Already have a Ninja 400 but I'm fascinated with the Eliminator and it's longer stroke. Absolutely love the design and especially the foot peg position. Coming from a Honda naked 1000r - 6 years, Honda Interceptor 800 on my 6th year but selling it - I'll never have a heavy bike again - mot after the fun I've had on the Ninja 400. I'd purchase the Eliminator ABS - base model, based on your list.
Thank you for doing a review on a non ‘adventure’ bike. You’re one of the most honest RU-vid reviewers out there and I’d love to see your reviews on a wider range of motorcycle types 🙂✌🏻🇬🇧
The problem? The Vulcan S gets heavily discounted having been around for a bit while the Eliminator will not, bringing them to the same price. Yes it is newer, cooler looking and the style will appeal to newbies but that Vulcan, even at 110 lbs more as pointed out, will have it for lunch and (99%) of the time, you will NEVER grow old when it comes to the power, this being the cruiser market
My hope is that they would go to a whole eliminator line. The 400, rebadge the Vulcans as an eliminator 650, an eliminator 900 or 1000 to compete with the Rebel 1100, and ultimately an Eliminator H2.
I bought a Honda CB500X last year after seeing your review. It was a perfect choice. As you say, adventure bikes offer many more possibilities. Before I had a BMW R1100S and it is not comfortable on dirt roads. However, I miss shaft drive. Chain and sprockets involve extra work and are messy. It's a shame that none of the big brands make an adventure bike in the 500 class with shaft drive.
@@BigRockMoto Of course shaft weighs more and costs more initially, but then it is in principle maintenance free. You don't have to change chains and sprockets regularly, so operating costs are lower. I have owned a Honda CX500C a Honda XLV750R, a Yamaha BT 1100 Bulldog and a BMW R1100S all with shaft. There are advantages and disadvantages to all drives, but I like shaft drive. Currently, only BMW and Moto Guzzi offer this on adventure bikes. My CB500X would be perfect with a shaft. If it costs $1000 more I'd happily pay for it.
In fact only Moto Guzzi offers a shaft drive bike below 1000cc (BMW’s smallest engine is the older air cooled 1200) and that is now an 850cc. Other manufacturers gave up because of cost, weight and the amount of power drain. I usually get 25K miles out of a set of chain and sprockets, apparently BMW shafts now need changing around 50K miles so the cost difference is not that great. If your chain snaps you can get it replaced at any bike shop. If your shaft goes that’s the end of your tour! If shafts worked for smaller bikes, they’d still have them.
I own an 400cc version of this bike. I don't live in the US. I turn 70 this year and this bike not only makes a good beginner bike but a good one to finish up on. I started out riding on an Honda CB550 back in the late 70s. This bike would eat the Honda. I love the Eliminator, prefect for me at the time of life that I am in!
Really have to agree about ABS. I was a great rider for years, practicing threshold braking all the time, super cautious. And then I had a bear walk out in front of me. I was coming to a stop and as soon as I realized that it was a bear, and that I would be stopping right next to the bear, I PANICKED. Grabbed right onto the brake and you know the rest. You can't always control your panic moments, and you're not always going to get a straightforward stopping scenario.
My frist street bike was a sport bike and still ride sport bikes. If your short crusers can give you the confidence you need to start riding. But get what makes you happy. Thanks for the review
i think the RE Meteor is by far the best looking, followed by the eliminator and vulcan. And lets be honest this style of bike is about style and looks first. The Rebel line to me is truly ugly it must be said. If you gotta have highway speeds the Kawasakis are the way to go. But you nailed it with the ADV comment Ian, most would be better suited and get much greater versatility out of a x-versys 300, cb500x, ktm390 adv et al.
To late to tell you which beginner bike I will by. The beginner bike I bought. I like Kawasaki but dealer is further away than some of the others. I did the training on a variety of smaller Hondas. I didn't find the Grom, Rebel or CBR comfortable, I liked the CRF. After riding the CRF, I had an idea a smaller ADV might be the bike I wanted. Next morning I went looking at bikes. First Stop Honda. Sat on CB 500x an NC750 and an Africa Twin. I left before sales guy got his pencil out. Next stop Triumph. They had a Red Street Twin. I left on the Street Twin. Why? It looked pretty. Never made it as far as Kawasaki, Yamaha or Suzuki. I really really liked that bike. Very easy to Ride. Did my Road Test for my full licence on it. So my answer. Was "other". A Standard, Classic or naked motorcycle. Unfortunately some SOB stole it and wrote it off. I had an adventure in mind so I went looking for a mid size ADV. Stopped in and sat on Honda' s, Triumph's, Ducati's and BMW's. All were just a bit to much. Found a used 2017 1200GS which fit my budget. Insurance settlement plus a little bit xtra. Bought it and went on an adventure, Still have it. planning more adventures. A 1300 GS would be nice, but, more than twice the price. If I find a nice Street Twin for sale, I might just get another one. If its red.
An alternative to the Eliminator, with a decidedly NON-CRUISER aesthetic and ergonomic...... ---------- 399-471cc ------------- Triumph Scrambler 400X or Speed 400 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 (new and coming) CF Moto 450 NK Honda CB500F Kawasaki Z500 KTM Duke 390 --------- 286-312cc -------------- BMW G310R Yamaha MT-03 Honda CB300R
I think this is more in competition with the SCL500 than the Rebel. For my taste I would choose the Ninja 500 over this. Lighter, better handling, and better looking to me, plus it's cheaper.
I've been watching a ton of reviews of a ton of bikes for my first bike and so far the Eliminator is winning. I just like how it looks sexy as F*** especially that one, the white one is exactly the one I want. Also I live in Florida. The Eliminator power and everything that comes with is all I would ever need for Florida streets...
Great review, thanks. As a 62 year old man with back issues I feel like a cruiser bike such as this would be comfortable for about twenty minutes then rapidly become agony, particularly as there’s not much room to move about on that saddle.
Honestly I have been struggling for a while as to which type of bike to get into the future. I have space for only one bike, and I am torn between a cruiser tourer like the Street Glide/Challenger, A sport tourer like the R 1250 RT, or a medium/heavy adv bike like the tiger 900/1200. For a starter bike, I just went for the cheapest bike I could find that had traction control & ABS, that could do highway speeds without redlining (400-500cc), had drop protection, and that I could easily strap a 100l drybag to. If I was to buy a new starter bike now, it would be the Triumph Speed 400, as it is a great all around learners bike and it is very cheap. Oh and the rebel 300 can definitely do highway speeds (though close to redline), but the meteor will barely go above 70mph. The new Himalayan was actually a disappointment for me, as they are charging crazy Freight/PDI prices where I am, which put the price of Himi 450 above the ktm 390 adv and the Honda nx500!
I;m 71 years old and I am looking at either the ELiminator or Triumph Speed 400. I usually stay with cruiser style bikes because I have short legs and can't reach the ground on a dual sport of an Adventure bike. Besides that they are not my cup of tea. My wife and I have traveled over 350,000 miles on motorcycles in about a 30 period, mostly if not all on cruiser style bikes. The Triumph has longer fork and shock travel so that will probably give me the better ride, but phyically it is a very small bike. That will be aright because my wife is crippled and can no longer ride with me. I have a dicision to make. I was looking at the Triumph SPeed Twin 900 and rhe Vulcan S, but I don't really need any more than the Eliminator or the SPeed 400 has.
I’m not into the bike but I really appreciate your channel so much I had to watch anyway haha. Nice non bias review and good job letting newer people know about adventure bikes. It would be a great commuter bike. My himi 411 gets 60-80 mpg and my 300L is bout the same. Hell I think my Harley bagger gets around 50. It’s nice to get better fuel mileage while riding something you love. With the 3 bikes I have I’m still shopping for a replacement for maybe the himi but I love the old school look plus it’s easy to wrench on. What a great time to be a motorcycle enthusiast. They just keep coming out with better and more models. Ian. I have to say it every time I post. You are hands down the best reviewer. How is that? Your honest. Thanks for the hard work and I’m very happy you’re doing well. It seems.
I have always preferred the riding position of scrambler motorcycles. Like the SCL, Int 650, T100, and similar. The CF moto clc seems more interesting.
I went with a KLR 650s for my first bike I wanted something I could take anywhere as I already own a very low sports car I didn’t see a need to get a cruiser or sports bike so the KLR fit perfect for me and I’m loving it got it this January and pretty much daily it now
I actually see myself on a ADV longterm for the type of riding I want to do… but I had a small rebel 300 for the second time rented for vacation and even that ergonomics are not really good the low weight and higher are for myself (5‘5“; 29.5“ inseam) so confidence inspiring I had sooo much fun and I think even more fun than on my bigger cbf600 at home… I might get the eliminator just because it is also so light and low to the ground and I heard it has better ergos than the rebel…
Personally I'm not into cruisers. Closest things I like are british standards or 70s UJMs for that classic motorcycle look. Generally not into v-twins either, which tend to go hand-in-hand with cruisers. If I lived in a place with more trails I'd get a dual sport, but since I'm not in such a location I'm more interested in small sport-touring or adventure style bikes. Things like the CB500X or Versys 300. If I was more looking for a bopping around bike instead of a tourer, the Triumph 400 and Svartpilen 401 also appeal, just solid all around bikes with good or unique looks. I'd be more interested in a Royal Enfield if they weren't overweight & underpowered. I could forgive that if they were actually cheap in my area, but they're pretty rare here and priced accordingly. For special enthusiasts only.
“It doesn’t have that stupid cruiser thing where your legs are out here…” Ian, I almost spit my beer I laughed so hard. I love your reviews and I would pick the Eliminator over the Rebel for sure
I like this bike much better than the Rebel 500. If I was replacing my second bike, a KTM 390 Duke Mk2, this would be a srong contender. I like the lines, the dash is smart but the detail looks difficult to read. I'd like to know what you think of the Royal Enfield Guerrilla. Good review. Sharp haircut.
One thing to mention or revisit, GPS speed versus what is displayed on the dash. Found my eliminator is about 10 mph off above 80 mph. Otherwise for me as a new rider, been waiting for this kind of bike as it hit all my check marks with what I was looking for.
If you are five foot nothing the Eliminator is a great choice. It would be much cooler with the three spoke wheels the 80s bikes had! Also wondering why there is no Versys 500 yet ?!?! I think the Eliminator is cool though.
I have the Vulcan S but when I bought it the eliminator or rebels weren't out yet so it was either a smaller cruiser or a big cruiser (there isn't much dealer support where I am but it has gotten much better in the last 10 years) it has been a great beginner bike
I am only 5'5 and at home I have a cbf600 wich is not to tall (77cm) and not oo heavy (195kg) ..... but atm I am renting a rebel 300 in Thailand and (considering it is not even for myself poor ergonomics ) the really low seat hight and low weight are so confidence inspiring that I enjoy riding way more tan home (even with the lower power) and I am very much more courageous leaning the thing.... I seriously consider downsizing to an eliminator 500... still I see myself riding an adventure bike for the ergonomics.... butyl of them are really heavy and tall :(
Thank you for the great video. My wife needs a larger bike. We have considered the eliminator with its non-cruiser pegs. Also the new CF Moto Apex for 50 has a lowering link to get the seat lower. My wife has a 27 inch inseam. The bikes were really looking after our small adventure bikes like that 500 NX from Honda. Let me know what you think. Thank you.
i've got a ninja 400 as my first bike. the salesman said it had ABS but after buying it, turns out it didnt. not much i can do about it now, but i am getting ready to sell it and find something with ABS even if i have to downgrade to something like the bmw g310r/gs
thanks for the demo. the problem i had with my ninja was my hip cramping because the ass to footpeg ration wasn't working and i'm not that tall. i have a bad back now and have been searching for something more upright for a short guy. probably still going with a scrambler
I'm an experienced rider and i'm enjoying these smaller capacity bikes. My RE classic 350 is a ripper, even 2up or touring, as was my Himalayan 411. Both have centre stands and decent pillion seats. Given RE are providing bikes with these features is Kawasaki missing a slice of the market here? The 450 twin is good, the bike looks great, but its versatility?
Great review and yeah 51hp with 390lbs is fun enough! Nice clean design but almost too low. I’d encourage beginners to get at least 29” seat. You don’t want to be sitting so low on the highway among big cars and SUVs. People will see you better and you’ll have a much better view out in traffic.
With this wet weight and power output, Kawasaki could easily put out a competitor to the CFMoto 450MT. I don't know how long this motor has been around but it could be slightly lighter than the CFMOto but be made by one of the Big 4, with all the benefits that entails. But, they won't, leaving China to take sales from Japan.
Honestly been torn between this little bike or the Kawasaki Z900 RS. The price of this one really jumps out and it seems quite fun. Probably end up getting something even more expensive like a Triumph Tiger 900 to get a more powerful dual sport compared to my little Scram 411 lol 😂
How common is it for people to click into 2nd instead of neutral? I hear people talk about that when there’s a feature to prevent it. it’s never once happened to me on an 80’s Ninja 900. But I don’t have a lot of experience with different bikes. Maybe Kawasaki does better at that??
I recognize this is a better bike than the rebel 500 considering measurable aspects. But I still would prefer a rebel Also do you not get other RE motorcycles like the supermeteor 650 or shotgun 650? Those are much more comparable power wise
Your point about reduced suspension travel offering poorer ride quality should not be overlooked, especially as manufacturers generally fit budget suspension to all but the most expensive bikes. Sure fire way for a beginner to get disillusioned and give up is buying a bike that kills you every time you ride it for more than 20 minutes!
Hi Ian! I’m curious. So you reviewed many ADVs but I noticed you havent tried the X-ADV. But its probably since you don’t like scooters so I understand lmao.
Here in Europe it's required by law that all new bikes have abs. There's one problem with that, try doing enduro or MX with abs and you will quickly understand. Now, MX bikes are not street legal and it's not a problem. But a proper enduro bike, that's street legal, so you can ride it to the place where you can get off the road and practice enduro, Will be required to have abs. You absolutely cannot do proper enduro with abs. It doesn't work on those conditions
When I started doing distance I bought a new 1976 Yamaha XS500D . A 500cc eight valve dohc twin 180 degree crank. Cast wheels, one of the first made, comfortable seat good disc brakes and dependable. I was doing five hundred mile days all I could. Tube tires but never had a flat. Wore the to the cords. Used a creel bag for luggage. Flight jacket and army gloves. Wasn't any fancy clothes then. I had a oair of water proof Herman Survivor boots that actually worked. So this bike opens a new life and method of travel for people who want to experience the lifestyle, enjoy the discovery of our country on two wheels and do it in a fairly economically affordable manner. Much as I did almost 50 yrs ago.
This may be dumb and irrelevant, but I kinda miss the videos where his phone would keep sliding off his lap. 😂 made reviews feel more like just a guy reviewing a thing he had rather than an automotive journalist.
My missus is going for her learner licence soon and we went to look at the Honda rebel and the Eliminator, we both liked the kawasaki BUT my missus felt it was a little tall for her as she is vertically challenged 😂 nice bike I wish she went with the Eliminator but we couldn't so we went with the rebel because she could get both feet flat on the ground which would be better for her seen as she is just learning great review by the way.
Man, it’s just not a good looking bike. The design language of the Japanese bikes overall has gotten weird but it really has gotten bad on the entry lever bikes. Not many Japanese bikes scream “look back at me” after you park. Maybe I’m just over exposed to heritage/retro style motorcycles?
I was vehemently anti cruiser until about 6 months ago, when for whatever reason they started growing on me. Off of your list, the Eliminator is definitely the one I'd have, although it's scream at high revs is the least cruiser sound I've ever heard... I'm making a giant step up in the moto world early 2025. I'm torn between one really awesome adventure bike (base Africa Twin/800GS/Triumph Tiger 900), or for the same money, a Rebel 1100 AND a CRF300L. I find the concept of having a dedicated transcontinental capable road bike (with factory cruise), and a BDR capable dual sport very appealing.
I’ll save you time just get the Kawasaki Vulcan S it’s a much stronger engine and easy to ride. Eliminator can be skipped along with the Rebel 300 and 500
My RE Scram 411 has 24 hp. Regularly cruise around at 55-60 mph on my highways while getting 70-80 mpg. Quite a good little bike with low weight, good lean angles, amazing mpg, and it won't break the bank as the price is low for the bike, fuel, and insurance. Of course, you can buy a much more powerful bike for 4-5 times the cost of my Scram that gets half the mpg, 3-4x more for insurance, etc. You will get there faster...unless there is traffic, which means we'll get there around the same time 😂
@@ravenarrow4631 Any bike I'm riding needs to be faster than most cars. I don't need a superbike, but the Scram does 0-60 mph in 11 seconds. You can't even overtake cars safely with such poor performance. A Honda SCL 500 would be my choice for a similar bike. For 1700 more than the 411, you get almost twice the power.
@@organichotdog3807 I've personally not had any problems overtaking slower cars on the Scram. I know what you're saying though, but most cars are so slow nowadays with the gutless engines they push out lol. It's not fast, but it sure does the job quite well at a very low cost and mine was new with a 3 year unlimited mile warranty, which is unheard of and shows that RE backs their products as they would lose a ton of money if people were bringing them in under warranty claims. Plus, I usually get either no one near me or full on traffic so more power is almost useless unless I lane split and I've seen too many fatalities from working as an officer. It's not worth dying or getting your leg sliced off to cut a few cars (yes I've had to tourniquet a woman's thigh while her leg was laying next to her after getting sliced off by a car). Please be careful out there.
@@ravenarrow4631 I hear ya. To be honest, speed is not the most important thing to me when I ride these days. I'll take a nice winding 45 mph road over a high speed road any day. As for lane splitting, not for me unless traffic is at a standstill. It's not legal in my state anyway so I don't even scoot up to the front at a traffic light. Can't be bothered, and when I ride I'm never in a hurry anyway. I was checking out the INT650 a few years ago at a motorcycle show and noticed no gear indicator. Glad to see the 411 has one.
I can see why beginners like this kind of bike... Buuuuuut I have to be honest and say - when I see a Honda Rebel, 9/10 it's a female beginner at 5'2" who cant reach the ground and does not seem confident in her own skills. You recommended adventure and I agree, but for short people - please just get something where you can reach the ground from the start, stop lowering bikes! Duke 390 would probably be cool.
Are you just unaware of how a couple dozen motorcycle manufacturers around the world don't follow exact displacement naming conventions? In fact its overwhelmingly UNcommon for a name to follow displacement.
@@exothermal.sprocketYeah, most bikes are NOT the CC their name implies. The power to weight of this one is quite good. It's obviously a quick little sucker off the line and hits 100mph+. Nice little bike, especially for $6-7k brand new.
@@ravenarrow4631 While I would prefer Kawasaki reconfigure the crank to 270° for better sound, I cannot complain about anything else in the 450cc class with what they've done. The Z, Ninja, or Eliminator are all great machines, reliable, no-brainer and cost effective. Aftermarket tuning on the 451 is proving to have a LOT more torque than the former 400. A 270° reconfigure would have one downside people don't consider, and that is a much less free-revving nature unless counter-balance shafts, crank weights, and other things are taken into consideration with a switch over.
