Kawasaki Eliminator 600
KAWASAKI ELIMINATOR 600 No Vee necessary
QUICK RIDE
WHO SAYS CRUISERS must come with their cylinders arranged in a Vee? Not Kawasaki, the company that started the powercruiser craze in 1976 with its 900 LTD musclebike. Combining custom styling with an aircooled, inline-Four motor, this was part cruiser, part performance bike, and spawned similar models from the competition.
In 1985, Kawasaki took the concept to the next level, introducing a long, low dragbike for the masses called the Eliminator 900, based on the all-conquering Ninja of the same displacement. An Eliminator 600 followed the next year, but poor sales banished it from our shores in ’87.
Now, nine years later, the 600 is back. Made over with wire wheels and cleaner styling all around, the Eliminator returns with the same liquidcooled Ninja 600-based motor and shaft drive that propelled it originally.
This adds up to a pleasing package. The powerplant produces enough steam to propel the 456-pound machine through the dragstrip timing lights in 12.43 seconds at 104 mph. Tuned for low-end and midrange performance, the 16valve, 592cc engine is downright spunky. It pulls quickly to redline through its slickshifting six-speed gearbox, with little vibration at any engine speed. Novices will like the silky smooth power delivery of the Eliminator’s wellcarbureted motor. Advanced riders will appreciate that this cruiser wheelies and spins its rear tire on command.
Fortunately, the chassis is up to handling the motor’s antics. The five-way-adjustable shocks and traditional,
37mm fork do an admirable, yet not outstanding, job of insulating the rider from road irregularities. Axles that are 61 inches apart give the Eliminator locomotivelike stability, yet mild (by cruiser standards) rake and trail figures mean it’s quite nimble-handling. A single, 10.7-inch front disc brake with dual-piston caliper and rear drum ably take care of stopping chores.
Along with power and handling, comfort is high on the 600’s list of positive attributes-at least for shorter riders. A thickly padded seat, just 28 inches from the ground, plus a thin fuel tank and reasonably placed footpegs endow the Eliminator with an upright, natural seating position, making it suitable for extended rides. Taller riders will, however, feel cramped.
The Eliminator 600 has always been on the expensive side, a fact that led to its initial departure. Today, this S6199 cruiser is pricier than other bikes of its ilk-a standard Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster, for example, costs a grand less. But then again, Honda’s four-cylinder Magna 750 costs $1700 more. Given the predominance of V-Twin cruisers in today’s marketplace, such is the price of diversity.
Eric Putter
