Engine and Performance
The Eliminator 450 is powered by a 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin (drawn from Kawasaki’s Ninja series). It makes roughly 45 hp and 32 lb-ft of torque. In practice this means brisk acceleration off the line and strong midrange pull. On the road the engine feels energetic: it pulls eagerly from low revs up to its 9,000-rpm limit, giving the bike a lively character. A six-speed transmission (with an assist-and-slipper clutch) shifts smoothly and helps make downshifts easy, adding to its confidence-inspiring feel. Overall, the motor’s lively response and easy torque keep the ride engaging without feeling overwhelming. It’s not a lazy cruiser engine – it has a slightly sporty high-rev nature, but delivers it in a friendly, tractable way.
Handling and Comfort
Kawasaki built the Eliminator to be approachable. A lightweight trellis frame and a curb weight around 386 pounds make it maneuverable for a cruiser. The seat height is just 735 mm (about 29 inches), so most riders can flat-foot it, which immediately boosts confidence at stops. We found the riding position fairly upright, with mid-mounted footpegs and a relatively straight handlebar giving a neutral stance (not overly stretched out). In our test, the Eliminator proved stable even in corners, leaning in predictably without feeling wallowy. The suspension is basic – telescopic forks up front and twin shocks in back – but it soaks up bumps comfortably on most roads. This combination of low weight and relaxed ergos means city traffic, U-turns, and tight parking were all easy. The bike feels nimble for its size, handling urban riding and backroads with a lot more agility than its classic-cruiser looks might suggest.
Style and Features
Styling on the Eliminator plays on old-school cruiser cues. It wears fat tires (130/70-18 front, 150/80-16 rear), a chopped bobber-style rear fender, and a slim 13-liter fuel tank with retro side panels. Classic touches like chrome accents (on the airbox cover and exhaust) and a round LED headlight give it old-school appeal, yet the lighting and finish are thoroughly modern and crisp. The cockpit is nicely updated: a fully digital LCD dash clearly shows speed, revs, fuel level, gear position, clock, and even gear indicator. We especially appreciated the gear-position readout, a welcome modern convenience. Higher trims get dual-channel ABS (the base model does too, on the front wheel) and a USB-C charging port under the seat. There’s also a smartphone connectivity app (Kawasaki’s Rideology) if you want it, though the bike is enjoyable on its own. Overall, the Eliminator balances nostalgic looks with useful modern tech, making it feel both familiar and up-to-date.
Riding Impressions
Out on the road, the Eliminator 450 immediately feels friendly and fun. Around town its light weight and low-speed manners shine: the clutch is gentle, the steering is quick, and the engine’s smooth torque means creeping in first gear or crawling through traffic is totally stress-free. Strikes and stops are confidence-inspiring thanks to the flat-footed reach and visible mirrors. Once we hit twisty backroads, the cruiser surprised us by how well it could hustle: the frame is rigid and the tires grip well, so we were able to lean in and carry more speed than expected for a bike like this. Roll-on acceleration from 60 to 80 mph was ample, making passing a breeze. At highway speeds (say 70–75 mph) the twin still had enough pulling power; beyond that it’s edging toward its rev limit and gets a bit buzzy in the grips, but nothing alarming. The seat is soft and supportive, and the upright position makes even moderate stretches pleasant. All told, the Eliminator 450 is a lot more fun to ride briskly than its relaxed cruiser styling might imply. It feels balanced and accessible, whether you’re winding through city streets or linking canyons – in either case, it delivers exactly what it promises: uncomplicated, back-to-basics cruiser enjoyment.
Price and Value
Kawasaki smartly priced the Eliminator 450 for entry-level appeal. In the U.S., the base model (no ABS) starts around $6,499 MSRP, and the ABS-equipped version is about $6,799. A top-end “SE” trim (with special graphics, fork gaiters, and a unique two-tone seat) comes in around $7,199. For roughly $6–7K, you’re getting a full-size twin-cylinder cruiser with a lot of modern gear. Compared to bigger 650cc cruisers, the Eliminator undercuts them by a significant margin. In this price bracket, it’s hard to beat. You get LED lighting, a crisp LCD dash with gear display, an assist-and-slip clutch, dual-channel ABS, and smartphone connectivity – features you’d expect on bikes well above this price. Essentially, Kawasaki has packaged surprising performance and tech into a very accessible cruiser. For fun and functionality on a budget, the Eliminator 450 offers a ton of value.
In summary, the 2025 Kawasaki Eliminator 450 delivers on its promise of back-to-basics cruiser fun. It offers a comfortable, confidence-inspiring ride and enough lively performance to keep it interesting. Classic styling blends smoothly with helpful modern touches, and the low seat and weight make it welcoming to newer riders. At the end of the ride, the Eliminator feels like exactly what Kawasaki says it is: a simple, affordable bike that lets you enjoy the pure joy of cruising. For about six to seven grand, it earns its name by eliminating the excuses and getting straight to the fun. Whether you’re new to motorcycles or just want a no-nonsense weekend bike, the Eliminator 450 is a hard bargain and a blast to ride.
