@TheTwinPost look at 0.20 and 0.21 seconds exactly and look at the exhaust.
Scratches going to be all over it!
I like it, but the muffler looks a tad to LOW. Seems like if you had to make a very tight turn, it'd scrape the ground.
Great review! Love the details. I didn’t quite get the exhaust note as a negative thing. I think the obsession with “exhaust note” is an odd one. While it may hint at the performance of the bike there’s no real correlation between the two. The earlier comments about the excessive weight up front and how it was felt on the twisties…that was a more compelling negative comment in my book. I didn’t get the impression it was a major concern but I file that under “duly noted” and “adjust accordingly!” My only complaint is using the 500 moniker in Europe and Canada. In the US and India, 450 is used which I think is better. But if that’s my only complaint, it’s a great bike indeed.
Thank you. An interesting review on a bike I wasn’t aware of until I listened to you on FEC. It’s a horses for courses bike I’m sure, as others have said, the downpipe area of the exhaust looks awful and vulnerable. Let’s see you on some more reviews mufga.
Thank you!
Hey guys, I am 1.85 cm tall, and i dont really see any comments or reviews of this bike for taller people. And i would like to know if it would suit my height and ride it comfortable. Never had a bike before and im interested in buying this bike :D
You speaked about me also 1.85 and i really want to see someone at this hight and i strated taking pratice to get the full lisence and i wnat this as a first bike
You should check it out in the nearest showroom and Test drive if possible.
I have this bike got about 1700 miles on and its been great so far does lack a little in the power department but overall a great bike
Nice and clear review! Thank you! 🙏🏼
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you!
I was rode a 350 meteor, and when I climbed the hill street it feels like under powered. I have sold the meteor and I'm looking forward to get the eliminator.
Just been for a test ride and I did like it totally different from what I’ve had before,very Revie 65-70 nice above I was getting vibes through my hands and bum but overall it’s light easy to ride don’t know what it would be like with a pillion that seat don’t look very nice,mirrors no good at all have to sort them out,think a bigger tooth on gear box would make a difference,but the lightness and Manoeuverability seems to fit what I want now I’m 72 🙁,As you get older speed ain’t everything been able to push it about parking and getting it in and out off your garage gets you on it 😊.
I just want to add i have seen videos of this bike and in the videos it looks different when you see it upclose the bike looks awesome i bought a kawasaki vulcan and i saw this bike while takeing dilivery of vulcan and this bike looks sexy...
I am seriouly consisering the Eliminator. I am getting older and still want to ride on 2 wheels not 3. I sold my BMWr1150r. It was getting too heavy and I didn't feel as confident with only either toe touching with both feet or leaned over a tad to get one foot flat down. My question is, do you think I am going to be disappointed with this bike or is the height and lightness going to make up for the lack off power? I am not a speed demon but I did love how quick my Beemer was.
An honest and well put together review, Mufga, I hope you find the videos more comfortable as you do more of them. What was the box on top of the front brake reservoir?
The box is a USB-C charger. It's standard on the SE model and an option on the base bike. It's not exactly a neat integration.
Love mi e. Could t believe the pep it has. Fun ride
I’m so tired of these stupid reviews calling 500cc bikes beginner bikes. No one calls a Toyota Corolla a beginner car. Any bike that exceeds the speed limit by 50% or more is not a beginner’s bike. The whole notion is ridiculous. Hop on a Suzuki gsxr1000. That’s a beginners bike. You can ride around an entire city and never have to shift out if 1st gear. You hardly need to know how to ride. You might as well be riding a scooter.
Exactly, I share same opinion.
Great Video! 👍🏻 May I ask you about your jacket. What brand is it? Looks amazing
I like the jacket too :) It would be cool to know where to find it.
Will Kawasaki provide any other colour options for the UK market? The USA have the option of orange and black. Great review. Thank you.
Great video. The bikes you mentioned, the Honda Rebel 500, Eliminator and the RE Meteor 350 are the bikes I am considering. First time road rider. Rode bikes off road in my youth but want a road bike. Watched so many videos and still am not sure. I guess the best way to decide is to test ride all of them. One thing that attracts me to the RE is the bigger fuel tank. But to be honest, I'm not sure what is 'normal' in terms of tank size for a 'entry/midi cruiser with these size engines
I test rode the rebel 500 and eliminator 500 brand new. Went with the eliminator
Im a newbie and just got my Eliminator but mine is 450, I dont think we have 500 here in US, its really a fun beginners bike, only thing that annoys me is the big exhaust so Im looking to replace it with shorter/smaller one.
How are they allowed to call that a 500? That's a 450 and I refuse to call it anything else. I'll accept rounding up to 25cc, but 49cc? That's scummy and misleading.
I think Kawasaki does whatever they want. Kawa named 948cc bike as Z900 RS, too.
Funny thing is that they've launched this bike in my country (India) as the Eliminator 450 😂
Honda ctx700 is only 670cc so it also fails your test lol
@@TheTwinPostI don't think that's correct
@TheTwinPost launched here in the US as the 450 as well. EL450 is the designation here. And all reviews have refered to is Eliminator 450. Though in Canada it's tagger as a 500. I wonder if that's a Commonwealth thing.
No new KLE 500 with that engine?
How long are Kawasaki going to ignore the travel bike class and leave it to everyone else?
Ride safe 👍
No Versys 500 yet...
Can the controls be move forward at all? Is there an upgrade for the mirrors available? I'm 6'3" 220 or so. middle aged, and wanted to get a first bike. I understand a taller seat is available for people my height so the rider wouldn't feel so scrunched up. I like the looks of the bike. I'll have to check the dealer to see if thry have one I can check out in person. The alternative bikes I've been looking at are the Triumph T120, Harley Street Bob, and Harley Heritage Classic.
Great review of the Honda Rebel… oh, wait… 😂
Nice review, I am getting older unfortunately and heavier biker +900 are getting more difficult to handle in traffic, looking for a good quality lower and lighter road bike for 2 to 3 hours ride , how comfortable is this bike .. to goal is to be comfortable and enjoy ride with a reliable bike . ps I have stop riding at 55 and started again a 62 , now riding a Can-am Ryker , but missing the bike feeling .
Comfort is quite subjective - some riders find sportsbikes' head-down stance comfy, others fit upright adventure bikes better, others prefer feet-forward cruiser ergonomics. The only way to know whether you'll find the Eliminator comfortable is to sit on it - or, better yet, take one for a test ride. For what it's worth, at 5ft 9in I found it (with the standard seat) a tiny bit cramped legroom-wise, but otherwise generally pretty comfy.
Did you scrape the can? I'm pretty sure I would looking at some of those shots.
Footpeg hero blobs went down, but pretty sure I stopped short of scuffing the exhaust.
not a screaming endorsement. i'd be tempted with something like this as a step-up from my Meteor 350, but I'll look at something else.
Great review. Is the engine buzzy at motorway speeds?
We didn't do any prolonged motorway speed riding, but it felt smooth to me - rubber-mounting the bars, pegs and seat helps.
Revzilla has a video on it that included taking it on the interstate in California
Would like to see an Interceptor comparison, definitely
I see guys custom these has scramblers. Kawasaki should of slightly swinged that way with raise it up a little bit make the exhaust come up more implement some sort of under guard plate. And stuby tires.
I’d say you missed out (lack of) ground clearance. Back in 1993 I bought an EL 250 Eliminator (ZZR 250 engine with 6 gears - CRAZY) and rode it down through France to Spain (and back). Whilst I had to fill the peanut tank a LOT, it didn’t complain, was super comfortable - and I still sort of “miss it” - 20-ish bikes later. I wouldn’t get this tho’. The one to get was the ZZR 900 or some of the US ones. The other Elephant in the room is the Kawasaki Vulcan 600. What are they gonna do with that ??????? It’s a popular bike (with Girls - there’s a very popular Girl-specific Vulcan club !)
150mm of ground clearance is pretty decent for a small cruiser bike.
This seems to encroach on the Vulcan S. It will be interesting to see what happens.
The Eliminator has a more street bike like layout, less feet forward than the Vulcan.
Martin, I notice the Elimonator is chain drive. The front drive gear is how many tooth drive gear size? Id like to increase it by 1 more tooth so as to drop the rpm's by 500 rev's per minute- getting the 1st gear more life & raising the fiel economy. I dont need cruise control, or, other techno-wizadry. Im 59 years old 5'9" & 270lbs. I'm a "first time" rider and this bike is a fine starter bike to learn on. Hope hear from you soon!🦅🇺🇸🏍️👍🐻 Doug
Final drive is a 14-tooth front sprocket and a 43-tooth rear. Sums suggest 60mph in top is around 5300rpm. Changing to a 15-tooth sprocket would (theoretically) drop that to about 5000rpm. Hope this helps!
Some years ago I had a Versys 650 to which I fitted a larger front sprocket. Made it more relaxed at highway speeds, but completely killed the performance. Wouldn't pull itself out of a wet paper bag. Keep the standard gearing and get used to the revs (and always trying to find 7th gear).
I wonder what a group test of this, the honda and the Enfield would look like? 🤔
(Mind you, thats purely to watch you guys mucking around on them than for any serious purchase consideration... 😅)
So would you say this is just a beginner bike? Would it make sense to get something bigger or more powerful for a second bike?
I'd say it's clearly designed with newer riders squarely in mind, or at least riders seeking the extra confidence of an ultra-low seat height. But that doesn't mean they're the only people who can ride it! Only you can judge whether a bike is the right size or speed for what you want, like or prefer. People would have said the SV650 was a beginner bike when I bought mine, and I've still got it 20+ years later!
I want one. Just got to get the money for it😂
Good review! Would you pick this over the Shotgun? Cheers.
Afraid I haven't ridden the Shotgun yet. Be interesting to get the two together.
Centre Stand??
Top speed ?
Pretty sure somewhere around 115mph
i like the concept..but to me, it falls down on the detailing.. that engine looks like it should be hidden..
How fast is 500 eliminator max speed ?????
How can I get one of these in jamaica 🇯🇲
Just look at it compared to it's namesake of 40 years ago. Terrible! I'd be looking for a nice original model with the 900cc four cylinder engine.
😊 in 2003 I had a eliminator 125 it unfortunately got stolen and burned out ps I love you jacket where can I get one
That sucks, sorry to hear that. My jacket is a DXR Blacksmith, I bought it from Sportsbikeshop.
The exhaust looks a bit out of place to me.
But love the rest.
I really like that coat. Where is it from?
My jacket is a DXR Blacksmith, bought from Sportsbikeshop
For me, reviews like this miss the point. It's all mechanical, no feeling. And TBH, patronising. I can hear the inner voice of the tester saying 'But it's not my kind of bike...' Well for gawds sake get someone to test it whose kind of bike it is! All the basic info is covered, but there's no passion...
Kawasaki sells overpriced overhyped bikes in India.....the silencer looks like it will come apart on one steep tilt to the right 😮
500 eliminator kav... max speed ????? Answer please
95 mph
Underpowered and not very good looking in my opinion but if they put those clocks on Vulcan 650 I'll be finally happy to go and buy one
This bike is definitely up against the royal enfield shotgun it even looks the same in profile, definitely not against the meteor 350
Interesting, in the US it has the name, Kawasaki Eliminator 450. Not sure why the different name, maybe because in the USA most people wouldn't know what a meter is, even if you hit them over the head with it.
What jacket is he wearing?
It's a DXR Blacksmith, bought from Sportsbikeshop
SURVEY- which is ugliest
Eliminator or rebel ?
Woah. That old eliminator looks like the old honda magna 😐
That's the Terminator ... the 500 NOOOOOO
It looks like a Honda rebel
Royal Enfield Meteor step up.
If they put the new Himalayan engine in there.
Im happy Kawasaki did not come with Model Z500 😂😂😂😂
less hp and torque than an old er5 and it's only 2kg lighter 🤔
But it's not just about the numbers. Kawasaki ate more than capable of making a 75bhp, rip-snorting 500cc twin if they want to but for this bike it's all about the delivery and making life easy for the riders. Not everyone wants to razz around at full-chat, some people like to sit back and enjoy the open road. Plus, the way the power is delivered on this bike is sharper, crisper and more fuel efficient thanks to modern fuel injection, digital ignition etc. Thanks for your comment though - we appreciate them all. Steve R.
Didn't like the intro don't like the bike But Hey! no snow thats great.
HAHA I'm messin with ya.
Honestly seems like kind of a crap machine.
cheap looking
2 words who cares
Shame it doesn't look like the original. That's one butt ugly bike, as bad as the Honda Rebel.