[TusharK]

According to a media report, Kawasaki could launch the Eliminator 450 in India sometime between February and March 2024.



The Eliminator 450 was expected to debut at the recently concluded India Bike Week 2023. However, Kawasaki opted to launch the W175 Street instead. When enquired about the cruiser, a company official is said to have revealed the revised launch timeline.

The Eliminator 450 is positioned below the Vulcan 650 in Kawasaki’s cruiser range. The bike is based on a steel trellis frame with a telescopic fork at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear. It is equipped with disc brakes at both ends.

The Eliminator 450 is powered by a 451cc parallel-twin engine derived from the same engine that powers the Ninja 400. It makes 49 BHP and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.

In India, the Eliminator 450 could rival the likes of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650.

Source: Bikewale

Link to Team-BHP news

[fastestindian]

Beautiful! Was watching the reviews of this one a while ago and it was said it isn't built like a pure cruiser what with the foot pegs being under you. It's a narrow bike and the riding position is quite compact. As a short rider (5.7) I like this a lot. Sounds like a good relaxed weekend highway ride bike ✌️

[Nikhildrao]

Originally Posted by fastestindian

Beautiful! Was watching the reviews of this one a while ago and it was said it isn't built like a pure cruiser what with the foot pegs being under you. It's a narrow bike and the riding position is quite compact. As a short rider (5.7) I like this a lot. Sounds like a good relaxed weekend highway ride bike ✌️

Don't hold your breath, they'll probably price it astronomically high with no plans of localisation.

[fastestindian]

Originally Posted by Nikhildrao

Don't hold your breath, they'll probably price it astronomically high with no plans of localisation.

Yes absolutely. Can't imagine this one being sub 5 lacs. Pricing is always a tricky one with India and I can understand (not condone but understand) why this one (or Honda NX500, another one I'd love to own) would be priced at what it is.

We're a country obsessed with Royal Enfields and that's not changing anytime soon come what may. Might as well attack the margins of the market with expensive products for discerning folks who want something different than REs and don't mind paying extra.

[Raskolnikov.R]

Originally Posted by Nikhildrao

Don't hold your breath, they'll probably price it astronomically high with no plans of localisation.

I doubt the plausible numbers warrant a local assembly line.

I prefer Bajaj to buy the rights/dyes to the motorcycle and release it with its derivative of the learnings from the Triumph Speed 400/KTM 390 engines.

It’d be a delicious recipe for success.

With the Dominar not having found the numbers Bajaj hoped for, maybe a change in vehicle layout could salvage its desire to take on the crème of the segment.

[singhals10]

Pricing is the key, particularly in India, pricing can make or break any product, whatever its potential may be. Instead of CBU imports, assemble this bike in India with reasonable amount of local content with the help of their indian partner i.e. Bajaj Auto. I hope this bike will undercut RE super meteor 650, to have a reasonable sales number, because even 650 trio from RE are struggling to post any significant numbers in India due to their pricing. Foreign markets are a different ball game where bikes are more for enthusiasts and pricing is less of a concern.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Now launched at 5.62 lakhs ex showroom

[Theron_blr]

I was hoping and praying and waiting for this one, mostly because its riding position is close to my Avenger.

So they finally released it but at a stupid price.

It is a parallel twin with 2 cylinders and has a fantastic weight, and most Avenger riders would love to jump on it had they released it via Bajaj and priced it sensibly.

It would have undercut Super Meteor by miles. But they priced this above SE650, who will buy this?
Why does Kawasaki insist on pounding their feet with a hammer?

[RD410]

Off topic

2001 - Kawasaki Bajaj Eliminator 175

2005 - Bajaj Avenger 180

2007- Avenger 200

2010 - Avenger 220

2015 - Avenger Cruise 220, Street 220, Street 150

2017 - Avenger Street 180 (again after 12 years!), Street 150 discontinued

2019 - Avenger Street 160, Street 220 discontinued

2023- Avenger Street 220 bs6.2 E20 (again!)

2024- Kawasaki Eliminator 450

It seems as if the product has come full circle, but not. Seriously, what is the future for Bajaj Avenger? Are they even thinking of launching an all new generation? At least put that ultra smooth 250cc mill of Pulsar F/N250 to good use by launching a much needed Avenger update. It's sad to see Bajaj still not allowing their legacy models to rest.

[DDIS_RE650]

One of the most beautiful bike during my college days. I still remember, in Manipal the owner of Bajaj Showroom (Kamath Motor) had red Kawasaki Eliminator. It was kind of distant dream for Bajaj Caliber, CBZ and Pulsar riders.
I still feel, Bajaj should have carried that name instead of several version of Avengers.

[fastestindian]

It was almost certainly going to be priced upwards of 5 lacs given its going at over 7k USD in the US. I am always at a loss trying to understand the strategy of Hondas and Kawasakis.

I suppose some of these Honda and Kawasaki bikes are market testers to see if eventually a partnership is worth it. And even with the partnerships (like in case of Triumphs and Harleys) the brand dilution tradeoff wrt numbers (~2-3k/month) may not even be worth the effort. Sort of a catch-22 for these companies really.

I think that's why premium brands will continue to sell expensive motorbikes to keep up aspirational value and hope the market turns a corner. KTM for example does exactly that with its 390s, sells only about 1k/mo but continues to stay at it without worrying much about the price.

[Indraneel Bhat]

Ridiculous Pricing!!! This was a sure-fire win if priced below 3.25L and a success if priced below 4L
RE will be relaxed this year. Nothing in the market seems to be challenging their crown.

[Theron_blr]

The on-road price in Bangalore could be around 7.10 lakhs. The cheapest is in Ahmedabad at 6.3 lakhs.

With this kind of pricing, I cannot figure out what kind of enthusiast crowd they are trying to attract! It is more expensive than the RE Super Meteor 650 which has more power and a better service network.

Obviously, the super high tax rates of Karnataka are a different issue to the price of the bike.


Source

[achintatri]

I would agree with anyone who considers the pricing for Eliminator as Ridiculous because it is indeed Ridiculous. With that kind of money, you could actually go for Honda NX500 (if you are not vertically challenged). This, considering twin cylinder is your primary requirement. Eliminator seems to be Eliminated already.

[Sebring]

We need to test-ride both and arrive at a conclusion. Yes, both are closely priced but for someone who wants a chopper, the Kawasaki makes for a strong case

Originally Posted by achintatri

I would agree with anyone who considers the pricing for Eliminator as Ridiculous because it is indeed Ridiculous. With that kind of money, you could actually go for Honda NX500 (if you are not vertically challenged). This, considering twin cylinder is your primary requirement. Eliminator seems to be Eliminated already.