More and more people around the world are enjoying the two-wheeled lifestyle. Evidence of this is the rise in small and medium displacement motorcycles targeted at beginner riders.
While many new entrants in the industry are making a name for themselves in this space, the industry giants also have some compelling offerings to offer.
Kawasaki, for example, has a strong presence in the cruiser segment with the Eliminator 500. Powered by an iteration of the in-line twin-cylinder engine found in the Ninja and Z500, the Eliminator 500 is Kawasaki's most affordable cruiser model, slotting below the Vulcan S. While the bike is sold primarily as an entry-level model in the U.S., in Europe it's promoted as both an entry-level machine and a capable, stylish commuter bike.
For the 2025 model year, Kawasaki Europe is continuing its “Just Ride” branding on the Eliminator. Team Green accentuates the Eliminator's long and low aesthetic, reminiscent of drag strip and urban street styling. In addition to this, Kawasaki is launching the bike in three new colorways, including two standard options and one for the top-of-the-line SE model.
Specifically, the standard model comes in Metallic Flat Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White, while the more upscale SE model comes in Metallic Carbon Grey/Flat Ebony, which, to be honest, is hard to distinguish from the standard Metallic Flat Spark Black from a distance.
So, in Europe the Eliminator gets three new colors and that's all for the 2025 model year. This is definitely not a bad thing, but I can't help but wonder if Kawasaki is resting a little on its laurels here.
In recent years we've seen a wave of new mid-displacement models emerge that are game-changing in the industry – bikes like the CFMoto 450 CL-C and Aprilia RS 457. The main differentiator for these bikes is the engine, and it's clear that there's a reason why more manufacturers are heading in this direction in the future.
For decades, novice riders had to make do with in-line twin-cylinder bikes with lackluster, boring-sounding 180-degree crankshafts. It wasn't until Yamaha challenged the status quo and introduced the FZ-07 in 2014 that the 270-degree “crossplane” crankshaft became the centerpiece. Now, bikes like the QJ Motor, Aprilia and CFMoto have in-line twin-cylinders with 270-degree crankshafts.
Since then, other big brands such as Honda and Suzuki have also adopted the 270 crank, with Kawasaki being the only one of Japan's big four that doesn't offer a bike with a 270 crank P-twin.
Sure, on the spec sheet, the performance difference is small. But the essence of riding is more than the spec sheet. And there's no denying that the sound, low-end torque, and growl of a 270 crank P-Twin is far more satisfying than a 180 crank P-Twin. If you don't agree with me, let me know in the comments.
So I'd say Kawasaki's twin-cylinder range is probably due for a complete overhaul, and maybe Team Green will be next to jump on the 270-crank parallel twin bandwagon.
