Kawasaki has a long history of shaking up the motorcycle industry, from their first Z1 superbike in the 1970s, to the recent supercharged H2, and even the hybrid and full-electrics that are arriving now. Let’s find out how their latest eliminator is changing the game.

Kawasaki always seems to find a way to inject some excitement into everything they do; let’s see if that holds true in their latest entry-level cruiser.

Most of us motorcycle riders got on the road in one of two ways. Either we started on something small and boring that we quickly grew out of, or we jumped into the deep end on something a little too exciting and were forced to tiptoe our way through the learning curve. Kawasaki is looking to change the game with this 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator, an entry-level cruiser with big bike style that’s easy to learn on yet offers plenty of room to grow.

Shaking things up right from the start is not your typical cruiser engine, as the Eliminator’s 451cc parallel-twin is basically a stroker version of their Ninja 400 sport-bike’s powerplant, delivering 52-horsepower and 32 lb-ft. of torque.

And if that sounds familiar, Kawasaki used this same approach in the 1980s with the original Eliminator power cruiser which featured an engine straight out of the Ninja 900.

And there is a subtle throwback to the OG Eliminator with the design of the rear fender. Big picture, unlike most entry-level rides, it looks like a full-size cruiser not a beginner bike. Slim, low, stripped down, fat tires, though it’s not quite bobber-like as the Eliminator’s trellis frame is a bit too contemporary for that.

Both standard and SE versions of the Eliminator are available. In addition to a 2-tone paint upgrade, SEs get fork covers, a minimal headlight cowl, unique seat covering, and a USB-C outlet mounted on the handlebars for charging your phone or a GPS. All get a round fully digital gauge display that’s easy to read in all conditions.

Beginners and even experienced riders will appreciate the Eliminator’s simplified approach; no ride modes or active suspension adjustments to worry about, plus a feather-light slipper clutch and smooth shifting transmission that goes into gear easily with a reassuring click.

At just 28.9-inches, seat height is the lowest in the Kawasaki showroom, yet it still has that big cruiser look and feel no other entry-level ride can match.

And while it is plenty capable of extended periods at highways speeds, it feels much more at home cruising at a relaxed pace on the back roads, as the twin rear shock suspension has just 3.1-inches of travel.

Pricing starts with non-ABS versions at $6,499, adding ABS is just $300 more; SE comes with ABS and starts at $7,099.

Simple to operate and easy to enjoy; it all just feels very unintimidating, which brings us to what the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator is designed to eliminate, some of the baggage and intimidation factor that comes along with beginning riders choosing a first ride, especially if they’re interested in a cruiser. But it also eliminates the need to upgrade right away as there’s plenty of power, capability, and yes excitement here to keep the good times rolling for years to come.