Meet the Kawasaki Eliminator 400, the Ninja 400’s cruiser sibling
Over the past few years, manufacturers here in the country have been racing to fill the sweet spot between 400cc and 500cc, offering motorcycles that are powerful enough for expressway use, yet approachable enough for riders “graduating” from sub-400cc machines. We’ve seen Honda expand its lineup with the NX500 and Rebel 500, CFMOTO strengthen its 450-series range with the 450NK, 450MT, and 450CL-C, while Suzuki recently joined the fray with the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM. Then there’s Triumph, which has practically built an entire family of 400cc motorcycles around the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X.
Now, Kawasaki is reminding everyone that sportbikes and dual-sports aren’t the only way to enjoy an entry-level big bike.
Enter the Kawasaki Eliminator 400, a modern cruiser aimed at riders who want a more relaxed riding experience without giving up the performance expected from an entry-level twin. First introduced in Japan in 2023, the Eliminator recently received updates for the Japanese market, ensuring the iconic nameplate remains relevant for a new generation of riders.
The biggest talking point lies beneath the fuel tank. Power comes from the same liquid-cooled 398cc parallel-twin engine found in the Ninja 400 and Z400. Kawasaki has retuned the engine for cruiser duty, placing more emphasis on low and mid-range performance while retaining the smooth, friendly character that helped make the Ninja 400 one of the world’s most popular entry-level big bikes. Output is rated at 48 PS and 37 Nm of torque.
The Eliminator rides on a lightweight trellis frame and features a low 735-mm seat height, making it accessible to riders of various skill levels. Suspension consists of a conventional telescopic fork up front and twin rear shock absorbers, while braking duties are handled by a 310-mm front disc and a 240-mm rear disc with ABS.
Other features include full LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster, smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app, and an optional SE variant equipped with a headlight cowl, fork gaiters, and a USB-C charging port.
The Eliminator 400 may wear cruiser styling, but underneath it’s essentially a Ninja 400 in a leather jacket. And if Kawasaki Philippines decides to bring it in at a price close to its Japanese equivalent, which is roughly PHP 323,000, Honda and CFMOTO’s cruisers could soon have another serious rival on their hands.
