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.
De Kawasaki Eliminator 500 (ZL500) werd in 1987 geïntroduceerd als onderdeel van Kawasaki's Eliminator cruiser line-up, die tot doel had Japanse betrouwbaarheid te combineren met Amerikaanse V-twin cruiser-styling met behulp van lijnmotoren. Het was gebaseerd op de GPZ500S-motor in een laaghangend chassis in cruiser-stijl, gericht op rijders die een cruiser-esthetiek met sportbike-onderbouwing wilden. Het model had een relatief korte productierun en wordt beschouwd als een overgangscruiser die heeft bijgedragen aan het vormgeven van het latere cruiseraanbod van Kawasaki.
60 hp
Kracht
44 Nm
Koppel
195 kg
Gewicht
175 km/h
Topsnelheid
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Brandstof
Naakt
Lichaam
Video Review
Wat kopers moeten weten
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.
Generaties en specificaties per jaar
Enige productiegeneratie. 498 cc parallel-twin-motor, cruiser-styling, geen significante wijzigingen in het midden van de cyclus gedocumenteerd.
"Sportieve ziel gepropt in een cruiser-kostuum."
De Eliminator 500 is op de beste manier echt verwarrend: Kawasaki heeft een Revvy, DOHC parallelle twin die op een sportbike thuishoort, vastgeschroefd aan een laaghangend cruiser-frame, en op de een of andere manier werkt hij meestal. Die motor trekt hard voorbij 7.000 tpm en zal Harley-rijders verrassen bij stoplichten, maar je draait hem 185 km/u uit zonder echte kuipwerk dat je borst stoot tot onderwerping. De zitpositie is laag en ontspannen genoeg voor woon-werkverkeer in de stad, maar de haringen zijn in het midden gemonteerd in plaats van naar voren, zodat hij nooit helemaal past bij de cruiser-ervaring — wat eerlijk gezegd een compliment is. Trillingen door de tralies van meer dan 8.000 tpm worden oud tijdens een rit van 90 minuten op de snelweg, en de vering is zacht voor het budget, maar voor de prijs die deze gebruiken, steekt de Eliminator 500 ver boven zijn gewicht uit.
Pluspunten
Nadelen
Beoordeling van gebruikte kopers
"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.
Veel voorkomende problemen
🔥 1 CRITICALHard starting, rough idle, or hesitation during acceleration
Battery not holding charge, dim lights at idle
Rattling on cold start, check service history
✅Checklist vóór aankoop
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
More Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Guides
More from Kawasaki
View all Kawasaki models →Community Reviews
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.
