Kiwi Rider April Vol.1 2023 | Page 14

ROAD NEWS

KAWASAKI ELIMINATOR RETURNS

Kawasaki ’ s 400cc twin platform is already a gem , and it ’ s about to get better with the return of the long-dormant Eliminator cruiser which has been confirmed for overseas markets . Launched at the Osaka Motor Show , the new Eliminator will be based around Kawasaki ’ s 400cc twin from the popular Ninja and Z400 range , but with a new chassis and suspension . When we say new chassis , we mean it . Kawasaki hasn ’ t simply made a smaller Vulcan 650S , rather , they ’ ve built a modern interpretation of the model which first saw light in 1985 , or 86 if you want to directly compare it to its 400cc predecessor . That means a low , raked-out look with twin shocks at the rear and a very approachable seat height of just 735mm . As you ’ d expect in utilising the 400 engine , it is suspended as a stressed member of the overall chassis just like the Kawasaki ’ s sporty 400s . Lighting comes in the form of LEDs while , like the Vulcan , the Eliminator 400 sports a centrally mounted multifunction gauge to keep the rider informed . Being based on the Ninja 400 platform , which could see the power of the Eliminator in the region of 49hp and 38Nm of torque . However , Kawasaki has likely tuned the bike for more low-end punch so expect to see different numbers if the bike makes its way here . Speaking of NZ , Kawasaki New Zealand has confirmed that it is interested in bringing the Eliminator 400 to our shores , but is awaiting further details from Kawasaki HQ in Japan . With the low-to-mid capacity cruiser market decimated by the implementation of mandatory ABS braking , another option with a bit of poke would surely be welcomed by the LAMS market .

14 KIWI RIDER