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.
カワサキエリミネーター500（ZL500）は、日本の信頼性とインラインエンジンを使用したアメリカのVツインクルーザースタイルを融合させることを目的としたカワサキのエリミネータークルーザーラインナップの一部として1987年に発売されました。このモデルは、低めのクルーザースタイルのシャシーに搭載されたGPZ500Sエンジンをベースにしており、スポーツバイクの土台を備えたクルーザーの美的感覚を求めるライダーを対象としていました。このモデルは生産期間が比較的短く、カワサキのその後のクルーザー製品の形作りに貢献した過渡的なクルーザーと見なされています。
60 hp
パワー
44 Nm
トルク
195 kg
ウェイト
175 km/h
トップスピード
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
燃料
裸
ボディ
Video Review
購入者が知っておくべきこと
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.
年別の世代と仕様
唯一の量産モデル。498ccのパラレルツインエンジン、クルーザースタイル、サイクル途中の大幅な変更はありません。
"クルーザーのコスチュームにスポーティーな魂がぎっしり詰まっています。"
エリミネーター500は、最高の意味で本当に混乱を招きます。カワサキは、スポーツバイクに搭載されている回転の速いDOHCパラレルツインを低めのクルーザーフレームにボルトで固定しましたが、どういうわけかほとんど機能しています。そのエンジンは7,000rpmを超えると激しく引っ張られ、信号でハーレーのライダーを驚かせるでしょう。しかし、胸をぶつけて服従させる本物のフェアリングもなく、時速185kmでスピンアウトすることになります。ライディングポジションは低く、市街地での通勤にも十分リラックスできますが、ペグは前方ではなくミッドマウントなので、クルーザー体験に完全にコミットすることは決してありません。正直なところ、これは褒め言葉です。8,000rpmを超えるバーからの振動は、90分の高速道路走行では古くなり、サスペンションは予算仕様のソフトですが、中古品の価格からすると、エリミネーター500はその重量をはるかに上回ります。
プロ
短所
中古購入者レビュー
"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.
よくある問題
🔥 1 CRITICALHard starting, rough idle, or hesitation during acceleration
Battery not holding charge, dim lights at idle
Rattling on cold start, check service history
✅購入前チェックリスト
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
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Kawasaki Eliminator 500 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S
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Kawasaki Eliminator 500 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900
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Kawasaki Eliminator 500 vs Honda Shadow Aero 750
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Kawasaki Eliminator 500 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S 650
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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.
