2026 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Specs & Review

Kawasaki’s compact cruiser blends approachable ergonomics with a rev-happy parallel twin, making it a smart step-up from smaller commuters and a friendly entry into mid-capacity cruisers. This Kawasaki Eliminator 500 review zeroes in on real-world riding and the hard numbers enthusiasts care about, with an emphasis on the 2026 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 specs.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 451 cc
• Engine: 4-stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled
• Power: 51 hp @ 10,000 rpm (ISO 4106, US); 33.4 kW (≈45 PS) @ 9,000 rpm (EU/AU)
• Torque: 31.7 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpm (~43.0 Nm, US); 42.6 Nm @ 7,500 rpm (EU/AU)
• Transmission: 6-speed, return shift; final drive: sealed chain
• Kawasaki Eliminator 500 seat height: 735 mm / 28.9 in
• Kawasaki Eliminator 500 weight (curb): 176 kg (ABS) / 175 kg (non-ABS) • 388.1 lb / 385.9 lb
• Fuel capacity: 13.0 L (3.4 gal)

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Eliminator 500 is a 451 cc parallel twin (70.0 x 58.6 mm bore and stroke) with an 11.3:1 compression ratio. Fed by DFI with 32 mm throttle bodies and sparked by TCBI with digital advance, the motor delivers a lively top-end and a useful midrange. On paper, you get 51 hp at 10,000 rpm (US) and 31.7 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm, while EU/AU figures list 33.4 kW (≈45 PS) at 9,000 rpm and 42.6 Nm at 7,500 rpm.

In the city, the twin’s willingness to rev and clean fueling make short bursts between lights easy, and the 6-speed return-shift gearbox keeps you in the sweet spot without hunting. On the highway, the engine’s stronger pull from 7,500 rpm helps with passes, while the broad spread of torque means you can leave it in a higher gear and cruise. For fun rides, the parallel twin’s balance of tractability and top-end urge encourages you to use the full rev range without feeling punishing or intimidating.

Handling, Comfort & Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Seat Height

A trellis, high-tensile steel frame combined with a 30.0° rake and 121 mm (4.8 in) trail, plus a 1,520 mm (59.8 in) wheelbase, give the Eliminator 500 stable, predictable manners. The 41 mm telescopic fork offers 120 mm (4.7 in) travel and the twin shocks provide 90 mm (3.1 in), striking a cruiser-appropriate balance between comfort and control.

The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 seat height of 735 mm (28.9 in) is genuinely low, boosting confidence at stops and during U-turns. Pair that with the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 weight—176 kg (ABS) or 175 kg (non-ABS)—and low-speed maneuvering remains approachable for newer riders while still feeling planted for experienced ones. Tire sizes (130/70-18 front, 150/80-16 rear) support easy turn-in without sacrificing straight-line composure, and 150 mm (5.9 in) of ground clearance suits urban speed bumps and imperfect backroads alike. Riders of varying sizes can fine-tune ergonomics with Kawasaki’s ERGO-FIT system.

Equipment & Features

Braking is straightforward and effective: a single 310 mm front disc with a twin-piston caliper, plus a rear single disc (EU/AU: 240 mm; US: 220 mm). ABS is standard on ABS-equipped variants and works seamlessly for extra peace of mind. The all-digital display includes a tachometer and a gear position indicator—exactly what you want on a sporty cruiser—and smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP brings ride data and convenience into the cockpit.

Other notable hardware includes the sealed chain final drive, a 6-speed transmission, and a 13.0 L (3.4 gal) fuel tank. The Eliminator’s look is sharpened by regional color options: in the EU, Metallic Imperial Red/Ebony and Metallic Flat Spark Black; in the US, Urban City White and Metallic Flat Spark Black. It’s all tied together by sensible component choices that favor value without feeling bare-bones.

Pricing backs that up: US MSRP is Non-ABS $6,499 or ABS $6,799 (plus $650 destination), while Germany lists €6,945 incl. Überführung (€6,545 ex-works).

Who Is the 2026 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 For?

This bike fits newer riders who want cruiser style without excessive heft, and experienced riders seeking a nimble, budget-friendly runabout. Daily commuters will appreciate the manageable dimensions, low seat, and ABS safety net, while weekend riders get a revvy twin that rewards being ridden. If you’re cross-shopping approachable cruisers, the 2026 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 specs, price, and connectivity make a compelling case.

Torquepedia Verdict

The Eliminator 500’s strengths are clear: accessible ergonomics, a smooth and engaging 451 cc twin with real top-end shove, and rider-friendly features like ABS, ERGO-FIT, and phone connectivity. The chassis numbers (30° rake, 121 mm trail, 1,520 mm wheelbase) point to stable manners without dulling everyday agility, and the instrumentation hits the essentials.

On the flip side, the single front disc setup prioritizes simplicity over outright sport aggression, and the 13.0 L tank is practical but not tour-oriented. Overall, as an affordable, modern cruiser with credible performance and tech, it’s an easy recommendation in its class.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 good for beginners? Yes. The low 735 mm (28.9 in) seat height, manageable power delivery from the 451 cc twin, and available ABS make it welcoming for newer riders while remaining engaging for veterans.

• What is the seat height of the 2026 Kawasaki Eliminator 500? The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 seat height is 735 mm / 28.9 in.

• How heavy is the 2026 Kawasaki Eliminator 500? The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 weight (curb) is 176 kg (ABS) or 175 kg (non-ABS), which is 388.1 lb / 385.9 lb.

• How much power and torque does it make? US maximum output is 51 hp @ 10,000 rpm and 31.7 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpm (~43.0 Nm). EU/AU rated output is 33.4 kW (≈45 PS) @ 9,000 rpm and 42.6 Nm @ 7,500 rpm.

• Does it have ABS and smartphone connectivity? Yes. Electronics include ABS, ERGO-FIT, and smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, plus an all-digital display with tachometer and gear position indicator.