Kawasaki Eliminator 500
The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 has a top speed of 175 km/h, produces 60 hp and weighs 195 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
Le Kawasaki Eliminator 500 (ZL500) a été introduit en 1987 dans le cadre de la gamme de croiseurs Eliminator de Kawasaki, qui visait à associer la fiabilité japonaise au style des croiseurs bicylindre en V américains utilisant des moteurs en ligne. Il était basé sur le moteur GPZ500S dans un châssis surbaissé de style cruiser, destiné aux pilotes qui recherchaient une esthétique de croisière avec des fondements de motos de sport. Le modèle a eu une production relativement courte et est considéré comme un croiseur de transition qui a contribué à façonner les offres de croiseurs ultérieures de Kawasaki.
60 hp
Pouvoir
44 Nm
Torque
195 kg
Poids
175 km/h
Vitesse maximale
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Carburant
Nue
Corps
Video Review
Ce que les acheteurs doivent savoir
Proven Reliable Engine
The Eliminator 500 uses a parallel-twin engine derived from Kawasaki's GPz500S sportbike, known for durability well past 50,000 miles with proper maintenance. It's considered one of the more bulletproof mid-size cruiser engines of its era.
Watch the Carburetors
The dual carburetors are the most common headache on used examples — ethanol-blended fuel causes gumming and jet clogs if the bike sits unused. Always ask for recent carb cleaning or budget $150–$300 for a rebuild before buying.
Strong Budget Resale
The Eliminator 500 holds steady value in the $1,500–$3,500 range, making it an affordable entry into the cruiser market that doesn't depreciate sharply. Its retro styling and approachable power keep demand consistent among new riders.
Générations et spécifications par année
Unique génération de production. Moteur bicylindre parallèle de 498 cm3, style croiseur, aucun changement significatif en milieu de cycle n'a été documenté.
"Une âme sportive entassée dans un costume de croiseur."
L'Eliminator 500 est vraiment source de confusion dans le meilleur des cas : Kawasaki a pris un bicylindre parallèle à DACT puissant qui convient à une moto de sport et l'a boulonné dans un châssis de voiture de croisière surbaissé, et d'une manière ou d'une autre, il fonctionne à peu près. Ce moteur tourne fort au-delà de 7 000 tr/min et surprendra les conducteurs de Harley aux feux rouges, mais vous le faites tourner à 185 km/h sans qu'aucun véritable carénage ne vous fasse bouger la poitrine pour vous soumettre. La position de conduite est suffisamment basse et détendue pour les trajets en ville, mais les repose-pieds sont placés au milieu plutôt qu'à l'avant, ce qui ne permet jamais de profiter pleinement de l'expérience d'une croisière, ce qui, honnêtement, est un compliment. Les vibrations à travers les barres à plus de 8 000 tr/min se répercutent sur une course de 90 minutes sur l'autoroute, et la suspension est souple, mais pour le prix d'occasion, l'Eliminator 500 dépasse largement son poids.
Pros
Les inconvénients
Évaluation d'un acheteur d'occasion
"Smart, practical cruiser that punches above its modest price point."
$5,500-$7,500 usedThe Eliminator 500 is Kawasaki doing what they do best — building something reliable that actually makes sense on paper. Parallel twin making around 45 horsepower, low seat height, classic cruiser styling without the weight penalty. For commuting and weekend blasts it genuinely delivers. Used examples from 2023 onward have been largely trouble-free, though check the drive chain tension carefully on high-mileage bikes because owners neglect it constantly. Where it gets honest: this isn't a Vulcan. The cruiser aesthetic is somewhat cosmetic — you're essentially riding a sport bike engine dressed in cruiser clothes. That's not a complaint, it's actually the appeal. Highway cruising above 75mph gets buzzy through the bars, and the suspension is firmly budget-tier. Don't expect adjustability. Fuel economy is genuinely impressive though, regularly hitting 70mpg in real-world riding. Used pricing is still strong because these are relatively new machines with limited supply. Don't overpay. Inspect the airbox for water intrusion on bikes stored outdoors and verify the service history. Kawasaki reliability means most will have given zero trouble.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Problèmes courants
🔥 1 CRITICALHard starting, rough idle, or hesitation during acceleration
Battery not holding charge, dim lights at idle
Rattling on cold start, check service history
✅Liste de contrôle préalable à l'achat
Solid and simple engine, neglect is main enemy
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Honda Rebel 500
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Honda Shadow Aero 750
Kawasaki Vulcan S 650
Compare Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 vs Honda Rebel 500
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 vs Honda Shadow Aero 750
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S 650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Kawasaki Eliminator 500? +
Carburetor gumming from ethanol fuel sitting: Hard starting, rough idle, or hesitation during acceleration (moderate) | Charging system stator failure: Battery not holding charge, dim lights at idle (serious) | Cam chain tensioner wear and noise: Rattling on cold start, check service history (moderate)
Is the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 a good motorcycle? +
Smart, practical cruiser that punches above its modest price point. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: New riders wanting reliable, manageable cruiser style. Avoid if: You need genuine highway touring capability daily.
What is the horsepower of the Kawasaki Eliminator 500? +
The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 produces 60 hp @ 10,000 rpm, with 44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 175 km/h.
Is the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 is a reasonable choice for new riders (60 hp is manageable), weighing 195 kg. New riders wanting reliable, manageable cruiser style
Is the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Kawasaki Eliminator 500, notably: Charging system stator failure (Battery not holding charge, dim lights at idle). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 good for daily use? +
New riders wanting reliable, manageable cruiser style Fuel: 5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Kawasaki Eliminator 500? +
The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 reaches a top speed of 175 km/h, producing 60 hp at 195 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Kawasaki Eliminator 500? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Kawasaki Eliminator 500, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/kawasaki/eliminator-500/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
