As your premier motorcycle dealer near Alameda, SF Moto is excited to announce the Eliminator’s return to the Kawasaki lineup. But what does this mean for you? Kawasaki is renowned for building race-inspired bikes that acknowledge our constant pursuit for more speed in the saddle and for its success at making this pursuit accessible to more riders. The Eliminator is an excellent example of that endeavor, debuting in 1985 as a power cruiser with the heart of a sport bike, a drag-inspired straight handlebar, a fat rear tire, massive chrome mufflers, and a bobbed rear fender. It demanded attention and got plenty.
While the Eliminator immediately distinguished itself in the 1980s, Kawasaki chose to revamp its lineup in the 1990s, which saw the Eliminator taking on a new role as an entry-level model. Although it was ideal for new riders with its 125 cc engine, the Eliminator was discontinued in 2007 but wasn’t forgotten. As is common in the industry, Kawasaki shelved the Eliminator for the time being, waiting nearly two decades before breathing new life into the model.
The 2024 Eliminator introduces the next chapter for this nameplate and debuts as a more potent entry-level bike with plenty of style and personality. It’s the perfect gateway into the Kawasaki lineup, making every day an adventure when you’re in the saddle. As your Kawasaki destination, SF Moto is thrilled to show our Alameda riders why the 2024 Eliminator should be a top contender for their next bike.
#1 - It’s Accommodating Without Compromise
One of the most important considerations when shopping for a motorcycle is how you feel in the saddle. Your control over the bike takes priority, meaning the riding position and the bike’s weight should be your first considerations. Kawasaki recognizes as much by positioning the 2024 Eliminator as an entry-level bike that’s lightweight and accommodating without compromising its performance or style.
Alameda riders can confidently climb in the saddle, with the Eliminator built on a lightweight trellis frame and weighing just over 388 lbs when outfitted with anti-lock brakes. The 28.9-inch seat height makes the Eliminator accessible to more riders, with Kawasaki adding a downdraft intake that minimizes the space under the seat to make planting your feet easier. Fortunately, Kawasaki doesn’t stop there and ensures the best fit for every rider with its ERGO-FIT interface system.
The ERGO-FIT system makes it easy to find the perfect riding position. Using various components, you can adjust the position of the seat, footpegs, and handlebar until you’re comfortable. As a result, the Eliminator can accommodate Alameda riders of any height and promises a thrilling and rewarding ride, whether navigating your commute into Oakland or taking in the sights on Shore Line Drive.
#2 - It’s Plenty Powerful for Navigating Alameda
There’s a crucial balance between finding a bike that’s powerful and capable without being overwhelming. A bike that isn’t engaging or powerful enough is one you’ll quickly outgrow. Luckily, Kawasaki strikes the perfect balance with the 2024 Eliminator, making it one of the most appealing options for Alameda riders.
Kawasaki adapted the Ninja 400’s 451-cc parallel-twin engine for the 2024 Eliminator, mating the powerplant to a six-speed gearbox. The liquid-cooled four-stroke engine produces 32 lb-ft of torque, but the real kicker is how that output feels when you’re in the saddle. The Eliminator’s 32 mm throttle bodies optimize airflow, with the angled valves heightening the throttle response. These adjustments make the Eliminator agile and fun to ride at any speed, whether traveling along Route 61 or taking the iconic Route 1 and enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Coast.
Kawasaki also enhances the 2024 Eliminator’s performance beyond cruising at highway speeds, an important distinction for riders who spend most of their time in Alameda, Oakland, San Francisco, and neighboring cities. The Eliminator features an Assist & Slipper Clutch that makes the bike more comfortable to ride. The assist cam makes the clutch lever lighter and more responsive, while the slipper cam helps keep the rear wheel from skidding or hopping when shifting. The combination ensures the Eliminator is agile and enjoyable to ride in any condition.
#3 - It Makes Staying Connected and Informed Easy
The 2024 Eliminator may be marketed as an entry-level bike, but Kawasaki does an exceptional job equipping it with features that heighten its value. For example, the Eliminator ensures you stay connected and informed in the saddle by working with Kawasaki’s Rideology app. You can wirelessly sync your smartphone to the Eliminator and access various functions found on the instrument panel. Once connected, you can see insights like the fuel gauge, manage the bike’s maintenance schedule, or note the odometer reading.
Apart from giving you insights into the Eliminator’s operation, Rideology also keeps you connected to your smartphone. Once your phone is paired, you can see smartphone notifications on the Eliminator’s instrument display. When you’re riding through Alameda to meet up with friends around Spirits Alley, you never have to worry about missing an incoming call or text that might mean a quick change of plans.
#4 - It’s Retro Yet Modern
Alameda is a vibrant city with a deep appreciation for history. It’s apparent in the town’s Fourth of July Parade, the second oldest and longest in America. Alameda residents appreciate the juxtaposition of the past and present, paying homage to the town’s history while setting their sights on the future. The 2024 Eliminator offers something similar by sharing many retro details with its predecessor while adding a modern twist.
The combination of retro and modern elements gives the 2024 Eliminator a distinct aesthetic that begs for attention as you navigate Alameda and the surrounding areas. We see these details in the tapered 3.4-gallon fuel tank and the tail cowl, features shared with the 1980s model. The cowl is especially notable because it enhances the Eliminator’s silhouette and paints a picture of the bike’s penchant for speed.
We also see the fusion of retro and modern elements in other details, like the round headlight and instrument panel. The round headlight adds a modern touch with its LED bulbs, while the round instrument panel is a fully digital display that keeps you connected and informed with Bluetooth capability and the Rideology app. It’s a sleek combination that pays homage to the Eliminator’s past without compromising its future as a modern adventurer with an affinity for cruising.
#5 - It Gives You the Choice of Anti-lock Brakes
New riders are often encouraged to invest in a bike with anti-lock brakes because the technology makes it easier to control your bike in an emergency and prevents the wheels from locking up under braking. Anti-lock brakes constantly monitor your brake inputs and reduce braking pressure if the wheels begin to lock. The system works faster than your reflexes, minimizing the risk during potentially life-threatening situations where stopping as quickly as possible is critical.
While anti-lock brakes are recommended, not every rider is looking for this feature. Kawasaki recognizes as much and offers the 2024 Eliminator with or without anti-lock brakes, with only a slight difference in weight and price. For example, the Eliminator weighs 388 lbs with anti-lock brakes or 386 lbs without. Opting to forego the system will also save you $300 off the bike's MSRP, but we would suggest that paying the extra $300 is more than worth it if you are a newer rider.
Ride Around Alameda in Style
The 2024 Eliminator is an outstanding option for Alameda riders looking to cruise around town in style. Kawasaki makes every day a thrilling adventure with the Eliminator, outfitting it with the heart of a sport bike and a sleek silhouette that pays homage to its heritage. It’s an outstanding combination guaranteed to put a smile on your face and gain plenty of attention as you explore Alameda and the surrounding areas.
