Who is Buying the New Kawasaki Eliminator?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 46

  • @sharkymarky7251
    @sharkymarky7251 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    Funny that I stumbled onto this video, as I went the opposite way. I had my heart set on a Royal Enfield, specifically the Classic 350, for my first bike. Was fairly underwhelmed by it. I did like the sound, power and general riding position of the Super Meteor, but I didn't like the forward pegs or the price tag. And I had the same experience at our Euro store as you had at the Kawasaki store; the sales people said nobody is buying the REs. I rode the Eliminator SE, loved it, bought it, and couldn't be happier. It doesn't SOUND as cool as the REs, but it sure rides well.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I am overjoyed to hear that you bought an Eliminator, Sharkymarky! When I talked about the USB mount and the muffler, etc. during the video, I was just trying to find reasons why people might be turned off. None of that turned me off; I still love the Eliminator and think about buying one. When the guy at the Kawasaki store told me that they hadn't sold even 1 of them, it kind of tore me up. Kawasaki built this wonderful machine and it should be a top seller. The only conclusion I can reach is that there is this cultural pressure here in the USA to either buy bigger, or be considered less than, ya know? So, good for you, getting the right bike for you. Shout it from the rooftops, buddy. Thank you for watching the video and thank you for commenting!
      George

    • @sharkymarky7251
      @sharkymarky7251 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@FGRides well, don't think I was insulted or anything! :) The USB mount is in a bit of an odd place, and the muffler could be better tuned. You could be right about the lack of sales. Part of me wonders if it isn't a proof of concept type thing, and maybe they're about to run a line of bigger Eliminators like back in the 80s...

  • @shilohsamgary
    @shilohsamgary 10 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    My preceding two motorcycles were Royal Enfields. 350 meteor and 411 Himalaya now I have a Kawasaki’s eliminator different types of bikes altogether the lighter weight and performance are very enjoyable on the Kawasaki and it does have outstanding quality and I have owned over 30 motorcycles over the years from many different manufacturers One thing I appreciate about the Japanese manufacturers over Royal iEnfield they provide workshop manuals if you want if you do your own work, try to get one of those from Royal Enfield they are a very controlling company.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  9 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Hi shilohsamgary,
      I'm glad to hear that you bought, and are enjoying, an Eliminator! I'm going to try to finagle a ride on one of them this year. I saw that you have a playlist for the Yamaha TW200 on your channel. I'm actually in the middle of making a video about the TW that I owned for a year and a half. Trading it in is probably my biggest motorcycling regret. Thank you for watching and commenting!
      George

  • @jjstuartonwriting8150
    @jjstuartonwriting8150 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I can't believe I found this video because I'm in the same boat as you. Almost an identical situation. I live in Canada, and my local Kawasaki dealer is less than an hour away, while the Royal Enfield Dealer is two and a half hours away in Toronto. I visited him last summer and he had 2 bikes. That's it. 2 Royal Enfields for a city the size of Toronto. I looked online for a used one. None for sale. The only way to get a RE up here is to order it. I looked at the Eliminator and the Vulcan but the Vulcan sitting position is feet forward, meaning you can't stand on the pegs if you hit a pothole but take the full force on your rump. Ouch. Plus the pegs drag easily in the turns. I fell in love with the Eliminator. I don't think it's a beginner bike, though it would suit beginners quite well. As an older gentleman in my 50's I have no desire for a big fat cruiser, or a sport bike. I want a small, back country loper that is reliable, easy to handle, and get's good fuel economy. My friends all have fat V-Twin bikes that are heavy and slow, so I'm certain on any group rides an Eliminator would keep up.
    The reason I'm not getting the Classic 350 or any RE 350 variant is simply because of hills, headwinds, and fear of being rear ended. The 650 Classic just came out, but it might not make it to Canada due to politics and our port strikes at the moment, but even if it does, it's a huge machine and will cost well over $13000 canadian. I can get the SE Eliminator out the door (taxes, fees etc) for just over ten grand canadian. Maybe less now that it's november. Plus did I mention the dealer is less than an hour away? I think I'm going to get the Eliminator even though I love the Classic 350.
    Sorry I just realized I wrote a book. My apologies. I didn't mean to ramble.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      And how, JJ Stuart! I've only ever ridden one true cruiser - a Honda Shadow 1100. A friend of mine bought it right after he had surgery, and so he couldn't ride it home. I rode it for him from Brooklyn to Suffern, NY, and it was truly an excellent bike, EXCEPT for the fact that any road irregularity was transmitted directly to my spine because I couldn't weight the foot forward pegs. I think the Vulcan 650 is just about tops for middleweight cruisers, but you're right - it still has those forward controls, which make no sense whatsoever on any motorcycle.
      After initially reading your comment, I looked at the website for the Toronto Royal Enfield dealer, and I saw that there were no Classic 350s in stock. That's a crime, really. The current Classic 350 is the masterpiece of Royal Enfield - I believe that they threw everything they had at that motorcycle, and it will go down in history as one of the few vehicles to be appropriately named. I treasure mine, and I'm sure that 100 years from now, they will be treasured by anyone fortunate enough to own one. (Mine is going to my daughter when I pass, meant to be kept in the family, like a Rolls Royce, if you can believe that for a bike costing less than $5000 US.) You owe it to yourself to somehow get a test ride on one of these works of art.
      That being said, the Eliminator is always in the back of my mind as a bike that I really, really want to own. The ergonomics, the power, and the styling are all top shelf. There is no better Kawasaki to be had - of this I'm sure. I like the RS models, but the footpegs just aren't right for me. I have a Benelli Leoncino Trail with the same problem (as well as seat height) that my wife thinks is neat, but I think I'm going to sell it in the spring. If I do, I'll probably find a lightly used Eliminator. Fantastic bike.
      Thank you for the detailed, well-written comment! When you get your motorcycle, please send me some photos at fgrides@gmail.com. Take care!
      George

  • @bluesmanj1467
    @bluesmanj1467 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I have a KLX 650 and a Yamaha R6, and wanted a comfortable cruiser for my daily ride. After shopping and comparing, I added the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator ABS to my collection, and it has become my go-to bike everyday. The Eliminator is fast in terms of power-to-weight ratio (52 hp, 398 lbs weight), and its well-built with features of a modern bike, e.g. all LED lights, slip-clutch, full LED dial, etc. The brakes and wide tires provide great handling, and I'm getting fuel economy of about 60 mpg. The only downside is the bumpy short hard suspension but it makes high speed cornering better.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      BluesmanJ, First of all, that dog you've employed as an avatar is a 10 out of 10! I absolutely love dogs that belong to other people. Secondly, I couldn't agree more about the Eliminator - I firmly believe it's one of the best motorcycles being sold in the USA these days, (along with the Enfields, of course!). Finally, I've never ridden an R6, but I only have to look at it to know that it would join the small group of my favorite bikes ever - I have no doubt about this. You've got a great stable, Brother. Thank you for watching and commenting!
      George

    • @aaaces01
      @aaaces01 หลายเดือนก่อน

      There's no better test than to have multiple bikes in the garage and look back over say a year how many times you've chosen to ride each.

  • @WallaceSnyder-h7i
    @WallaceSnyder-h7i 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I added a pipe to my Eliminator. Sounds beautiful now. I owned a H-D with a side car. The only right and left hand turns have in common is the result if you do it right. I owned a Kawasaki z125 Pro that I traded in for the Eliminator. Just couldn’t get it to run 55 against ANY uphill or a little head wind. Of course, my 230 lbs. didn’t help. Sold a Can-Am Spyder f3 to buy the little Kawasaki. Like I said earlier, I’ve owned just about anything including a Vrod and a Kawasaki 750 Turbo. I owned 3 Kawasaki Mach III’s (Widow Makers) at one time and then a Mach IV with expansion chambers and a 16 inch H-D rim laced to the rear wheel.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  16 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I always thought it would be neat to ride one of those big 2 strokes from the 70's, but I've never had the opportunity. Thank you for the comment!

  • @WallaceSnyder-h7i
    @WallaceSnyder-h7i 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Had a Vetter fairing on the Mach IV.

  • @drewt.4353
    @drewt.4353 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Abs and loving it so far, easily accessible in every way, until you go past 7k
    pm, then it feels like it has more speed and power! Local commuter, light and small.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Hi Drew,
      I'm very happy to hear that you bought an Eliminator - they are great bikes and one of the smartest choices on the market. ABS is essential! I don't think there's any reason under the sun for a large motorcycle manufacturer to sell any street motorcycle without ABS. Send me a photo and I will put it in a future video. fgrides@gmail.com
      Thank you for watching!
      George

  • @WallaceSnyder-h7i
    @WallaceSnyder-h7i 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I bought the Eliminator after owning 40+ motorcycles over 60 years. I’ve owned everything from 113 cu.in. Custom to 60 cc street legal Yamaha. The Eliminator is a fabulous bike. Enough acceleration I’m considering going to a 15 in. front sprocket for even more top end although this bike does 100 plus.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  18 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Hi Wallace,
      I whole-heartedly concur that the Eliminator is a fabulous bike. I remain infatuated with them. It boggles the mind that this dealer couldn't sell even 1 of them over the course of a year, and I was trying to figure out why that was so. I think a large part of it might have been the attitude of the staff at the dealership, which is approaching criminal, and the other major factor is the some folks feel that they might be made fun of by their peers if they ride a bike with a lower displacement. I would say, "Get the bike, ditch the peers!" Thank you for watching and commenting!
      George

  • @CornishMotorcycleDiaries
    @CornishMotorcycleDiaries 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I've ridden the Eliminator and it's fine bike, a little faster than my BSA. There does seem to be something around dying batteries just now and you might have seen my own breakdown video with another coming soon on the topic. Back to the Kawasaki and I think there are lots of markets worldwide where it WILL sell really well, but probably not the Cruiser Behemoth fixated American one.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hi Andy,
      I haven't seen your breakdown video yet, probably because when I subscribe to a channel I usually scroll down to earlier videos and make my way forwards in time. The most current video of yours that I watched was a comparison of the BSA and the Moto Guzzi, which was especially interesting to me because I'm fascinated by Guzzis, and the BSA isn't available in the US - yet. I will watch the breakdown video, though; who doesn't guiltily enjoy watching misfortune unfold? Thank you so much for commenting - and for actually watching ANOTHER one of my videos; it's much appreciated!
      George

  • @shilohsamgary
    @shilohsamgary 9 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Really enjoy the TW also although I haven’t ridden that much since I got the eliminator I’m 77 years old and probably shouldn’t be like riding alone back in the deep woods so it doesn’t get used as much but it’s held up fantastic for over5000 miles much of it back gravel roads and trails don’t really want to get rid of it even though it’s not getting used much

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  9 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Would you be willing to send me a couple of photos of your TW? I might be able to use them in the video. fgrides@gmail.com. If not, that's fine, too. I appreciate you leaving comments!
      George

  • @shilohsamgary
    @shilohsamgary 9 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Adding to my earlier post about getting the Kawasaki eliminator having owned two Royal Enfielda before. I considered getting the royal Enfield 350 classic however, the much lighter weight I think 40 or 50 pounds and about 2 in. Lower seat was of value to my aging and 5’ 6” body.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  9 วันที่ผ่านมา

      The Classic is definitely a lead sled for a 350cc motorcycle. The low seat height of the Eliminator was probably the first thing that piqued my interest in it. I'm 5'9", but I'm built like Yosemite Sam; mostly torso with sawed off legs. I have another motorcycle that's only 1" taller than the Classic, but it feels 3" taller. I haven't ridden it since June of 2023. I completely understand!

  • @RayAdames
    @RayAdames 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I bought Kawasaki Eliminator SE I had cruisers like Harleys I enjoyed them but Kawasaki SE is so enjoyable 2 reasons exceptional handling and fuel miliage.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That's great, Ray! The SE is still my favorite. I've never ridden a Harley, but there are a couple that I think I would really like. I doubt that they would be any MORE fun than an Eliminator, though. If you send me a photo I will put it in a future video. fgrides@gmail.com
      Thank you for watching!
      George

  • @aaroncathey6706
    @aaroncathey6706 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I’m looking at an eliminator for sure for my first bike. Or a triumph.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Hi Aaron,
      I don't think you can go wrong with an Eliminator - I'm rooting for this bike to be a big hit, especially in the US where things have gone berserk. A lady started talking to me about my Enfield just yesterday after I pulled up outside a store. Her son, a brand new rider, had bought a big cruiser as his first bike, and almost immediately wrecked it at an intersection. Single rider crash - nobody else involved. He just didn't know how to ride the damned thing, even after taking the MSF course, allegedly. He might have avoided the crash if he had a more sensible bike to learn on. Also, you many want to consider one of the 350cc Royal Enfields; they are VERY friendly, forgiving motorcycles. I admit that I'm biased for the Enfields and the Eliminator! Thank you for watching and commenting!
      George

    • @aaroncathey6706
      @aaroncathey6706 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@FGRides Kawasaki is really pushing it on Instagram. The desire to ride bug just bit me and so I've been following motorcycle accounts and it's clear they're pushing for the beginners market. I also have been looking at the Royal Einfields. It's the 350ccs that's turning me off from that one. I want a bike I can grow into. Nothing greater than 600. That's why the Eliminator appeals so much. Approachable with some room to grow. We'll see. Love the video. Learned a lot from it.

  • @corey4761
    @corey4761 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I actually did buy an ABS Eliminator as my first bike. I'm still breaking it in, so I can't give it the beans yet. Definitely need a windshield, though, cause I'm a baby and don't like all the wind.😂

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That's great that you bought an Eliminator, Corey! I'm rooting for the Eliminator to be a big success. Send me a photo of it and I'll put it up in a future video. fgrides@gmail.com
      Thank you for watching and commenting!

    • @tiffinhappy9744
      @tiffinhappy9744 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If you find a good windshield for it let me know.

  • @WallaceSnyder-h7i
    @WallaceSnyder-h7i 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I’ve never owned a Royal Enfield but I’ve owned and ridden a few thumpers. I was in the 2nd group to test for a motorcycle endorsement when Ohio required them. I rode a Yamaha 250 single. The bike had to meet requirements and I had a blown headlight. Believe it or not they let me ride a borrowed bike, a 650 Triumph, ride side shift, left side brake. I got points off for riding too slow.but passed and rode the Yamaha 20 miles home in January.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  16 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I love the nutty things we motorcycle enthusiasts do just to ride. Ohio in January? No problem, right? Thank you for the comment.

  • @tiffinhappy9744
    @tiffinhappy9744 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It is a fun bike to ride. I ride in town and country rodes most of the time. Sometimes Iride interstate for about forty five menutes. It goes along at 70mph with no problems. Needs mirrors though

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hi tiffinhappy, You bet it needs mirrors! I kind of like the way the stock mirrors look, but they're useless for anybody wider than a No.2 pencil. The Eliminator looks like the designers said, "Let's make a motorcycle that looks as though its primary objective is to complement bar end mirrors." Whoa! It's an awesome bike and I'm glad to hear that you're so happy with it. Thank you for watching and commenting!
      George

  • @WallaceSnyder-h7i
    @WallaceSnyder-h7i 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Perhaps, the better question is “Who is buying Royal Enfield ? I’m not sure if they’re even buying them in India !

    • @AGAG262
      @AGAG262 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Oh, Wally... Did it somehow escape your attention that he's not criticizing the Eliminator - that, in fact, he likes that bike? His question was in no way a criticism, it was in regards to the fact that the local Kawasaki dealership hasn't moved a single one of them, even with huge markdowns.
      As for "who's buying Royal Enfields, well... They've doubled their sales here in the U.S. EVERY YEAR for the last several years, so...
      And, additionally, they've been making bikes since 1901 without EVER ceasing production, so while YOU might not be buying them, plenty of folks are.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  18 วันที่ผ่านมา

      That's a great question, actually. Other than Moron#1 (me!), who is buying them? I think I will make that a topic for a future video. I'm wondering if you've ever ridden a Royal Enfield - I think it's something that every motorcycle enthusiast would find enlightening, as the motorcycles makes a bunch of synapses fire simultaneously, while also inducing a craving for curry in any form. Thank you so much for 2 comments; that's very good for the channel. Ride safe on that awesome Eliminator!

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  18 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      AGAG, Your name is exactly the sound I love to hear at the end of a date. Your comment is well-reasoned and insightful, and I thank you ever so much for posting it!

  • @decorbolton
    @decorbolton 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I think the main reason they dont sell is the vulcan s 650 ,when people look at the price point and performance and even the fit and finish I owned the vulcan s for 2yrs and its a great bike only issue is suspension

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That is a very good point, @decorbolton. I haven't examined the Vulcan S for fit and finish, but the base price is very close to the price of the Eliminator in SE trim, and you get an additional 200 cc of engine displacement. I would love to know the sales figures for both of them. Thank you for the comment!

  • @ragarse3
    @ragarse3 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    The eliminator is not only a beginners bike but superb for us older guys. Comfort, lowish seat, lightish, bags of fun and all come with YUSA top quality batteries. In guess now Trump is back the American 'big is best' will flourish. God help us.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, ALL of those things about the Eliminator, @ragarse3 ! I think it's great that you referenced the battery thing - you're the first and only one to do that. Also, I've never met President-elect Trump, but I understand that he has very tiny hands, child-like, or elfin, if you will, so perhaps that signals the start of a general downsizing trend. Thank you for watching and commenting!
      George

    • @ragarse3
      @ragarse3 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@FGRides ha ha nice one. We've got our own loons here in UK, but not quite so dangerous 🍀😂

  • @williamgorry6330
    @williamgorry6330 หลายเดือนก่อน

    RE stock Indian batteries all suck. Now you know.
    What's wrong with 45 horse power? I need to ride to some degree on the US interstates. The RE 350 is an excellent bike, but it's a liability on freeways. I'm 74 years old and I own a RE Bullet 500 B5 and a CGT 535.
    " In guess now Trump is back the American 'big is best' will flourish. God help us."
    I don't get this 'big is best' bit. I live in Arlington, VA. I can buy what I want to buy. I don't play victim. I don't want tall, wide or heavy. The Eliminator is just a well executed, all around road bike, with decent highway capable power.
    The SE ABS is a computer controlled motorcycle. The whole machine is monitored by the computer, including the USB port. It was not put there as a shop project. The connector going back to the main wiring harness is there to monitor the circuit and protect the electrical integrity of the bike.

    • @FGRides
      @FGRides  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hi William,
      I must not have been communicating properly; easy to do when one is talking and riding a motorcycle at the same time. I think the Eliminator is a tremendously good motorcycle, and should be selling very well. (I'm still scheming to get one for myself!) Anything I said about it that was negative was an attempt to comprehend why this particular dealer hasn't sold any of them in the year that they've been on the showroom floor. I'm sure that the USB connection is high quality - the bracket that it's affixed to looks like it might be a shop class project, though. The quote about Trump didn't come from me; that was left in a comment by a viewer of the video. You won't find me commenting about Trump, or Harris, or Biden, et al. in any of my videos. (Thus far, anyway - it could happen, but I'm not a partisan man, and certainly don't want a partisan channel.) I don't think that any of them have any interest in motorcycles, anyway. What I DO think is great is that you watched the video carefully and left a comment. I appreciate it more than I can tell you. Also, I think it's fantastic that you have a Continental GT535 - that's one of the Enfields that has captured my fascination. Thank you and take care, my friend!
      George