CG: Shinji Miyakubo
Kawasaki's Eliminator has been extremely popular since its debut, and there are rumors that a new top model, the 900, will be released in addition to the current 400. Is it true that the 900 will be equipped with the 4-cylinder engine from the hugely popular Z900RS, following the example of the old model?
A freestyle cruiser with a 4-cylinder Z900RS!
In 2023, Kawasaki suddenly released the cruiser Eliminator (400). It inherited the naming and style of the old model and has gained popularity for its sporty ride that surpasses Honda's Rebel 250.
In recent years, it has become a theory to expand the series to each displacement range, not just the Rebel, so the appearance of a family of Eliminators is expected.
At the same time, there are endless rumors of a derivative model for the inline 4-cylinder naked Z900RS, which continues to reign as a best-seller. There are rumors of a reprint of the GPZ900R, but this magazine is looking forward to the new "Eliminator 900".
The first Eliminator 900, which appeared in 1985, was a dragger equipped with a water-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine inherited from the GPZ900R. Following this example, the modern version will likely have the 948cc inline 4 of the Z900RS and follow the same style and light handling as the current Eliminator 400.
If this is put on the market, it will be the only inline-four cruiser model currently available, and it will be a big topic. It will also make the Eliminator a series. In addition, it will enrich Kawasaki's cruiser lineup, which is currently thin.
ELIMINATOR900 [KAWASAKI] Photo is CG created by the editorial department. Expected Release Date: Fall 2025.
ELIMINATOR900 [KAWASAKI 1985] Equipped with the 908cc inline 4-cylinder engine of the GPZ900R, the fastest at the time, on a special frame. It was a power cruiser that boasted 105 PS of power and tremendous torque. There was also a 400 with an inline 4 and a 250 with an inline 2.
Enjoy an exhilarating ride with easy-to-handle handling!
Will it make a grand appearance in the Eliminator's 40th anniversary year?
The Eliminator 900 is expected to be a cruiser with a different appeal from Honda's Rebel series. Honda launched the Rebel 250/500 in 2017, followed by the 1100 in 2021. The 250 was by far the most popular, and the 1100 was also a hit. Kawasaki may be able to compete with the Rebel if they release the 900 after the Eliminator 400.
If the engine is a straight-four from the Z900RS, the frame and exterior will be newly designed like the new Eliminator 400, and the low and long form will be inherited. By the way, in the CG, the front is 18 inches like the Rebel 1100, and the rear is 16 inches, which is a standard for cruisers, and the seat height was also taken into consideration.
2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the first Eliminator 900. Kawasaki will release a model commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Z series in 2022 and a model commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Ninja in 2024. In addition, the Meguro S1 is scheduled to be released to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Meguro. I hope that Kawasaki's strategy of reconstructing traditions and branding will also be applied to the Eliminator.
ELIMINATOR900 [KAWASAKI] Photo is CG created by the editorial department. Expected Release Date: Fall 2025.
Z900RS [KAWASAKI] Based on the motif of the old Z, it is equipped with the latest equipment such as a water-cooled inline 4 and inverted forks. It has been a best-seller since its release at the end of 2017. Will it be the base for the Elimination 900?
MEGURO S1 [KAWASAKI] A neo-classic model commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Meguro brand. Based on the Meguro SG from the 1960s, it is equipped with an air-cooled single-cylinder engine from the KLX230. It is scheduled to be introduced in the fall of 2024.
Following the popularity of the Rebel 250, the Rebel 1100 is the flagship of the series that was released in 2021. It is equipped with a 1082cc water-cooled parallel twin engine inherited from the CRF1100L Africa Twin, mounted on a special frame with the Rebel's characteristic "waistline". It combines stability and sportiness, and is also attractive for its travel-friendly equipment such as cruise control. The Eliminator SE and the CG created by this magazine are equipped with a bikini cowl, but there are rumors that a model with the optional bikini cowl as standard will also be released for the Rebel 1100.
REBEL1100 [HONDA] A newly developed body with a narrow waistline and a long and low body. The low center of gravity makes it easy to handle, and the low seat height of 700mm is also attractive. Since its release, it has consistently recorded high sales in the large class.
The 270-degree phase-shift crank Unicam 4-valve water-cooled parallel twin engine has a pulsating feel and smooth acceleration due to uneven firing intervals. You can also choose a semi-automatic DCT specification or a large-cowl Rebel 1100T.
The bikini cowl is an optional feature, and there are rumors that a model with it as standard will be added.
With 400 and 900, Elimination will compete with the Rebel with its own engine displacement!?
The Rebel 250 has been the best-selling model for six consecutive years as the only 250cc cruiser among the four domestic manufacturers. The other manufacturers cannot sit back and watch, and Kawasaki appears to have introduced the 400cc Eliminator, which has a larger displacement and more powerful performance. The 948cc inline 4-cylinder engine of the Z900RS, which is expected to be installed in the Eliminator 900, produces 125PS. With 87PS, the power specs are superior to the 1082cc parallel twin Rebel 1100, and it will be suitable for the character of the Eliminator.
ELIMINATOR SE [KAWASAKI] The Ninja 400-based 398cc parallel twin is mounted on a special trellis frame. It produces 48 PS and is light and nimble to ride. There is also a standard version without a bikini cowl.
REBEL250 [HONDA] A simply designed body with a 249cc water-cooled single cylinder that produces 26PS. It is also popular for its low seat height of 690mm and excellent foot reach due to its slim design.
The mid-range REBEL500 [HONDA] series is equipped with a 471cc parallel twin engine with 46 PS in the same chassis as the 250. It is a mid-range cruiser that combines compactness and power.
