Kawasaki Eliminator Crushes Royal Enfield – Delivers Powerful 451cc Engine and Outstanding 30 kmpl Mileage
Motorcycle enthusiasts in India have long admired the classic charm and road presence of Royal Enfield bikes. But the game is changing fast. Kawasaki has entered the cruiser segment with a bold move — the new Kawasaki Eliminator brings a fresh design, a punchy 451cc engine, and surprisingly impressive mileage of 30 kmpl. It’s got everyone talking and even has die-hard Royal Enfield fans thinking twice.
Let’s dive deep into why the Kawasaki Eliminator might just be the new king of the road.
Overview Table
| Feature | Kawasaki Eliminator | Royal Enfield Meteor 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 451cc, Liquid-Cooled | 349cc, Air-Oil Cooled |
| Power Output | 45 PS | 20.4 PS |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 35 kmpl |
| Weight | 176 kg | 191 kg |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹5.62 Lakh (approx.) | ₹2.05 Lakh – ₹2.30 Lakh |
| Riding Posture | Upright with Mid Controls | Relaxed Cruiser Style |
| Tech Features | LCD display, Assist & Slipper Clutch | Tripper Navigation, USB Port |
Design & Style
The Kawasaki Eliminator brings a fresh and modern cruiser design with a hint of sportiness. Unlike the typical bulky cruiser look, the Eliminator feels more refined and sleek. It has a low-slung seat, a sharp tail section, and a minimalist headlamp. The matte finish and blacked-out elements give it a bold personality.
Compared to Royal Enfield’s classic retro style, which hasn’t changed much over the years, the Eliminator looks like a bike made for the modern rider. It’s a cruiser but not old-school — and that’s what makes it stand out.
Engine & Performance
Under the tank sits a brand-new 451cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that makes around 45 PS of power. That’s more than double the power output of Royal Enfield’s Meteor 350. It’s based on the Ninja 400’s engine but tuned for relaxed cruising.
The power delivery is smooth, and there’s no struggle when you open the throttle. Whether you’re cruising on highways or overtaking in city traffic, the bike feels strong and confident. The 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch also ensures smoother shifts and less effort during long rides.
Ride & Handling
The Kawasaki Eliminator is surprisingly light for a cruiser — just 176 kg. This makes it much easier to handle, especially for newer riders or those upgrading from smaller bikes. The seating position is upright and comfortable, and the mid-mounted footpegs make it easier to control the bike in city traffic.
It handles corners better than you’d expect from a cruiser, and even at higher speeds, the bike feels planted and stable. The telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks are tuned for comfort, absorbing most road bumps easily.
Features & Tech
Kawasaki has kept the feature list simple but useful. The Eliminator gets a fully digital LCD instrument cluster with all the essential readouts — speed, RPM, gear position, fuel level, and trip meter. There’s also dual-channel ABS, an assist & slipper clutch, and optional accessories like a USB charger and pillion backrest.
It doesn’t have Bluetooth or navigation like Royal Enfield’s Tripper system, but the Eliminator focuses more on performance and ride quality than tech gimmicks.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
This is where the Eliminator surprises everyone — 30 kmpl from a 451cc engine is no small feat. For a cruiser of this size and power, it’s genuinely impressive.
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 may offer slightly better mileage at around 35 kmpl, but it also has a much smaller and less powerful engine. So, when you compare performance-to-mileage ratio, the Eliminator holds its ground very well.
Price & Variants
The Kawasaki Eliminator comes in a single variant and is priced around ₹5.62 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s more than double the price of a Meteor 350, which ranges between ₹2.05 lakh to ₹2.30 lakh.
However, for that extra money, you’re getting a significantly more powerful engine, premium build quality, and a global brand that has a strong reputation for reliability and engineering.
FAQs
Q: Is the Kawasaki Eliminator beginner-friendly?
A: Yes, despite its powerful engine, the bike is light and has a relaxed riding posture, making it manageable for new riders.
Q: Does it come with Bluetooth connectivity?
A: No, the Eliminator does not come with Bluetooth or navigation features.
Q: Is it suitable for long rides?
A: Absolutely. With its comfortable ergonomics and smooth engine, the Eliminator is great for highway cruising.
Q: How does it compare to Royal Enfield in maintenance?
A: Kawasaki bikes generally have higher service costs but offer better build quality and performance.
Final Verdict
The Kawasaki Eliminator is a bold new entry into the Indian cruiser market. While Royal Enfield continues to dominate with its legacy and charm, the Eliminator offers a modern, powerful, and efficient alternative. It’s aimed at riders who want a cruiser that looks sharp, rides well, and doesn’t feel outdated.
Yes, it’s more expensive — but if you can stretch your budget, the performance, refinement, and global appeal of the Eliminator make it a worthy upgrade. Royal Enfield may still rule the hearts, but Kawasaki is clearly here to challenge the throne — and it’s doing it with muscle and style.