2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE Review | Official EU Launch Spain | Honda Rebel Killer?
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- Опубліковано 3 лют 2024
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I am very honoured to be the first UA-camr to ever be invited to a Kawasaki press launch. And this one happened to be right up our street being a lightweight cruiser. Very nicely positioned in the market to go head to head with the Honda Rebel!
In this review I ride the beautiful mountain roads near Marbella, and also test the bike on dual carriage ways, motorways and back roads. I discuss the way the bike feels to ride, how it handles, engine, power, stopping power, styling, comfort and more...
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I tried the entire Kawasaki lineup last year. They had these demo days where they encouraged you to try whatever you wanted.
Great bikes. My favorite is the W800
What a scoop! Well deserved Darcy 👍
Thank you for reminding me of how much I love my '23 Softail Standard.
Great presentation Darcy! Well delivered and excellent content, shot beautifully as usual! Cheers, Sean
Thanks Sean 😊
Good looking video Mr Darcy. Very nice in movement shots 👍
Great presentation of a nice lil' bike, highly appreciated, Darcy 👍
Glad you liked it!
Always the best reviews.
I'd like to see you review a W800.
Me too
Agree. Is the W800 still available in the UK market?
@@MoroMagrew No it isn't anymore, second hand market only.
If we find one and can get insured then we will 👍🏼
Yeah, a very classy classic from Kawa. I am interested too. Drop by bro, you may like my content. Cheers.
This is an excellent and balanced review of a bike I wouldn't normally be interested in. But I watched and enjoyed it. And if I was a younger dude, that Kawi would look pretty damn cool to me!! It looks cool enough now, and I'm not a younger dude. But I know what a good bike is, and that is one.
I like the look of the rebel but to me the eliminator is extremely good looking. Many congratulations on your invite to Spain as well D'Arcy you have a very professional style and you're extremely likable
Thank you very much!
Love that tank
Excellent review. I need to look at more bikes myself but I am not a fan of the visible frame styling, and prefer a little more shiny bits. So many good bikes out there now, this one included.
Well done Darcy.
Probably the best A2 choice for someone who prefers cruiser-like motorcycles. Good job Kawasaki. I would even consider this motorcycle for myself as an affordable everyday commute bike if it had V-twin. However, this world isn’t perfect so I stay with my rumbling Vulcan 900
Great video Darcy, as usual. You asked which other Kawasaki's we would like reviewed and I would like to see you review the Kawasaki Z650RS & Z900RS. You and the Ol' Man are producing some of the best videos out there, keep up the good work.
Many thanks 😊
Triumph speed 400 please for £5k job done👍💪👌 Great reviews from Spain. You are doing the old man proud 👍👍👍
Always enjoy hearing you and the old man. You both do good reviews. And hope old man is doing ok.
Thanks you and the Ol' man is all good 👍🏼
Another good review! I'm surprised they didn't black out the pipes as well. Patina adds to the cred factor..?
Thank you for the video Darcy. I agree, the riding position looks to be a bit cramped. If you put your forefoot onto the pegs, the position will be even more cramped.
I think youve sold it to me Nick ive got a modern shaped Z900 and a GSX1400 but that is the first new bike to get me excited for a couple of years. Well done Nick
Awesome, but I am not Nick, I am Darcy 👍🏼
It looks very similar to my Vulcan S Kawasaki! Same matte black, rear seat, rear fender and such. It seems that they probably saved a lot of costs by just modifying the Vulcan S that is a 650cc.
Nice seeing you in Spain again! Big time now as an international traveler 😉.
It’s actually a whole new platform! It’s basically trying to be a step bellow the Vulcan to appeal to newer riders. Thanks again!
I was surprised they didn’t name this Vulcan 500. Maybe the 650 will be the last Vulcan? I don’t think they make the 900 or 2000 any more, I could be wrong.
I agree. I had a Vulcan (great bike) and I see a lot of that in this. Don’t like that the end can is black but the rest isn’t? Look odd.
Best Harley substitute so far
Great video, really enjoyed it! I don't usually like cruisers, but I hope to have a test ride on one of these before I decide on my next bike. I'd like to see you reviewing the Z500SE, also, please.
Cheers, Ken.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good review
Thanks!
For a beginner rider who wants to switch to a HD after my first 1-2 years of experience, I think this bike is perfect as a first bike and looks sexy af. Also, my short ass is 5ft2. So I think this is a match. I like the old school design of the Eliminator. Will look great next to my black 1970 Ford Mustang.
The Eliminator, Vulcan and Honda Rebel are fr all just great looking bikes. Gonna be a good entry level/practice bike for when and if im able to ever get the Indian Chief or Sport Chief
Great plan!
If they will try to keep up with the Rebel, they will introduce also the 1000 or 1100 cc model. Otherwise it looks good and quite a bit different that the other cruisers. I test rode the Rebel 500 and it was a nice machine. Would love to try this one too. Cheers.
The look is very good
I have to agree with others. The design is much more attractive than the Honda Rebel. The lines just flow better, and one thing I notice with Kawasaki is that whether it’s the Eliminator or the Vulcan, they are paying much more attention to ergonomics for people with varying heights and reach, not pigeonholing their bikes to appeal to only one segment of the market, which obviously makes it more appealing to more people, and thus selling more bikes as a result.
I'm 66 and have been riding motorcycles since 1978. Now I'm retired and looking for an economic touring motorcycle to see Europe before I buy the farm. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is economic but cannot do the Autobahn and other motorways. I don't want to go there a lot , but I need to do it once in a while. Something in between the Kawasaki 451 range and the Classic 350 would be perfect. My considered opinion is that 22 kW (30 HP) is perfect for economic long distance touring. Unfortunately it seems that the motorcycle license categories prevent the manufactures to make such a bike. They believe that experienced riders prefer big motorcycles. It's not so. Back in the eighties the milage on my Suzuki GT550 and my Moto Guzzi 850 California was always the same - 17 km/l. Now I would like it to be closer to 30 km/l.
When first announced I really didn’t like the look of this, but the more I see it the more it grows on me. Compared to the Honda Rebel 500, this is so much better, I have always hated the new Honda Rebel 500 and its bigger brother. Compare this bike to the Vulcan 650, pretty similar, surprised they didn’t reuse that name. The Vulcan 900 is much better in terms of looks though.
If you are trying Kawasaki bikes, do try out the Z650RS, that’s my current bike. Again a bit of a sporty standard bike, dressed in some classic clothes.
Great video as always.
Great review and a lovely looking bike. I wonder how the Moto Morini Colibro 650 will do in this market one of the up and coming g Chinese brands like it or not, they are catching up. One to consider for a review?
Ive been a Kawasaki rider for many years,my last a zzr, but as I'm now the wrong side of seventy I have downsized to a Royal Enfield which is great for me now,but I think this looks and sounds amazing and would get me back to the big Z !
My only real complaint about this bike is the mirrors and the pillion pad. Swapped out for a pair of KiWav Medusa the first week i had it. I also think they suit the more modern styling better than the stock small round ones.
I think it's a stunner
It nice looking bike 👍
Excellent review! Try the z650rs : classic looks, fantastic chassis & suspension as well as a motor that just keeps pulling - and a proper (old school) comfortable seat!
Kawasaki Vulcan S. --- Nice review!
I like the look of the bike minus the radiator. I think it’s how big it is more than the position that causes my eye to gravitate toward it, the lines are all there except that part which makes it stick out. Functionality over form in that case I think but for that price it’s a good bike overall it appears. Great reviews and the views in Spain look awesome!
The Honda Rebel looks like it has scoliosis so this is much nicer to look at, I'd rather it didn't have the black plastic look though
Looks better than some of the other attempts at this style of bike, such as the Honda rebel.
Yes I agree!
It's like a kid toy compared to Rebel 500.
That's not saying much, the Rebel is bloody fugley as well.
The needs a bit of redesign, it an ugly bike but the potential is there
A lot of people mention the Honda rebel being ugly. Pictures do it no justice. I’ve the 500 and have had many positive comments as it looks so much better up close especially all black.
The choice of bike to start riding is fantastic these days. When I was 20 in 1983, the choice was not as good, I was restricted to a 250cc bike in Australia back then.
It's not really my style of motorcycle, but it looks much better than the various Honda Rebels. Nice forks, conventional forks with a pair of rubber gaiters always look much better than upside downs. It should have had a belt drive of course, chain drive sucks. And chain drive with no center stand really sucks. In that regard this Kawasaki is typical of today's motorcycle market, where there are more chains and fewer center stands than ever before.
A belt drive would have been the better choice. A friend has a kz550 back in the late 70's with a belt drive and never had a problem with nearly a 100,000 miles on the clock. Silent the only adjustment needed was with rear wheel removed for tire changes and adjusted on reinstall
@@jamesschneider3828 Precisely! Belt drive has been around for more than 40 years, why is it that we still have to mess with dirty chains, unless we can afford a horrendously expensive Harley or Indian?
Yamaha bolt belt drive
Awesome video bro. What kind of shooting equipment do you use and what are your settings ? :)
Many thanks 😊
People complain about the radiator on the GoldStar, compared to this one the BSA's a looker.
Dear Darcy I liked your review of Kawasaki Elemintor 500.Excellent Trendy looking Motorcycles.Everyone like to own such beautiful motorcycles.You also looked stunning handsome on Kawasaki Elemintor 500🎉
Thanks 😊
True story, I did my online research on my first bike to buy, and I came OH -so-close to the Eliminator, but I ended up with a Rebel 1100. Absolutely nothing wrong with the Eliminator. The only thing that drew me away was that I felt more comfortable sitting on the Rebel 1100. I guess my 'rider triangle' felt just a little better. And it's probably barely a difference. I still wonder how my riding experience would be if I went with Eliminator.
Wonderful review. Thank you for showing us how you fit on the bike. Now I’m wondering if the Honda Scl500 might also be a contender. Re: R.E. Since their Shotgun and in some cases the Super Meteor is not yet-barely available in the USA market, these bikes do become an option vs. Royal Enfield. The Eliminators and Hondas seem to be available everywhere. Some dealers have them listed with no additional fees. How long can we hold our breath for RE distribution?
Yesterday I was at the Helsinki Motor show and there I saw an Eliminator. But you were not allowed to sit on it. But I must say it's almost exactly like a Rebel. I sat on almost all the other bikes and a Rebel is indeed very low so not for tall people. The Harley's, Triumphs and Royal Enfields did not feel that cramped so are maybe better for slightly taller people. If you like this kind of cruiser bike, you should definitely have a look at the RE super meteor and shotgun, or save up a bit longer for a HD sportster or nightster. Also the Kawasaki Z650rs is a very nice easy to handle bike. Myself, of all the bikes at the expo I liked the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 the most and I try to get one of the last old model Himalayans.
I'm 6'1" and find the Eliminator very comfortable. Only bike I have had that was more comfortable was a 2014 Honda Forza 300.
The W-800 would be nice a review
Love to hear your thoughts on the 900RS as a tall person myself. I would love to have your take on it. 👍. Plus as you are a fan of triump I would like to see what you make of the W800 V triumph T100 & BSA. I appreciate the W800 has been discontinued but from a 2nd hand perspective would be interesting.👍
Beautiful motorbike. I was choosing between this kawa, because of comfort height and style for city ride usage, and scrambler Scrambler 400x. The 400x wins due to much better all-day use even if it is much less comfortable for my 178 height (no flat foot), but much more capable overall for trips, city etc. But with bikes, it is like with Pokemon, you need them all... to be fully satisfied.
I think the Triumph 400s will change the game for these smaller bikes. They have raised the standard for global bikes. Honda should bring the CB350 to the European market, the Triumph 400 and the RE 350s show there is a market for them.
I like the flat look. More attractive than the Rebel. Eliminator is a great old name. Definitely back to the '80s. Only 451cc. Odd-looking downpipe. Nice little fairing. All it needs is a sissy bar to strap your luggage to. I'd rather have it than the Rebel. I like the offset round dash. You look okay on it. A taller seat is a good option. I like the position of the footpegs. Any other colours?
Excellent review. Nick
just made my down payment for the rebel. seeing this now. makes me wonder if a bought the right motorcycle. couple of things I didn't like, the downpipe and the headlight. rebel's headlight is way better looking. sides goes to eliminator, front goes to the rebel. rear they are the same.
@@faisalalkoblan9906 I completely agree with your analysis of both of these bikes. The Eliminator's downpipes are ugly, the light of the Rebel looks better. You'll love the Rebel. I think it will have better build quality.
You should review the W800 , you will fall in love with it as its one of the best authentic retro bike after Interceptor 650. I am saying this since you are someone who enjoys retro bikes very much.
I would love to! Unfortunately they don’t make them new in the UK anymore so hopefully one will show up in a dealer near me!
I'd like to see your thoughts/review of the vulcan s 650
I prefer the styling of the Kawasaki over the rebel. Actually, the bike does not look too small for you.
I would like to see you review the Kawasaki Z650RS. (I’m thinking of buying one) Cheers.
I would like that too as the z900rs is a bit too tall for me.
@@catpostyes, those 3cms of lower seat height (together with 30kgs less curb weight) may make the difference.
The Z650RS has got plenty of power for public roads.
Agreed, would very much like to see a review of the z650rs. I’m very tempted by one of those
Looking forward to a new 900 Eliminator. Unlike the Rebel 1100, there is real heritage with the 900.
Nice looking bike! But it seems a little small. I would have to see it in person.
It's nice looking from a distance, decent rake on the forks and it seems to spring forward. However close up its too busy and can't seem to make up its mind. Somebody has taken a multipurpose machine and briefly waved the cruiser wand at it. The tank and it's accompanying plastic collar and the multiple layers of plastic sides and rear just let it down. Kawasaki generally make a great bike, but the Rebel seems happier in its own skin. A bit more Akira, bit more mad max than this. Great review, honest and enthusiastic as usual. Great stuff.
Just the rear portion is so pushed in it looks like the machine was cut and shortened from behind. A little more extended swingarm would have made it look a lot more proportionate.
I would love to see a review on the Z900 RS
Hi. Welcome to Spain! Any chance of a review of a Vulcan S? Furthermore, your take on a Nightster vs. Vulcan S? Ta.
Thank you! Definitely plan on reviewing the Vulcan s
Dιslike the look of the Rebel 500, totally dig this one though.
I went to the showroom to see the Z650RS and the W800 and when I saw this I was on it in milliseconds.
This supposed to be a cruiser or something because to me it fits the retro,but not classic look, nicely.
I don't want the cowling on the headlamp so I'd choose the standard version, fully naked looks better to my eyes.
The non-black muffler of the standard will eventually go anyway.
Perhaps it is just me but I am not getting the 80s references with this bike. Personally I think Kawasaki nailed it with the Vulcan 650 aesthetics as a smallish cruiser. Not sure about this one. It very much depends on what angle you are looking at it from. I am sure that when you are sat on it or looking at it from behind that seat and tank look satisfying. It also looks better with someone sat on it. For me this one is more Ritchie Cunningham than Arthur Fonzarelli
Would love to see you do the Kawasaki z900rs
Me too!
I came here to say the same thing 😂
Nice review! Thought: perhaps get out of your comfort zone and review one of the more stout ninjas? Might be interesting.
I absolutely agree with everybody about you reviewing the W-800 'tho. Your opinion on that bike would be appreciated.
We are hoping to do a W800 when we can 👍🏼
@MrDarcy-OlMan Good deal! Oh, I meant "one of the more stout ninjas?", not "on of the more stout ninjas?" LOL, it helps immensely if you use ALL of the letters in a word. Typing before one's morning coffee is never wise....
I had a Rebel 500 and it was perfect for me.
The only negatives, for me, were the extremely short first gear and the angle of the tank. I found it awkward to look at.
That's why I'm now looking at the Eliminator, I find it a better looking bike and your standing start appears better than the Rebel.
Yes but rebel 500 valve much more wind protection due to the shape of the tank.
A nice looking bike, but I prefer the Rebel. Both in terms of aesthetic and sound.
sir can you tell me how many seconds takes 0-100 ? and what is top speed
Very good review. Looks like a decent bike. Pity it sounds like that. Definitly for a bike that looks like that. I would prefer a more lower sound. I would chance the excaust emediatly. Not like the scrambler 400x by triumph witch sound wonderfull in my opinion. What do you think?
Thank you! Yes I agree I would prefer a deeper tone, it sounds very similar to the Honda rebel. The new triumph 400s sound great, still need a louder exhaust in my opinion but it’s a great sounding bike anyway
A fine first bike but seems too light for the highway, better suited to city/commuter use.
Cruisers aren’t really my thing, but can’t deny this looks classy (my view only).I think it looks better looking than the Rebel for sure… 😊
I'm currently looking for a small cruiser. I also looked at the Eliminator and the Rebel at the dealer, but I think the new CF Moto 450 CL-C is the best. It has a 4-year guarantee and also the best display. Fully digital but in an analogue design. The RE is simply much too heavy for the engine.
2005 650 vstar looked like a 1200
Paid 6500 and 300 extra for a good sounding exhaust that was not crazy loud. I wish for those prices again😂 well this bike isn't far off
which would you take this eliminator or the new triumph speed 400? Id bet you would like to try out kawasakis z900rs or the w800. They have more of that retro styling, both great looking bikes. I test rode the z900rs on a demo, its got a great motor, but didnt get to really ring it out on the demo ride the way I wanted but got a little feel for it and it sounds fantastic and looks great also.
When in doubt, take the 💚Z900RS💚
My first road bike was a Kawasaki in the 1980's, I like the look of this, but a bit small for someone 6" or taller, much like the Indian Scout, too small.
I'm really in between this new eliminator, Honda GB350/RE350 range and the speed 400 for my first bike at 34 years young 😁
That’s a tough choice, depends what you like in a motorcycle, character, power, performance, handling. What’s your priority?
thats what test rides are for fella
Excellent review Darcy.. can’t understand why you’d want a sporty foot peg position on a cruiser?? Manufacturers make some odd choices sometimes..
Can you get to review the Z900RS please?
Thanks! Working on it 👌🏻
I don’t like the horizontal radiator, the eliminator branding on the tank or the exhaust, otherwise it looks quite nice.
hello, im 6'7 and i think i may have some trouble finding a fitting bike. Do you have some reccomendations for such A2 bike? Thanks!
The best thing you could possible do is get a Harley Davidson with a 107 cubic inch engine which can be A2 restricted or even an older second hand Harley which should be able to be restricted to an A2 👍🏼
Check out the Kawasaki W800
The Eliminator isn't really my kind of bike however it's good value for money and a great entry level bike for those new to biking (or vertically challenged) it's also much better looking than the Honda Rebel. On the subject of other Kawasaki's I'd like to see on the channel , the 900RS would be top of my list.
Better looking than the rebel really, looks nice in matt black. 😁
Nice looking bike indeed!
Seems a little pricey- triumph speed is £1200 less and loses a bit of power but is a good bit lighter? I think if Triumph did a black edition of the speed they might capture some of the cruiser crowd .
I think it’s definitely a different market to those bikes. Completely different feeling. Much more comparable to the Honda rebel
@@MrDarcy-OlMan good point 👍
Nice review, at first glance I thought it was the Honda. The only thing for my view is the bars look a little too narrow.
Yeah I agree 👌🏻
This is how Honda needs to build a fuel tank instead of that extreme sloping one that they have on all their EX500 models. Really reminds me of the old 550LTD style wise.
this vs shotgun is inevitable😊
Gets 52 bhp in the us
Pls compare with vulcan s
"So, if we blend the styling of the Sportster S with the Street....".. or is it.. "Quick, Harley aren't making the Street right now, so there's a gap in the market"..
Don't worry, I've been around a while, I get it (another buzzy mid sized twin, lacking a dedicated tacho to keep tabs on it's peaky character.. - stylish enough though, for the junior Road Warrior).. those Baby Bonnies are quite good value really, aren't they?
Nice review. Just interasted how tall are you? Im 6'5 (195cm) and im not sure that this is tor me 😅
Thank you! I do say in the video I’m 6’1”😁I think it will be small for you tbh
Looks like a good beginner bike.
Why oh why would one make a "Standard Edition", and then an "SE" edition that doesn't stand for "Standard Edition" though?
They really didn't think that one through.
I think SE stands for special edition in this case but I see your point!
Never ridden a bike, I'm 36 m 5'10 stocky built.
This or a rebel 500 as a first bike for B road uk cruising. Which would you choose and why?
They are both pretty similar so choose the one you like the look of best 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan fair enough, I love how these rebels can look modded up. I wonder if there's much mods available for the eliminator.
Thanks for reply bud, great channel
Looks like a Honda Rebel 500 with a Vulcan 650 tank imo. Same exhaust too if I'm not mistaken?
The exhaust looks similar but this a whole new platform built from the ground up
👍
Needs adjustable pegs ie a forward pegs option setting for a Western European market with an average 6ft height/applic leg length criteria!
Yes that would be good
Go for the Vulcan S with far foot forward pegs and controls...
best for europe, in india this will be bashed by the four 650s in price , presence or character. ❤❤
There japan review, it goes up to 100mph in track, not bad accelaration ❤
Test the Kawasaki Vulcan S
I like the looks of the Eliminator much better than the Rebel. To me it looks like Honda sat a motorcycle frame out in a field and threw parts at it. I hate the furel tank in the Rebel, I think it looks stupid. The Eliminaot to me just looks much better and it comes with a passenger seat and foot pegs where the Rebel does not. I still have to make up my mind between the Eliminator and the Vulcan S. Either way my next bike will be a Kawasaki. And I'm going to let the good times roll.