The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE takes the standard Eliminator’s low, sleek custom cruiser stance and adds a touch more classic finish, aimed at riders who want boulevard style with a slightly richer specification straight from the showroom floor. It occupies the same accessible corner of Kawasaki’s line-up, built to make cruiser ownership approachable for new and shorter riders alike, without ever feeling like a scaled down imitation of a proper custom machine.
Its liquid-cooled 451cc parallel twin, a DOHC eight-valve design with a 70 x 58.6mm bore and stroke and 11.3:1 compression, produces 45.4PS at 9,000rpm and 42.6Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. Digital ignition and electric starting keep things simple at every start, and twin 32mm throttle bodies feed the fuel injection for crisp, easily read response. A six-speed gearbox with a wet multi-disc clutch and sealed chain drive gives smooth, unhurried progress with a satisfying turn of pace whenever the road opens up, while a forced-lubrication wet sump keeps the bottom end dependable.
The chassis is built around a high-tensile steel trellis frame weighing in at 176kg, running a 41mm telescopic fork with 120mm of travel and, distinctively, twin rear shock absorbers offering 90mm rather than a monoshock, a styling and handling cue lifted straight from Kawasaki’s classic machines that adds a natural, planted feel as well as genuine ride comfort over a 1,520mm wheelbase and 121mm of trail. A 310mm front disc and dual-piston caliper, paired with a 240mm rear disc, provide the stopping power, with 150mm of ground clearance underneath.
The 735mm seat remains the lowest in its class, and with accessory high and low seat options available, riders of every height can sit comfortably and reach the ground with confidence from their very first ride. A 13 litre tank keeps fuel stops well spaced, rounding out a machine built for retro cruiser style with genuine everyday usability, whether that’s a first big bike or a relaxed weekend companion. Riders stepping across from a naked or commuter machine will find the low centre of gravity and unhurried delivery make the switch feel entirely natural. Available now at GT Motorcycles, your Kawasaki dealer in Plymouth, covering riders across Devon and Cornwall, with finance and test rides available.
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