I had one of these back in the day, the 86 model was actually the fastest production bike made that year from 0-60, it smoked the vmax, the magna, and all the crotch rockets :) It was fun as hell to see a kid roll up next to me at a stop light on a cbr thinking he'd leave me in a cloud of dust and just blow his doors off when the light turned green :) Sweet bike!!!
The only time I raced an Eliminator was this actual bike. It was about 20 years ago and I was on my worked 1989 ZX-10 at the time. I timed the light better and took that one. If my brother-in-law had done one of his super aggressive launches, things may have turned out differently. Great memories! A well ridden Eliminator is still a seriously quick bike.
Dad had a few of them in black and red. He raced them at the local drag strip. Specifically remember riding on the back when I was around ten. Dad turned onto the expressway ramp and pinned the throttle. The sound and speed was incredible. I held on for dear life as the front tire came off the ground. Been a bike nut since that day. Dad was a very talented rider. Miss you dad, thanks for the memories.
My father had an 85 Eliminator. When I was 15 he taught me how to drive on that bike. Still to this day it's my favorite bike, and the bike I judge all other bikes against. In my opinion it's the gold standard of motorcycles.
@@avet4521 Awesome, thanks for sharing the great memories! The Eliminator is one of those special bikes that makes you smile every time you think about riding it.🙂
By far the finest machine I ever owned. I had been riding a Yamaha 750 Seca which had an engine that was considered pretty radical at the time. When I got the ZL I had to adjust my "get outta somebody's way" protocol. If I did it like I did on the Seca it would break traction on the rear. I never lost a drag. The crotch rockets couldn't keep their front wheels on the ground if they tried to keep up. This thing was long and low and stayed planted. Didn't have the top end but it wasn't designed and geared for that. It was made for full afterburner take offs. The real fun was when some victim of marketing in a 300Z Nissan would want to race. It was just pathetic. I put a few of them away. Plus it was just beautiful. Every time I stopped for gas it would draw people in. Everyone thought it was a custom. I took to dressing better when I rode it. Stupidest thing I ever did(besides my first marriage)was selling it. I have a friend who has been riding the same Kawasaki GPz 750 Turbo since he bought it new in 85. That brings me to build quality. I been out of bikes for awhile so I don't know about the new machines but I had every brand back in the day and none were close to the build quality of the Kaw. It's criminal Kawasaki only made the ZL for 2 years. I later tried out the V Max and it just didn't have the magic. Under heavy throttle it felt like riding a 50 cal machine gun. Not the smoothness I was spoiled to. If I had three wishes........
Thanks for sharing the great memories! Kawasaki has such a long list of motorcycles that stir the soul and the Eliminator 900 is certainly one of those machines!
Yes I do miss it . But it would be a pain for me to keep it properly. No moisture environments needed. I live off grid now. I can remember pushing it once to 230km. Never again. You had to be careful on corners with a bump , the shaft drive would drive your rear end up. It was a bit unnerving. Pulled a wheelie once with my wife on . Fun but not recommended! Lol
I bought this bike brand new in 1986 at Champion Cycle in Chicago. Really fun. Rode it cross country. I started thinking about it. So glad you made this.
@scottnathanphoto You're welcome, Scott! I picked up an Eliminator for myself after making this video. They're a thrill ride of a bike. I can't imagine how many times you stopped for gas going cross country! Cheers
Thanks for the inspiration Jon! Went on a shakedown ride on mine today. One month from a crashed, corroded neglected palletized pos to a frickin awsome machine 👌 😀 A brake hose upgrade is definitely in order.
Last year I bought a ZL1000 and had been thinking I wish I had the 900 because it's probably slightly smaller, lighter, and not quite as fast, but now I see the fuel tank is so small I think I'll stick with the 1000.
What a great video that is Jon! Burnout had just enough tire spin to still squeal through the whole launch, perfect. And the sound of the carbs sucking air and the exhaust tone working in perfect harmony. I had two ZL1000's. One I bought new in 1987 and the other a couple of years ago. Not the blinding excelleration of my ZX-14R but just a ball to ride, and very easy to handle. 🤘
I have a collection of modern super bikes that I love very much… But there’s nothing like these all UJM/muscle bikes. And there’s just something about a Kawasaki in line four. just speaks to the soul
Great review Jon found a 85 black on craigslist all the listing said was a motorcycle and all kinds of junk! Been sitting for 35years 4200miles got it for 800$ just sold it after we went through the whole bike for 6500$ wish I could of kept it but we're finishing our 1266 Suzuki with a Mr turbo 30pound boost 150shot nos! Ride safe Jon
I worked at the Kawsaki plant in Lincoln, Nebraska back in the early 80's. I walked into the prototype room and saw the first ZL900, I was blown away. I wanted one but never got around to it.
Great review....I've got a line on one now...just waiting to get home from a trip to pull the trigger. I remember seeing one for the first time in 1985 at Bell RD Kawasaki in Phoenix. I had never seen a bike like it...long, low and just mean. My 12 year old brain could not make sense of it next to the Sport bikes of the day...
I lusted over these bikes when they came out and have written Kawi about a modern version of one, using the same engine in the Ninja/Versys 1000 but in a more basic/UJM/cruiser type frame. Kawi has yet to respond to my inquiry. I think it would be a winner as it could fit into the UJM/cruiser category and morphed into an ST if the proper options were offered.
Right on, Levi! All the manufacturers have tried the muscle cruisers. Numbers wise, the V-Max and V-Rod were probably the most popular. And, Kawasaki already has a UJM with the Ninja 1000 motor - the Z900RS. If they build a new Eliminator, I would vote for an Eliminator H2 with the supercharged 1000cc motor and blistering 1/4 mile times. That or an Eliminator 1400. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 The Z900Rs is more the UJM than the N1K. I've owned both and they were both great bikes w/different missions. The Z900RS brought me back to my original riding days in the mid 70's and it's a gorgeous bike, a jewel to be stared at, so well done. The N1K was also fabulous in its own right, loved mine and would love to have another in my garage someday.
The indicator lights are set up like that to mimic a drag strip timing tree. I like cornering on bikes too much here in PA. Would be a great bike for the plains states with no curves. 62 in. wheelbase is good for hard launches
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I live in Oregon if you come across a low mileage Black one that’s Bone stock please let me know thank you for your channel
There seem to be lots of nice ones locally. I know of at least 6 within 5 miles of my house. Were the Eliminators officially imported to England? Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 they was but not many survived pity nice looking bike .but my garage is full now with zzr 1100 fjr 1300 honda 250 superdream and gpz 500 .still fancy one though
Like my 85 ZL900A Garage Queen. Now she needs TLC as I haven’t ridden in quite a few years… definitely not a long range bike by either fuel range or comfort level. Only 5”11” but after 300 miles your ready to get off for a week.Not up to my old KZ1000A comfort level by far., but fun as hell..
not a 900 but I just bought an 86 zl600 for $200 from the new husband of a family friend. It doesn't run at the moment but that's only because he took it apart after it started running rough and heath stopped him from working on it. My plan is to take it in and get it running and at some point, swap on chrome wire wheels. It's my first real street bike since my first bike is a 93 ke100 enduro Kawasaki
I would love one of these or a ZL1000. Only problem is trying to find one in good condition. I am a stickler when it comes to the condition of my things.
Anybody seing the video, since rumors of a new eliminator 1000 cc 4 inline appeared? Since Harley stopped producing good looking bikes (and affordable) I'm looking for my next bike after 80k km on my 883. Btw far better looking than the V Max this one.
I agree, Kawasaki could have made the tank a little longer without compromising performance and the bike would benefit from the extra fuel capacity as well. However, I still think they look great and they are a blast to ride!
George If memory serves me right,the seat opened from the back . The hinge was in the front @ the tank. I would rather see that than the hideous gap on Harley's at the neck. The real bikes( Japanese) of old days had that figured out. I'm a KZ fanboy actually almost ALL kawasaki's.
Sooo....I just bought an 85 a few weeks ago. I can only get 45 miles before I have to switch over to reserve. This is my 2nd Eliminator in life (don't know why I every got rid of the 1st one). I remember from back then, as a dailly driver, I had to get gas every 2 days. Does that seem normal?
No, you should be able to get at least 65-70 miles before hitting reserve. It sounds like your jetting is rich or you have a fuel leak. Another thing to check is that it has the stock petcock. If it is from another bike, the length of the tubes could cause the problem. Good luck!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I did swap out the floats because it was leaking fuel out of the airbox (3 out of the 4 were filling up with fuel). Currently have no fuel leaking from the bike. BUT, the bike does stutter when I leave in low rpms until about 3000. Is that a sing of bad jetting?
What's also great about the big ZL bikes is they aren't so wheelie prone. Sure, wheelies are fun, but you don't want a bike that's going to be lifting the front end every time you hit the gas hard.
The problem with the muscle cruisers over the sport bikes, is most suffered from high speed wobble, where the sport bikes could maintain a higher speed
If high-speed running is your primary criteria for judging a bike then a sportbike is the right machine for you. Sportbikes are certainly designed for high-speed running - from the chassis geometry to the low, narrow bars and fairings for wind protection. Much of the wobble on naked bikes is simply the result of steering input from the rider as they get blown around at high speed. However, comparing the strength of a sportbike against a bike that was designed to a completely different criteria somewhat misses the point. Style, comfort, feel, 1/4 mile time, refinement, handling, ride, wind protection, sound, safety, fuel economy and range are all design criteria that must be prioritized by the manufacturer for each machine. 🙂
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 It's not necessarily a criteria, just an observation. I was into motorcycles when those bikes first came out, owned a 77 Honda CB750F and a 81 Honda CB 900 custom both new, they were extremely reliable fun bikes and silky smooth which was synonymous with the Japanese machines, but I eventually got into the sport bike graze during the late 80's with 750 and 1000 cc Kawasaki Ninjas and i discovered that good handling isn't just exclusive to high speeds. Im not saying that the eliminators don't handle well, they certainly do, but the stopping distance on something like a ZX10R will far exceed any muscle cruiser. Personally I believe that the design and styling of those 80's muscle cruisers stands the test of time, the best looking motorcycle that Ive ever seen in my life was a 1976 Kawasaki 900 LTD in bright red, that was the cycle that coined the term Crypto Chopper and the Eliminator is an offshoot of that design.
@@Agislife1960 Right on. It honestly sounds like your taste in bikes is very similar to mine. My first big bike was a 1982 Suzuki GS1100G. I sold it to buy a 1989 ZX-10R and what a performance difference in every area (save comfort)! I've since gone through just about every bike in the book, first as an enthusiast and then as a dealer, including vintage Japanese bikes, Harleys and all the European brands. As a dealer, I had to leave my personal taste out of the equation (as much as possible) and try to get the customer on the right bike for them. When I ride and review the bikes I have to keep in mind the design goals of the manufacturer and the loyal following of the owners. I then ride and review them accordingly. One trend that I am really stoked about with the new bikes coming out is the retro-styled sport standards. With bikes like the Z900 and Z900RS (currently at the top of my wish list) we can have our cake and eat it too!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Yeah I haven't owned a bike in a few years, but the new retro 900 Kawasaki is really testing my age. My local Kawasaki dealership is mostly about ATV's, but I think if I were to swing by there and find a new 900RS, I'd probably have a motorcycle in my garage
Ha Ha I live 10 mins from where you filmed this. My son owns a house on Ekert rd right there where you started the vid. I would love to buy another red one like I had if you know of any for sale. My old one is in TX and I have no info on the guy that bought it. Contac me please.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 im about to pull the carbs on mine to clean and sync, is it worth it ? pods and rejet ? do you remember what size jets keeping the stock exhaust ?
The owner had the work done at a local motorcycle shop. A Dynojet kit was used. The K&N filters are heavy and pop off unless you have a support for them. But the bike runs great and sounds great with the pods. I rode a stock red one back-to-back with the black one and it also ran great it just didn't sound as good.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yeah i have the same issue with my yamaha fz1 with pods sometimes they pop off lol but so much easier to service the carbs without the stock airbox, i might go for it thanks
I've owned the Ninja 900 and it was a great bike. True, it had a higher top speed and better handling. But the Eliminator was a far more exciting in town, light to light, or even in normal riding where it's shorter gearing and engine tune had it ready to rock at the twitch of the wrist.
Nope ...had both...and you can look at the real world test stats...the Ninja had one size bigger carbs and a few mph more top speed...but the Eliminator would smoke the Ninjas 0 to 60 as well as the quarter mile due to shaft drive..no wheelie...and the power chamber, more low end torque and grunt!! Not to mention on the Ninja you had to pull a perfect launch and almost to professional standards to get near the Eliminator in quarter mile...yet a quite average rider could launch a Eliminator easily over the Ninja!!
I'm not sure I'd agree with that statement. Only because I have ridden many Eliminators - none of which had transmission issues. My brother-in-law does clutch dump rolling burnouts every time he rides. In twenty-plus years of ownership he only had transmission problems once - a washer went out. On the other hand, every Yamaha XS1100, FJ1100, or FJ1200 I have ridden has had 2nd gear issues. It's not uncommon for performance bikes that get abused or used hard to develop transmission issues. It just isn't my experience with the Eliminators.
Absolutely not true....they were actually known to have bulletproof trannies as most Kawasakis do!! I had one and the transmission was stout as a rock!!
@@TheMusicplayer42 I had a 86 trans went out mainly 2nd gear, had it repaired $1,100 and didn't get 3,000 miles and it done the same thing. Total miles on bike were 23,000. All street riding and factory clutch.
I had one of these back in the day, the 86 model was actually the fastest production bike made that year from 0-60, it smoked the vmax, the magna, and all the crotch rockets :) It was fun as hell to see a kid roll up next to me at a stop light on a cbr thinking he'd leave me in a cloud of dust and just blow his doors off when the light turned green :) Sweet bike!!!
The only time I raced an Eliminator was this actual bike. It was about 20 years ago and I was on my worked 1989 ZX-10 at the time. I timed the light better and took that one. If my brother-in-law had done one of his super aggressive launches, things may have turned out differently. Great memories! A well ridden Eliminator is still a seriously quick bike.
A VERY BADASS BIKE, BAR NONE!!!!!
I have one for sale
@@raymondberry9657 - selling a ZL900?
Doubt this would take a v max!! V max is the ultimate bike!!! Nd wayy more power
Dad had a few of them in black and red. He raced them at the local drag strip. Specifically remember riding on the back when I was around ten. Dad turned onto the expressway ramp and pinned the throttle. The sound and speed was incredible. I held on for dear life as the front tire came off the ground. Been a bike nut since that day. Dad was a very talented rider. Miss you dad, thanks for the memories.
My father had an 85 Eliminator. When I was 15 he taught me how to drive on that bike. Still to this day it's my favorite bike, and the bike I judge all other bikes against. In my opinion it's the gold standard of motorcycles.
Hi David, thanks for sharing the memories! So cool. I've got great memories of riding with my dad as well, truly priceless!
@@avet4521 Awesome, thanks for sharing the great memories! The Eliminator is one of those special bikes that makes you smile every time you think about riding it.🙂
I'll never forget the feel , the sound and tone of these things. Indeed like a jet. Goose it and hang on!
Fun to ride and hard to be good on - it just begs you to twist the throttle!
I had one. Loved it! Hard not to get pulled over on this machine. And yes, I buried the Speedo pretty often. Lucky to be here right now!
I just picked up a red one for myself and was out riding it today - it's a thrill ride!
By far the finest machine I ever owned.
I had been riding a Yamaha 750 Seca which had an engine that was considered pretty radical at the time. When I got the ZL I had to adjust my "get outta somebody's way" protocol. If I did it like I did on the Seca it would break traction on the rear.
I never lost a drag. The crotch rockets couldn't keep their front wheels on the ground if they tried to keep up. This thing was long and low and stayed planted.
Didn't have the top end but it wasn't designed and geared for that. It was made for full afterburner take offs. The real fun was when some victim of marketing in a 300Z Nissan would want to race. It was just pathetic. I put a few of them away.
Plus it was just beautiful. Every time I stopped for gas it would draw people in. Everyone thought it was a custom. I took to dressing better when I rode it.
Stupidest thing I ever did(besides my first marriage)was selling it.
I have a friend who has been riding the same Kawasaki GPz 750 Turbo since he bought it new in 85. That brings me to build quality. I been out of bikes for awhile so I don't know about the new machines but I had every brand back in the day and none were close to the build quality of the Kaw.
It's criminal Kawasaki only made the ZL for 2 years.
I later tried out the V Max and it just didn't have the magic. Under heavy throttle it felt like riding a 50 cal machine gun. Not the smoothness I was spoiled to.
If I had three wishes........
Thanks for sharing the great memories! Kawasaki has such a long list of motorcycles that stir the soul and the Eliminator 900 is certainly one of those machines!
I bought mine for 2500 back in 1990 drove it for 3 years and sold it for 2500 to a guy who was sending them over to Europe.
Man what a ride !
Nice! Do you wish you still had it or have you moved on to greener pastures?
Yes I do miss it . But it would be a pain for me to keep it properly. No moisture environments needed. I live off grid now. I can remember pushing it once to 230km. Never again.
You had to be careful on corners with a bump , the shaft drive would drive your rear end up. It was a bit unnerving.
Pulled a wheelie once with my wife on . Fun but not recommended! Lol
I bought this bike brand new in 1986 at Champion Cycle in Chicago. Really fun. Rode it cross country. I started thinking about it. So glad you made this.
@scottnathanphoto You're welcome, Scott! I picked up an Eliminator for myself after making this video. They're a thrill ride of a bike. I can't imagine how many times you stopped for gas going cross country! Cheers
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I'm not an iron butt. 250 miles a day is my max and I like a stretch.
@@scottnathanphoto Right on!
Thanks for the inspiration Jon! Went on a shakedown ride on mine today. One month from a crashed, corroded neglected palletized pos to a frickin awsome machine 👌 😀
A brake hose upgrade is definitely in order.
Awesome, right on!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 goes like stink!
Last year I bought a ZL1000 and had been thinking I wish I had the 900 because it's probably slightly smaller, lighter, and not quite as fast, but now I see the fuel tank is so small I think I'll stick with the 1000.
It's comically small, especially for the way these bikes are ridden.
Thanks Jon I really wanted to keep it but got to many irons in the fire again thanks for the great reviews!
You're welcome!
What a great video that is Jon! Burnout had just enough tire spin to still squeal through the whole launch, perfect. And the sound of the carbs sucking air and the exhaust tone working in perfect harmony. I had two ZL1000's. One I bought new in 1987 and the other a couple of years ago. Not the blinding excelleration of my ZX-14R but just a ball to ride, and very easy to handle. 🤘
Thank you! My brother-in-law did the burnout (his bike). Those pod filters really sound good even with the stock exhaust.
I have a collection of modern super bikes that I love very much… But there’s nothing like these all UJM/muscle bikes. And there’s just something about a Kawasaki in line four. just speaks to the soul
Right on!
Europe! Probably where mine is.
I have an old buddy who has one and he hasn’t ridden it much the last few years. I think i better try and take it off his hands 👍🏻. Thanks for video.
You're welcome. The Eliminators are fun on wheels!
Great review Jon found a 85 black on craigslist all the listing said was a motorcycle and all kinds of junk! Been sitting for 35years 4200miles got it for 800$ just sold it after we went through the whole bike for 6500$ wish I could of kept it but we're finishing our 1266 Suzuki with a Mr turbo 30pound boost 150shot nos! Ride safe Jon
Nice! It's great that you rescued it and got it back on the road. Good luck with the Suzuki!
I had an 85, I will never forget the whistling noise the engine made.
@@tdrdronesebikesandscooters8377 Right on!
I worked at the Kawsaki plant in Lincoln, Nebraska back in the early 80's. I walked into the prototype room and saw the first ZL900, I was blown away. I wanted one but never got around to it.
Still radical after all these years!
Great review....I've got a line on one now...just waiting to get home from a trip to pull the trigger. I remember seeing one for the first time in 1985 at Bell RD Kawasaki in Phoenix. I had never seen a bike like it...long, low and just mean. My 12 year old brain could not make sense of it next to the Sport bikes of the day...
Thanks! The Eliminators are still mean machines with performance to match the drag bike looks.
Did you end up buying one? If you Did how much Did it cost and what mileage? Thanks
I still ride mine on Bell Rd.
by far my favorite bike ever
They are super fun to ride. I always enjoy the chance to ride an Eliminator!
I trade my gsxr1100 for my buddies z900 for the weekend back in the day. It was tricked out a little.. i want one now.. great vids ty!
Right on! You're welcome!
Beautiful ride 💯
I lusted over these bikes when they came out and have written Kawi about a modern version of one, using the same engine in the Ninja/Versys 1000 but in a more basic/UJM/cruiser type frame. Kawi has yet to respond to my inquiry. I think it would be a winner as it could fit into the UJM/cruiser category and morphed into an ST if the proper options were offered.
Right on, Levi! All the manufacturers have tried the muscle cruisers. Numbers wise, the V-Max and V-Rod were probably the most popular. And, Kawasaki already has a UJM with the Ninja 1000 motor - the Z900RS. If they build a new Eliminator, I would vote for an Eliminator H2 with the supercharged 1000cc motor and blistering 1/4 mile times. That or an Eliminator 1400. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 The Z900Rs is more the UJM than the N1K. I've owned both and they were both great bikes w/different missions. The Z900RS brought me back to my original riding days in the mid 70's and it's a gorgeous bike, a jewel to be stared at, so well done. The N1K was also fabulous in its own right, loved mine and would love to have another in my garage someday.
@@leviefrauim1425 Right on, Levi!
Muscle Bike cruiser with the Heart of the Kawasaki Z1 900 and ninja 900
Right on! You can check out my latest Eliminator video to see how it is in the corners. th-cam.com/video/m7MDCp4yvU4/w-d-xo.html
The indicator lights are set up like that to mimic a drag strip timing tree.
I like cornering on bikes too much here in PA. Would be a great bike for the plains states with no curves.
62 in. wheelbase is good for hard launches
Nice burnout! That's how I remember it!
Right on!
Gorgeous bike, very unique looking!
Right on!
I have one with less than 2k on it love your show thank you
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy it!
That things gorgeous man......
Right on! My brother-in-law recently had it repainted and it turned out great. Cheers!
Great cruiser that will absolutely kick your ass lol I had a black and red one I am currently looking for one completely stock in black Great Bike
Pure fun on two wheels!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
I live in Oregon if you come across a low mileage Black one that’s Bone stock please let me know thank you for your channel
@@Chipum Will do.
I bought a zl400 as my first bike , a mechanic told me to try stay with an eliminator if I’m moving up cc, my eyes are on these now!
Nice! We didn't get the ZL400 in the US, only the 900, 1000, 600, 250 and now 125.
Beautiful bike not seen one in england for years
There seem to be lots of nice ones locally. I know of at least 6 within 5 miles of my house. Were the Eliminators officially imported to England? Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 they was but not many survived pity nice looking bike .but my garage is full now with zzr 1100 fjr 1300 honda 250 superdream and gpz 500 .still fancy one though
@@kevinpollard1550 You've got some nice ones!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 bike mad since i was 15 im 63 now
@kevinpollard1550 Right on! I got bit by the motorcycle bug when I was 17, and I've been on 2 wheels ever since. Cheers!
What a great bike 👍
It's always a fun ride.🙂
Like my 85 ZL900A Garage Queen. Now she needs TLC as I haven’t ridden in quite a few years… definitely not a long range bike by either fuel range or comfort level. Only 5”11” but after 300 miles your ready to get off for a week.Not up to my old KZ1000A comfort level by far., but fun as hell..
It's amazing how fast they are even by today's standards!
Ninja engine. Stance is legend. Trying to snag one.
I know this is an old video but hopefully someone will answer who made the custom lower belly pan for that bike. It’s sick.
It was custom fabricated by the previous owner. It does look cool, though. Cheers!
not a 900 but I just bought an 86 zl600 for $200 from the new husband of a family friend. It doesn't run at the moment but that's only because he took it apart after it started running rough and heath stopped him from working on it. My plan is to take it in and get it running and at some point, swap on chrome wire wheels. It's my first real street bike since my first bike is a 93 ke100 enduro Kawasaki
Nice Terry!
I would love one of these or a ZL1000. Only problem is trying to find one in good condition. I am a stickler when it comes to the condition of my things.
I agree Josh. If you're buying a classic, condition is key.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Yeah it is. I luckily found my TL1000R in mint condition. All the others I have seen are pretty beat.
@@rm25088 Right on!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Such a classic vtwn superbike. I have dreamed of owning one since i was 13 in 2001!
Anybody seing the video, since rumors of a new eliminator 1000 cc 4 inline appeared? Since Harley stopped producing good looking bikes (and affordable) I'm looking for my next bike after 80k km on my 883. Btw far better looking than the V Max this one.
The Eliminators were great looking bikes! I hope the new one is a good looking bike too.
Getting rid of my intruder 750 might get one of these or a 454ltd or calvalcade1400
Wow, those are three completely different machines! What type of riding are you looking to do?
epic bike totally misunderstood
I had one. I bought it after my dad told me the shadow 500 I was looking at was too much bike for me.
I bet he regretted telling you that!
I don't know why they didn't make the seat meet up with the tank.
I agree, Kawasaki could have made the tank a little longer without compromising performance and the bike would benefit from the extra fuel capacity as well. However, I still think they look great and they are a blast to ride!
because when you hit the throttle you were at the back of the seat lol :)
Because it needed that space to lift the seat the way it raised up and was hinged the front.
George
If memory serves me right,the seat opened from the back . The hinge was in the front @ the tank. I would rather see that than the hideous gap on Harley's at the neck. The real bikes( Japanese) of old days had that figured out. I'm a KZ fanboy actually almost ALL kawasaki's.
Hi Marshall
I got 3 ZL's and a GPZ and a lot of Hondas couple of old goldwings and CB750's.
I since found out the seats short so you can lift it up.
Nice bike!
Sooo....I just bought an 85 a few weeks ago. I can only get 45 miles before I have to switch over to reserve.
This is my 2nd Eliminator in life (don't know why I every got rid of the 1st one).
I remember from back then, as a dailly driver, I had to get gas every 2 days.
Does that seem normal?
No, you should be able to get at least 65-70 miles before hitting reserve. It sounds like your jetting is rich or you have a fuel leak. Another thing to check is that it has the stock petcock. If it is from another bike, the length of the tubes could cause the problem. Good luck!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I did swap out the floats because it was leaking fuel out of the airbox (3 out of the 4 were filling up with fuel). Currently have no fuel leaking from the bike. BUT, the bike does stutter when I leave in low rpms until about 3000. Is that a sing of bad jetting?
Did I catch a second gear chirp there?
Oh yeah!
What's also great about the big ZL bikes is they aren't so wheelie prone. Sure, wheelies are fun, but you don't want a bike that's going to be lifting the front end every time you hit the gas hard.
@@need100k I when I had mine, would have to sit on the rear passenger seat to get it to pull the front wheel up.
I'd take one of these over the new Eliminators I seen!
Agreed, a 125cc bike should not be called an Eliminator.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Kawasaki may be coming out with a new Eliminator. A big one, called the Eliminator H2. Check it out.✌️
@@thomaslemond5913 Thanks for the heads up. I'll definitely check it out.
Torque monster
Right on!
The problem with the muscle cruisers over the sport bikes, is most suffered from high speed wobble, where the sport bikes could maintain a higher speed
If high-speed running is your primary criteria for judging a bike then a sportbike is the right machine for you. Sportbikes are certainly designed for high-speed running - from the chassis geometry to the low, narrow bars and fairings for wind protection. Much of the wobble on naked bikes is simply the result of steering input from the rider as they get blown around at high speed.
However, comparing the strength of a sportbike against a bike that was designed to a completely different criteria somewhat misses the point. Style, comfort, feel, 1/4 mile time, refinement, handling, ride, wind protection, sound, safety, fuel economy and range are all design criteria that must be prioritized by the manufacturer for each machine. 🙂
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 It's not necessarily a criteria, just an observation. I was into motorcycles when those bikes first came out, owned a 77 Honda CB750F and a 81 Honda CB 900 custom both new, they were extremely reliable fun bikes and silky smooth which was synonymous with the Japanese machines, but I eventually got into the sport bike graze during the late 80's with 750 and 1000 cc Kawasaki Ninjas and i discovered that good handling isn't just exclusive to high speeds. Im not saying that the eliminators don't handle well, they certainly do, but the stopping distance on something like a ZX10R will far exceed any muscle cruiser. Personally I believe that the design and styling of those 80's muscle cruisers stands the test of time, the best looking motorcycle that Ive ever seen in my life was a 1976 Kawasaki 900 LTD in bright red, that was the cycle that coined the term Crypto Chopper and the Eliminator is an offshoot of that design.
@@Agislife1960 Right on. It honestly sounds like your taste in bikes is very similar to mine. My first big bike was a 1982 Suzuki GS1100G. I sold it to buy a 1989 ZX-10R and what a performance difference in every area (save comfort)! I've since gone through just about every bike in the book, first as an enthusiast and then as a dealer, including vintage Japanese bikes, Harleys and all the European brands.
As a dealer, I had to leave my personal taste out of the equation (as much as possible) and try to get the customer on the right bike for them. When I ride and review the bikes I have to keep in mind the design goals of the manufacturer and the loyal following of the owners. I then ride and review them accordingly.
One trend that I am really stoked about with the new bikes coming out is the retro-styled sport standards. With bikes like the Z900 and Z900RS (currently at the top of my wish list) we can have our cake and eat it too!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Yeah I haven't owned a bike in a few years, but the new retro 900 Kawasaki is really testing my age. My local Kawasaki dealership is mostly about ATV's, but I think if I were to swing by there and find a new 900RS, I'd probably have a motorcycle in my garage
@@Agislife1960 I'm waiting for a well cared for used one at the right price.🙂
Ha Ha I live 10 mins from where you filmed this. My son owns a house on Ekert rd right there where you started the vid. I would love to buy another red one like I had if you know of any for sale. My old one is in TX and I have no info on the guy that bought it. Contac me please.
I just picked up a red one two weeks ago. Feel free to contact me directly at jonsmotorcycle@hotmail.com
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Got it sent
did you ever get red one, if not i got one for sale
@@maryc7673 no house troubles have used every but of extra cash I had.
Bad Ass Bikes
For sure!
Did you have to reject for the k&n filters?
Yes, a Dynojet kit was used.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 im about to pull the carbs on mine to clean and sync, is it worth it ? pods and rejet ? do you remember what size jets keeping the stock exhaust ?
The owner had the work done at a local motorcycle shop. A Dynojet kit was used. The K&N filters are heavy and pop off unless you have a support for them. But the bike runs great and sounds great with the pods. I rode a stock red one back-to-back with the black one and it also ran great it just didn't sound as good.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yeah i have the same issue with my yamaha fz1 with pods sometimes they pop off lol but so much easier to service the carbs without the stock airbox, i might go for it thanks
@@mac2k2020 That's a major side benefit.🙂
Top speed 135ish
Great bike but the ninja would pull that unit in the quarter mile beyond half track and smoke it top speed and anywhere else
I've owned the Ninja 900 and it was a great bike. True, it had a higher top speed and better handling. But the Eliminator was a far more exciting in town, light to light, or even in normal riding where it's shorter gearing and engine tune had it ready to rock at the twitch of the wrist.
Nope ...had both...and you can look at the real world test stats...the Ninja had one size bigger carbs and a few mph more top speed...but the Eliminator would smoke the Ninjas 0 to 60 as well as the quarter mile due to shaft drive..no wheelie...and the power chamber, more low end torque and grunt!! Not to mention on the Ninja you had to pull a perfect launch and almost to professional standards to get near the Eliminator in quarter mile...yet a quite average rider could launch a Eliminator easily over the Ninja!!
They had a weak transmission
I'm not sure I'd agree with that statement. Only because I have ridden many Eliminators - none of which had transmission issues. My brother-in-law does clutch dump rolling burnouts every time he rides. In twenty-plus years of ownership he only had transmission problems once - a washer went out.
On the other hand, every Yamaha XS1100, FJ1100, or FJ1200 I have ridden has had 2nd gear issues. It's not uncommon for performance bikes that get abused or used hard to develop transmission issues. It just isn't my experience with the Eliminators.
Absolutely not true....they were actually known to have bulletproof trannies as most Kawasakis do!! I had one and the transmission was stout as a rock!!
@@TheMusicplayer42 I had a 86 trans went out mainly 2nd gear, had it repaired $1,100 and didn't get 3,000 miles and it done the same thing. Total miles on bike were 23,000. All street riding and factory clutch.
ELIMINATOR ARMY CHILE 2 ZL400 in my house
Very cool. We didn't get the ZL400 in the US.
Whats your fuel consumption I just got a zl400
@@codesbr7548 kawasaki claims 60 miles on a tank. I don't push mine passed 40 miles I've pushed it before.
Awesome machine one of my Favs.
Very enjoyable ride!