The Kawasaki Eliminator has always played an important role in the cruiser world. Big-displacement V-twins might be the icons of the segment, but they’re not exactly welcoming for someone just getting started. Heavy weight, tall price tags, and intimidating ergonomics can scare off new riders before they even turn a wheel.
That’s where the Eliminator steps in. It’s designed to give riders an easy way into the cruiser lifestyle without the learning curve of a massive bike.
At its core, the Eliminator is a simple recipe: lightweight, low seat, and a parallel-twin engine that delivers predictable power. The numbers tell the story. The bike is powered by a 398cc liquid-cooled four-stroke twin, producing 48 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 27 pound-feet of torque at 8,000 rpm. It’s paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch, making it forgiving for those still working on their shifting skills. The whole package tips the scales at just 390 pounds ready to ride, making it one of the more manageable cruisers out there.
The chassis sticks to a tried-and-true formula. A trellis frame keeps things rigid but light, with a 41mm telescopic fork up front and twin shocks out back. Wheel travel is 4.7 inches in front and 3.5 inches at the rear. The seat height is only 29 inches, so even shorter riders can flat-foot at stoplights. Braking is handled by a 310mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, both with dual-piston calipers and ABS. Tire sizes are cruiser-appropriate at 130/70-18 in front and 150/80-16 out back.
Practical details help make the Eliminator an everyday machine. The 12-liter tank may sound small, but paired with the efficient engine, Kawasaki claims fuel economy of 74 mpg in constant-speed testing, or about 60 mpg in mixed riding. With a 59.8-inch (1,520mm) wheelbase, 5.9 inches (150mm) of ground clearance, and a tight 9.8-foot (3.0m) turning radius, it’s nimble enough for the city while stable enough for longer rides.
So what’s new about the Plaza Edition? Kawasaki Japan created this trim as a dealer-exclusive model that slots between the base Eliminator and the higher-spec SE. Mechanically, it’s the same bike, but it comes with a few thoughtful upgrades that speak to modern riding needs. A USB-C charging socket is mounted on the handlebars, perfect for phones, navigation, or heated accessories. A GPS-enabled dual camera system is included, functioning as both front and rear dash cams. This “drive recorder” feature adds a layer of safety and peace of mind, especially for riders who commute in busy cities. Finally, the Plaza Edition gets exclusive paint schemes that aren’t available on the standard model, giving it a bit more visual identity.
It’s worth noting what it doesn’t get compared to the SE. There’s no headlight cowl or fork boots, and the Plaza Edition sticks to more subtle single-tone color options rather than the SE’s two-tone finishes. In that sense, the Plaza is a middle ground: more tech than the standard bike, but without the cosmetic upgrades of the SE.
For riders elsewhere in the world, the Plaza Edition might feel out of reach since it’s currently a Japan-only release. But what it represents is more important. Entry-level cruisers used to be stripped down to hit a price point. Now, Kawasaki is showing that even beginner-friendly bikes can come with tech features that make daily life easier and safer. If this strategy works in Japan, we could easily see elements of it migrate to US-spec models in the future.
For you and me, that matters because it reshapes expectations. A cruiser that’s approachable, affordable, and stylish is already a win. Add in built-in safety tech, smartphone connectivity, and practical touches, and suddenly the beginner bike doesn’t feel like a compromise. The Kawasaki Eliminator Plaza Edition is more than just another trim level—it’s a glimpse at how manufacturers are redefining what “entry-level” means in today’s motorcycle market.
Source: Kawasaki
