Mark, thank you for sharing this video. I like that you told the RPM at 70 moh and also said it was more relazed and comfortable at 65 mph. I rarely go over 65mph so this bike looks like exactly what I'm looking for. I just sold ny LAST Harley, I will never own another. I paid $37,000 for it and it broke down four times within the fisrt year and I sold it for $28,000. I LOST $9000 in one year. With that $9000 I could have bought a better bike (a Kawasaki) and all the fees , and accessories I want and probably still had some money left over. Ride safe and enjoy every journey. Life is short, enjoy it.
Yes! These kind of bikes continue to come out and rightly so ! Mark would it be possible to post a link for specs in future reviews? Love your insightful reviews - thank you!
I've got one! I'm an older rider and its my downsizing. Kawasaki always makes an excellent product. Other than the styling. It reminds me of my favorite bike. Which was a 1967 Kawasaki Avenger 350. Approx same weight & horsepower. Just not as 2 stroke twitchy. Nice review, keep up the good work....
I remember the old big Eliminator. A friend had one. Great bike. This one looks miles better than the Honda Rebel. I think the Kawasaki will really sell. It would mae a great Thailand bike, although I won't be getting one. Thorough review, as ever, Mark. Nick
Well done Mark. Enjoyed- I think that there is only this color available. They could offer more color options. Otherwise a great machine for the money. :)
Looks a great little bike, I really like the round clock, bit no colour in there 😮, and that usb looks terrible like a space ship landed🎉. All in a a great looking little bike... Thanks mark, great review 😅❤🎉x
Another good review but I don’t like the offset speedo which seems the fashion lately. The USB charger unit set above the brake reservoir seems a clumsy afterthought, whatever happened to symmetry..! Overall though there will be a market for this bike and I’m sure it’ll do well. 👍
@@kmb957it's not just about when you're riding it, it's whenever you look at it, all these euro 5 bikes have massive exhaust that look horrific and sound bad too, first things if change
My objection to the exhaust is how low it hangs. I like the general shape well enough. Not that exhausts are much of a turn on. I’ve never met a stock exhaust that I’d replace because of “exhaust note.” I’ve met many after market exhausts I’d replace. Different spokes and all that, I suppose. No other objections. Hope to test one soon.
As an older guy I´m starting to think about downsizing. I ride a Vulcan now, which I bought in 2012 and have been happy with so this could be added to my shortlist as I´ve had quite a few Kawasakis and like the brand. For some reason the Vulcan S does not float my boat, I´ve never tried one so that opinion is entirely subjective based on looks but lookswise this would work. Also, the price is very good and that never hurts. As I´m a bigger guy (184cm) the physical size may be a problem but that is easy to test, just go to the dealer and sit on one and maybe go for a testride. Good review, you covered the essentials!
Cool video Mark thanks. How would you compare this Eliminator to the Honda CL 500? Would you please explain? Here in the US, we can not test ride many bikes for some stupid reason. Thanks for your efforts.
Hi Andre ... similar performance...the honda has the edge on performance with torque...the Kawasaki feels lighter which it is ...tough choice...they both ride very well...I'd go for the honda as it is slightly off road capable and I'm not really a fan of all black bikes lol Best wishes mark
@markpulling12 Thanks a lot. Great news. I also don't like the way the Kawasaki's exost comes out of the engine block. The hole thing just looks So thrown together.
Another great review. Kawasakis 500 range is certainly looking tempting. In your experience Mark which bike (Z500/Ninja500/Eliminator 500) would be the best option for a beginner? Which bike is best for skill improvement? I wonder if they will do a versys 500 4:47
It's at the top of my list as I want a new bike without getting into stupid debt as my new royal Enfield meteor 350 is not good for Australian highway, freeway riding
Hi Mark good review as always but the engine sound and nature of the bike is absent. Usually in your reviews this is audible. Guessing you may have added the commentry afterwards
Yes the voice audio didn't come out for some reason all I got was a garbled wind ambient noise which was horrible....I've rebooted the camera and SD card and it seems ok now .... strange? Best wishes mark
Good review, Mark, although no sound of the bike on the road? Some elements like the rear end and usb look a bit clunky. The CF Moto 450 is going to have a 270 crank and belt drive apparently, so look forward to you testing that.
Yes the sound didn't come out ?? Just got a lot of wind and engine noise not my voice ? So I had to record it separately.... rebooted camera all seems fine now :) Is the CF Moto 450;adv coming to UK I can't see it on their website Best wishes mark
Via Moto in Sheffield have both the 450MT and the Cruiser listed on their web site as 'coming soon', but odd that they are not on the importers site, hopefully an oversight.
It a really nice bike Mark with a sweet engine, I do wish they'd fit a chrome or stainless steel silencer, there's too much black, ride thru one little puddle and the bike looks filthy, black shows every bit of muck! The sound quality was excellent Mark, almost like you were doing a voice over! Great video 👍
@markpulling12 thanks Mark. Always helpfull your advice. It will be good one comparison with the new cf moto cl c 450. 1.7 euro cheaper . I own the new hornet 750 and l am looking for 2nd cheap cruiser.
@@markpulling12 Being 6' tall, the Rebel really needs the foot controls moved forward more, then I'm not that comfortable with that, but the Kawasaki has a more standard seating position which I think works better.
That USB connector looks like someone zip-tied a 1980s Braun electric razor to the handlebar... :P As for the rest of the bike: I wish they'd made it less "black and more black". Don't much care for that look on the Honda Rebels, either and with the Kawasaki it's even worse because they don't even offer any paint-options besides black - at least in my market they don't. With a little more attention to detail, and maybe with some of the more ghastly looking hoses, wires and cables tucked away a bit more thoroughly, I think the bike could look a lot nicer. And it can't really be a cost issue, I think. Both of Triumph's new 400 models cost roughly the same as the EL (IIRC, the Speed 400 is even cheaper than the Kawa) and they definitely look more visually refined to me.
@@markpulling12 cheers for the reply Mark - seems that others are dumping go pro's for that reason. It would appear that go pro have lost their way a bit lately. Ride safe & keep the quality content coming......with sound 😁
I like Mark's reviews which is why I watched even this one but what were Kawasaki thinking? It really looks a cheap mess, the quality of my 1999 W650 looks so much better.
I ride two up mostly and so I get frustrated when I see the pillion seats on these new bikes that I'd like to own. Way back when, even sport bikes had decent seating. Limits one's choice I'm afraid.
It doesn't seem to have the feet forward stance that my previous Vulcan 650 had but why oh why is the tank located, like the rebel, on top of the frame. Very ugly in my view and spoils the bikes looks.
The Kawasaki looks better than the Honda Rebel, which I suppose is the closest competitor. The conventional forks with rubber gaiters look much better than upside-downs, but the silencer is huge! It should have had a belt drive, especially since Kawasaki haven't given it a center stand. But chain drive and no center stand seems to be the accepted standard these days, although why on earth we accept it is beyond me, everyone knows it's a lousy combination. Room for improvement there, Kawasaki.
Great review as always. Well looks are a personal thing but to my eyes this looks atrocious! Ugly frame bits and pieces, hideous light cowling, and looks like the whole thing was put together by someone who was told "make it as ugly as possible!"
I had a 1986 Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator. I dropped by my local Honda-Yama-Kawa-Suki dealer to check out this new bike. Calling this an Eliminator is a sacrilege to the original ZL600, ZL900, and ZL1000. I was seriously disappointed.
Mark, thank you for sharing this video. I like that you told the RPM at 70 moh and also said it was more relazed and comfortable at 65 mph. I rarely go over 65mph so this bike looks like exactly what I'm looking for.
I just sold ny LAST Harley, I will never own another. I paid $37,000 for it and it broke down four times within the fisrt year and I sold it for $28,000. I LOST $9000 in one year. With that $9000 I could have bought a better bike (a Kawasaki) and all the fees , and accessories I want and probably still had some money left over.
Ride safe and enjoy every journey. Life is short, enjoy it.
Great machine. You can check also the Rebel 500. I have it among my test rides.- Drop by bro. :)
vulcan s
I do like this bike. It makes a lot of sense to those who don't let their ego dictate their ride 👍
Thanks it really is a little dream to ride ...but very easy too
Best wishes mark
Hi Mark nice review but hate the all black look of modern motorcycles. Nice machine though. Could not buy in that colour
It’s a sick bike for dude’s who don’t have to compensate for having a small peen. Harley’s are for closeted boomers.
@volt8684 Same, I'm looking into buying this exact model, I have already spoken to my local wrap shop to see what they can do.
@@volt8684 Agreed 👍
I like it. Especially with the 'normal' peg positions for town riding.
Great review as always. 👍
Thanks I think these will sell really well best wishes mark
Thanks Mark. I’ve had my eye on this bike since its release. I’m a beginner and seem to keep coming back to this as the overall package for my stage.
Hi yes for a beginner it would be perfect....very easy manners ...low seat and weight comfortable and very reliable
Best wishes mark
Yes! These kind of bikes continue to come out and rightly so ! Mark would it be possible to post a link for specs in future reviews? Love your insightful reviews - thank you!
I've got one! I'm an older rider and its my downsizing. Kawasaki always makes an excellent product. Other than the styling. It reminds me of my favorite bike. Which was a 1967 Kawasaki Avenger 350. Approx same weight & horsepower. Just not as 2 stroke twitchy. Nice review, keep up the good work....
Nice one. My very first bike was a Kawasaki Eliminator 125 😊 loved it while it lasted
You have to change the oil !
Great review thanks Mark. A lot more comfortable than a sports bike. It seems to have lots of character.
Thanks David ...yes rides very well and comfortable....plus lighter than the super meteor cheers mark
Thanks for the height references. I’m 5’7”. 165 #. You made that question easy to answer!
Yes nice review mark, but I’m sticking to my interceptor for now.👍
Great review mark its a beautiful looking bike.
Many thanks James ....I appreciate that 😊
I remember the old big Eliminator. A friend had one. Great bike. This one looks miles better than the Honda Rebel. I think the Kawasaki will really sell. It would mae a great Thailand bike, although I won't be getting one.
Thorough review, as ever, Mark. Nick
Well done Mark. Enjoyed- I think that there is only this color available. They could offer more color options. Otherwise a great machine for the money. :)
Hi Mark , well done another very interesting review, not a bike for me personally, but a good review nonetheless.
Thanks
Dean
Thanks Dean I really appreciate that 😊
Best wishes mark
Looks a great little bike, I really like the round clock, bit no colour in there 😮, and that usb looks terrible like a space ship landed🎉. All in a a great looking little bike... Thanks mark, great review 😅❤🎉x
Thanks Martine yes .... couldn't they have put that usb somewhere a bit neater lol 😆 x
Good review Mark, makes me think of ZZ Top for some reason😃! showing my age now, nice bike but 500cc wouldn't float my boat.
Love the protective grease to stop it rusting..that looks ike rust!! Nice review. I don't know Kawasaki bikes at all so nice to see.
Red grease, used on farms world wide, it's cheap by the gallon .
Riding in UK is not joke. Ice skating plus judo. Respect
But the lush greenery is pretty awesome.
Cant say I can fully get behind a PTwin on a cruiser specially with that crime of an exhaust. Excellent review as always.
EU emissions regulators have committed the crime.
@@Rick-ve5lx so why do other bikes have perfectly nice looking exhausts?
@@splodge5714 That’s a very good point. Maybe it isn’t the EU after all.
@@Rick-ve5lx the EU regs probably dont help but I think some manufacturers put a bit more money and effort into the exhaust design on some bikes.
I'm really not a fan of the styling but can't wait for the Z500 reviews to drop, that should be a great little bikes.
How's the night time visibility on this bike? Thinking primarily how visible the display will be when commuting home.
good stuff, Mark...thanks
Many thanks I appreciate that 😄
Another good review but I don’t like the offset speedo which seems the fashion lately. The USB charger unit set above the brake reservoir seems a clumsy afterthought, whatever happened to symmetry..! Overall though there will be a market for this bike and I’m sure it’ll do well. 👍
That exhaust is like a slab of cheese. Monstrous, I'd swap it out immediately. Great review again...
When was the last time you looked at your exhaust when you rode? I don't think I ever have.
@@kmb957it's not just about when you're riding it, it's whenever you look at it, all these euro 5 bikes have massive exhaust that look horrific and sound bad too, first things if change
My objection to the exhaust is how low it hangs. I like the general shape well enough. Not that exhausts are much of a turn on. I’ve never met a stock exhaust that I’d replace because of “exhaust note.” I’ve met many after market exhausts I’d replace. Different spokes and all that, I suppose. No other objections. Hope to test one soon.
@@just-dl How's it hanging ?
@@leeinwis a rather personal question …oh, you mean the exhaust! My apologies.
As an older guy I´m starting to think about downsizing. I ride a Vulcan now, which I bought in 2012 and have been happy with so this could be added to my shortlist as I´ve had quite a few Kawasakis and like the brand. For some reason the Vulcan S does not float my boat, I´ve never tried one so that opinion is entirely subjective based on looks but lookswise this would work. Also, the price is very good and that never hurts. As I´m a bigger guy (184cm) the physical size may be a problem but that is easy to test, just go to the dealer and sit on one and maybe go for a testride. Good review, you covered the essentials!
Thanks Robert 😁
Please do SV650 review next sir.
I didn’t know they made all black SE models, my SE is a bright orange with black accents. I’m not sure if that’s a US only option though
Cool video Mark thanks.
How would you compare this Eliminator to the Honda CL 500?
Would you please explain?
Here in the US, we can not test ride many bikes for some stupid reason. Thanks for your efforts.
Hi Andre ... similar performance...the honda has the edge on performance with torque...the Kawasaki feels lighter which it is ...tough choice...they both ride very well...I'd go for the honda as it is slightly off road capable and I'm not really a fan of all black bikes lol
Best wishes mark
@markpulling12 Thanks a lot. Great news. I also don't like the way the Kawasaki's exost comes out of the engine block. The hole thing just looks
So thrown together.
Another great review. Kawasakis 500 range is certainly looking tempting.
In your experience Mark which bike
(Z500/Ninja500/Eliminator 500) would be the best option for a beginner? Which bike is best for skill improvement?
I wonder if they will do a versys 500 4:47
Hi Neil I'd probably recommend the naked style z500 for best skill development
Cheers mark
500 is somewhat hyperbolic for the capacity. It's only 1cc from a 450. I think it's called a 450 in some markets.
It's at the top of my list as I want a new bike without getting into stupid debt as my new royal Enfield meteor 350 is not good for Australian highway, freeway riding
Wish we got the black one in murica
I don’t like all black style that seems to be fashionable at the moment, but from what you’ve saying the bike sounds great to ride.
Hi
Ground clearance is 150mm. You had no problem when cornering? Or doing low speed work?
Thank you
Hi no problems at all .... Kawasaki spend $$$$ research and development on these bikes ...they would make sure it's safe
Best wishes mark
Be interesting to see how it compares to the Benelli 509c and Honda Rebel 500, certainly looks the part
Thanks yes i think it looks a bit better than the rebel :)
Pls I need cb500 hornet and kawasaki z500 review 😊
Hi Mark good review as always but the engine sound and nature of the bike is absent. Usually in your reviews this is audible. Guessing you may have added the commentry afterwards
Yes the voice audio didn't come out for some reason all I got was a garbled wind ambient noise which was horrible....I've rebooted the camera and SD card and it seems ok now .... strange?
Best wishes mark
I think that bike does well over a #100 Mark open up more next time .on the freeways
Good review, Mark, although no sound of the bike on the road? Some elements like the rear end and usb look a bit clunky. The CF Moto 450 is going to have a 270 crank and belt drive apparently, so look forward to you testing that.
Yes the sound didn't come out ?? Just got a lot of wind and engine noise not my voice ? So I had to record it separately.... rebooted camera all seems fine now :)
Is the CF Moto 450;adv coming to UK I can't see it on their website
Best wishes mark
Via Moto in Sheffield have both the 450MT and the Cruiser listed on their web site as 'coming soon', but odd that they are not on the importers site, hopefully an oversight.
Just a thought, Mark, how about a test on the 450NK?, its the same engine, would be interested in your opinion, others have been impressed.
@@CordrP01 thanks Poole Moto have one I think ....watch this space
Cheers mark
Excellent review Mark. It’s very BLACK. You would probably find it hard to find in the dark!
Haha yes any colour as long as its black :)
Looking forward to your review for the new CFmoto 450MT and 450 CL-C.
Yes me too....they don't seem to be here in the UK yet but soon as they arrive...I'll try them out
Best wishes mark
Good.
It a really nice bike Mark with a sweet engine, I do wish they'd fit a chrome or stainless steel silencer, there's too much black, ride thru one little puddle and the bike looks filthy, black shows every bit of muck! The sound quality was excellent Mark, almost like you were doing a voice over! Great video 👍
Mark i had rebel 500 and i am thinking to buy it again for 2nd bike. Is the kawa equal to rebel ( kawa 400 euro cheaper ). Thanks
Hi yes very equal in performance but more comfortable
Cheers mark
@markpulling12 thanks Mark. Always helpfull your advice.
It will be good one comparison with the new cf moto cl c 450. 1.7 euro cheaper .
I own the new hornet 750 and l am looking for 2nd cheap cruiser.
This or the Rebel 500, that's what I'm debating, but I think this is winning me over
@@raynbow6 it's definitely more comfortable,:)
@@markpulling12 Being 6' tall, the Rebel really needs the foot controls moved forward more, then I'm not that comfortable with that, but the Kawasaki has a more standard seating position which I think works better.
👍
Nice bike but why would you buy this ahead of the Super Meteor with all its chrome and character?
I'd say only because it's quite a bit lighter than the relatively heavy super meteor....this may suit a beginner better
Cheers mark
That USB connector looks like someone zip-tied a 1980s Braun electric razor to the handlebar... :P
As for the rest of the bike: I wish they'd made it less "black and more black". Don't much care for that look on the Honda Rebels, either and with the Kawasaki it's even worse because they don't even offer any paint-options besides black - at least in my market they don't. With a little more attention to detail, and maybe with some of the more ghastly looking hoses, wires and cables tucked away a bit more thoroughly, I think the bike could look a lot nicer. And it can't really be a cost issue, I think. Both of Triumph's new 400 models cost roughly the same as the EL (IIRC, the Speed 400 is even cheaper than the Kawa) and they definitely look more visually refined to me.
I am always drawn to these mid-weight machines. We don't all need 200bhp and 0-60 in -3 seconds.
How many degres does the engine have. 180 or 270 ???
Hi William these are 180
Cheers mark
Who nicked the on board sound Mark ?
The GoPro audio had a bit of a melt down that day lol ....I've rebooted it etc seems okay now 🤣
@@markpulling12 cheers for the reply Mark - seems that others are dumping go pro's for that reason. It would appear that go pro have lost their way a bit lately. Ride safe & keep the quality content coming......with sound 😁
I like Mark's reviews which is why I watched even this one but what were Kawasaki thinking? It really looks a cheap mess, the quality of my 1999 W650 looks so much better.
This or the Rebel 500??
I prefer this one....alot more comfortable:)
So many bikes with off set clocks. I really don't get it lol
Me too 😂
Same same. The best design is of the Z900 RS, which I like, because of the analogue gauges.
Is that a muffler, or a grain silo?!
Haha 😂 yes not brilliant 🤣
Cheers mark
I ride two up mostly and so I get frustrated when I see the pillion seats on these new bikes that I'd like to own. Way back when, even sport bikes had decent seating. Limits one's choice I'm afraid.
Yes I agree alot are like an afterthought or maybe just for styling? Best wishes mark
360 deg crank?
No 180 on these
@@markpulling12 ok
Nice review and bike but not for me.
It doesn't seem to have the feet forward stance that my previous Vulcan 650 had but why oh why is the tank located, like the rebel, on top of the frame. Very ugly in my view and spoils the bikes looks.
The Kawasaki looks better than the Honda Rebel, which I suppose is the closest competitor. The conventional forks with rubber gaiters look much better than upside-downs, but the silencer is huge! It should have had a belt drive, especially since Kawasaki haven't given it a center stand. But chain drive and no center stand seems to be the accepted standard these days, although why on earth we accept it is beyond me, everyone knows it's a lousy combination. Room for improvement there, Kawasaki.
What happened to the audio ?
It failed just got wind noise and no voice I had to dub over
Rebooted camera etc seems ok now
Strange ? Best wishes mark
Top speed ....eliminator 500 ?????
About 100 mph
Putting grease on the bolts tells you something about the quality of their hardware Kawasaki is using on their cheap.bikes
Still think old bikes look better like 95 eliminator zl600 same that ugly Vulcan 650….
Great review as always. Well looks are a personal thing but to my eyes this looks atrocious! Ugly frame bits and pieces, hideous light cowling, and looks like the whole thing was put together by someone who was told "make it as ugly as possible!"
It looks like a clone of the rebel 500 to me.
Probably a great bike but that exhaust from front to back is shockingly ugly.
I had a 1986 Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator. I dropped by my local Honda-Yama-Kawa-Suki dealer to check out this new bike. Calling this an Eliminator is a sacrilege to the original ZL600, ZL900, and ZL1000. I was seriously disappointed.
I'll stick with my Ninja 1000
Sorry but the build quality looks very cheap, looks like a keyway 125
It looks horrible lol what a pity!. And the pillion seat looks horrendously uncomfortable!
Having owned the original this is on par with the electric mustang from Ford. No comparison or anything close. Just a disappointing rebel clone
That is seriously one ugly cruiser! The lines are terrible and honestly it looks like a cheap Chinese bike....