All over the world, more and more people are becoming enthusiastic about the two-wheeled lifestyle. The growing number of small and medium-sized models for novice riders is proof of this.
And while many new players in the industry are flexing their muscles in this space, we can’t ignore the tempting offers from some of the biggest names in the industry.
Kawasaki, for example, has a strong offering in the cruiser segment with the Eliminator 500. Powered by an evolution of the parallel-twin engine found in the Ninja and Z500, the Eliminator 500 is Kawasaki’s most accessible cruiser model, slotting in below the Vulcan S. And while this thing is marketed primarily as an entry-level model in the US, in Europe it’s touted as both an entry-level machine and a capable, stylish commuter vehicle.
For the 2025 model year, Kawasaki Europe is adopting the Eliminator’s “Just Ride” branding. Team Green is highlighting the Eliminator’s long and low aesthetic, reminiscent of “drag strip and urban street styling.” In addition, it is also launching the bike in three new colorways, with two standard options and one for the top-of-the-range SE model.
More specifically, the standard model will be available in Metallic Flat Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White, while the higher-end SE model will be available in Metallic Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony – which, to be honest, is almost indistinguishable from the standard Metallic Flat Spark Black from a distance.
So, three new colors for the Eliminator in Europe, and that’s it for the 2025 model year. And while there’s definitely nothing wrong with that, part of me can’t help but think that Kawasaki might be resting on its laurels a little here.
In recent years, there has been an influx of new mid-displacement offerings that have broken the industry norms. I’m talking about bikes like the CFMoto 450 CL-C and even the Aprilia RS 457. The main differentiator of these bikes is the engine, and it’s clear that there’s a reason why so many manufacturers are heading in this direction in the future. Let me explain.
For decades, novice riders had to make do with motorcycles with parallel-twin engines and boring-sounding 180-degree crankshafts. It was Yamaha that dared to challenge the status quo in 2014 when it introduced the FZ-07, whose star feature was its 270-degree “crossplane” crankshaft. And now motorcycles from manufacturers such as QJ Motor, Aprilia and CFMoto are equipped with parallel-twins and 270-degree crankshafts.
Since then, other major brands such as Honda and Suzuki have also adopted the 270cc crank, with Kawasaki being the only one of the four major Japanese manufacturers not to offer a motorcycle with a 270cc crank P-Twin.
Sure, on the spec sheet the power differences are marginal. But the essence of riding has always been so much more than the spec sheet. And there’s no denying that the sound, low-end torque and grunt of a 270-crank P-twin are so much more satisfying than a 180-crank P-twin. If you disagree with me, please let us know in the comments.
And so I dare say that Kawasaki’s twin-cylinder lineup may be in need of an overhaul. And who knows, Team Green may be the next to jump on the 270-crankshaft inline-twin trend.
