Will This New Kawasaki ELIMINATE The Honda Rebel 500?! 

THANK YOU to NBT Clothing​⁠ for sponsoring today's video and for ALWAYS keeping me safe when I ride! Get your own NBT riding gear at www.nbtclothing.com and don't forget to use code BURCH for 15% off your ENTIRE order!! 😎🤘🏻

I'm brand new to riding and I actually picked this bike up as my first. I've been watching Burch for a while now and really thought I'd go with a rebel but comparing the two the eliminator felt a lot better in the saddle and ergonomics. I bought the pearl grey version and on that color the frame is more of a polished nickel and in my opinion it looks way better than the SE color scheme. Loving the bike so far and it's a lot of fun to ride but yes the stock exhaust and mirrors are abysmal (but the easiest thing to modify).

I wish Kawasaki would adopt the 270 degree crank. It would provide a slightly better torque curve and much better sound. That was my main gripe about the Vulcan S. It was just too smooth. Besides that it's a Kawasaki and they make things that last forever.

I was shopping for a bike and I went and looked at the rebel first. Being short (5'4), I felt like I was leaning way too far forward and I didn't like that. When I turned the bar, I had to lean way too far to ever comfortably turn it because my arms are so short. I looked at the eliminator next and I loved it. The seat was extremely comfortable and I didn't lean forward as much. So, I got the eliminator and it was the best decision I've made.

I personally think it looks better than the Rebel. With that said I still think these are overpriced especially when you look at how many cheap materials they use. Sure it'll run forever because the engines are solid, but the big 4 in my opinion are complacent on the beginner segment, which is allowing companies like CFMoto and RE to come in and offer more premium features at better prices.

I started out wanting the Rebel. Sat on it and Eliminator with abs. The Eliminator just felt better and I bought mine a little over a week ago. I love it and having a blast! I love the piwer and handling. I hate the mirrors. Going to have to putreal ones on there, SOON!

Thanks for the review, Burch. It looks like a fun ride.

Well…I have to say : this Kawa looks really good.

With your detailed description of both seats, you cleared out many aspects of the riding position for many of us who didn't have so far the chance to try out the bikes. Great video overall, thank you for being so thorough, even though some things are always up to personal interpretation but as a reviewer you did the best you could! For daily commuting, between this & the Interceptor which one do you think is better set out of the factory? (Seat, suspension, brakes etc.) Stay strong, ride on!

I sat on a rebel 500 and really didn't like the feel of it. Felt comfortable straight away on the eliminator so ended up buying one the same as the bike you rode in this video. I love it.

Man, I've been here since 5K subs. Seeing you have sponsors is truly amazing. let's go brotha

I think a bunch of the things you pointed out that you didn't like about the looks are specific to the SE. The non-SE models have a better looking frame (a no gloss grey color), and the painted plastic triangle is color matched to the tank. They also don't have the weird USB-C.

Excellent review Burch! It looked like you were enjoying the ride. I bet a Eliminator 1100 will be arriving in the future. Ride safe!

Love the looks of the eliminator, does remind me of the vrod. Hope they decide in the future to compete with the rebel 1100 and drop an eliminator 1000cc+

Great comparison video!! Dad says he needs to riding gear for when he rides his bicycle and not mentioned in this video but I need a Quadlock for my bicycle 🙂

I was not familiar with how closely it matches the Honda Rebel. I needed a motorcycle to go past traffic here in PH, because of narrow and less road upkeep lots of sand on roads and potholes here. Needed to get off my Vulcan 900 and on something to avoid sitting behind long lines of cars and creeping along. Plan was to buy the Eliminator 450 SE this week.

1 foot charging cables are a thing, no need to wrap a 3 foot around handlebars. By the time you factor in the connectors on each end they are like 8 inches and perfect for on the bike . I have one for quad lock charger.

Used to own a Vulcan S and this is like the baby brother basically. These line of motorcycles do have some cheap parts sadly but overall, they ride damn nice for what they are.

I have owned mine for 3 months got over 800 miles on it. got a 2024 Kawasaki eliminator 450 abs se the exact bike you rode, and I love it

Interesting review. I agree with your assessment that the Eliminator seating position is basically the same as the Rebel. I really wanted to buy a Rebel when I was looking for a motorcycle. I had owned a Rebel 250 years ago and I absolutely loved that bike. But, I just couldn't get past how uncomfortable the Rebel's seating position was. It felt like I was sitting in a hole while having to stretch to reach the handlebars. I really liked the look of the Eliminator in the pictures so I went to a local Yamaha store for a look. When I sat on the Eliminator, it basically felt the same as the Rebel as you pointed out.

Did you notice odd foot vs tank position once you started riding? You mentioned it as you sat on and first rode off (showing that the brake lever was inwards to the bike) but it seemed like it didn't bother you once riding? I wonder how that would be for commuting and getting on the brakes more often.

Cool video. It's funny I was sitting on that bike 4 days ago. Didn't like the look at all. Especially the way the exost comes ot from the engine. So ,the next day after, you gave me your advice about the CL500 cc Scrambler. I traded my Rebel 1100cc DCT in for it. The Rebel had 14,600 miles on it. I got the green one. I love it so far. Very Smooth. I'm taking all my turns now at least 10 miles faster now than before on the rebel. Greetings from Sea Bright Beac, NJ.

everything you hated about the look of the bike I liked lol. I think the bike looks alot better than the rebel, also, the gloss plastics made sense to me since the tank and fender were also gloss so having a few of the plastics gloss as well balanced out the look to me. for the rebel, everything is matte but the tank and fender and to me it looks weird. also, if you ever get the chance i would love to see you do a review on the vulcan 650s, I'm planning on going for that for my first bike. the vulcan s apparently is easy to customize the seating position.

Hey Burch, I wish ya would have compared the tanks in gallons. As always thanks for the review. Prayers Flying for safe travels

This is interesting! Wild the bike can feel that different when stats are so close to the Rebel. Now I wanna go to Preston and start checkin out bikes😂🤘🏻

I didn't rode the Eliminator but the 500 Rebel and the SCL 500. The SCL is by far better than the Rebel in every aspect. Although im just 5.7 high, the SCL has the much better seating position. I don't like the Eliminator and the built quality seems to be cheesy. So go for the SCL.

He didn't pull out on you. You came flying around the corner and he was already entering the roadway from approach. Maybe you should slow down before u gripe. You took the right turn at the intersection doing 30mph.

Nice! Love your review.. I haven't got a bike yet..goingvto do my cbt this year... I like the look of the Reble 500. But I've seen a Mutt bike and stopped in my tracks..😍 what are you veiws on those bikes?

It's weird how much mirrors make a difference for a bike. In the words of Zack from Revzilla "I often tell the story about how my old boss at Motorcyclist Magazine used to take Honda mirrors, and put them on all his bikes because he loved them so much." Something you don't miss until it's gone I guess.

Enjoyed this review! Thank you!

Great review, Burch, it’s well researched… having said all that, I dunno why the Kawi guys went to all the trouble to mimic a rebel, and didn’t build on what they already have, the Vulcan S? I guess it would really come down to pure personal preference after seeing the ride along… can’t wait to test one out up here in Canada… Great video dude!

I'm a huge Honda guy myself but Kawasaki made a much better looking bike. You are right about it looking "bubbly" compared to the Kawasaki's sleek but aggressive profile and looks. I also love how wide the Kawasaki gets at the tank and fender. You also mentioned the seating position could give way to cramps or pain during long rides and I definitely get that on my 1100, even with the T-Rex forward controls which push the controls like 5 inches front. I really would like to see an overhaul of the rebel lineup to compete with the Kawasaki looks and the introduction of a rebel 1400+ with a ~30% larger frame. More power and more space!

I'm a returning rider. I have an issue with gas tanks, and I sat on a SCL500 yesterday and the seat was the wide thing, not the tank. The seat didn't let my legs close and and still felt like it was smashing my nutts or something, but the Eliminator just "fit" when I got on it, like a good chair. I was worried about how wide the tank is (and closer to my gear), because I don't want my legs open (at least not on a bike), but I didn't notice it doing that and it was quite comfortable. I didn't notice the front brake position either, but I will when I go back tomorrow. I pressed it, but didn't notice what you pointed out. I'm not getting a bike next year, I'm getting one right now, so my decision making process is about over in favor of the Eliminator SE, unless I get some earth shattering news why I shouldn't. I went to buy a Vulcan S, over a Rebel 500, because I was told I'd outgrow the Rebel and I don't intend on replacing whatever I get. What I get, I'm keeping for at least a decade (I don't do forever payments - my car is paid for and staying paid for). So, I saw on your Rebel that the tank was thinner, more in line with what I was initially thinking. I haven't sat on a Rebel or a Vulcan, so the Eliminator SE is the only one of the three I have tried. I neither like, nor dislike orange, so even though it is shocking to some, it isn't to me. It makes it sporty (on the, Why did you paint it that color side?) and visible in my opinion and I like both. Even though the Rebel tank looks better to me as a rider would see it, again the tank on the Eliminator SE is obviously wider, but didn't bother me. I wish is was thinner (I hear that too), but I really love the design and feel of the bike. It bothers me just a little, because after sitting on a Rebel 1100, anything looks small (I'm 5",11", 150#, 33" from street to meat). In seeing your video, I noticed the arc of your tank and how you couldn't see over it, and I like the lower style the Eliminator offers, and I know you know what I'm talking about. I'm not interested in high speed, just enough to keep from getting blown off the interstate if I go on it infrequently. I just want something to jump across town and have fun with. The exhaust noise (or lack of it) is perfect for me. I like to come and go at all times and the neighbors wouldn't appreciate me riding a thumper or a whiner. I'm single, enough said. The tank does kinda bother me, but it's not that damn big and there are bigger ones (see, I am modest). The pros are outweighed. And btw, the cockpit instrument dial is off-set to accommodate your phone since it is Bluetooth enabled. I wondered about that so bad until it was explained to me. What that true? I don't know. It is a feature of the bike and when you see it with a phone, you'll get it. As for the placement of the USB-C, I can't help you with that, but you can get a 12" cable - somewhere. I don't know why it is on a big block like that and it should open from the bottom up, not the top down. I see that getting soaked and going out first. They put the door upside down and I'm a redneck, not an engineer (thanks Mr. Scott). My question is, can you flip the mirrors to the other side, and mount them upside down? It'll be in the driveway by next week. I guess I could try it and get back to you (wouldn't that be novel?). Wow, this decision process has kept me awake for a week. It is totally exhausting and I can't wait for it to be over. No one talks about that, but I cannot be alone. I am so wiped out. I couldn't even estimate the hours and hours (maybe days) of videos and website clicks, driving to dealers and.... I can't say it hasn't been fun, but holy [insert the f-bomb here]!

Take a shot everytime Burch says “chincy” HAHAH great video!! Bike is pretty noiiiice looking

Ill have to check one out, but just on looks alone my Shadow might be in trouble if they made a 1000+ version of this.

My first real bike was an ‘84 Honda CM-450 that I bought used 4 years later in Las Vegas - great time to ride there back then! - the stock tires were narrow and it was jarring hitting the lane divider saucers in San Diego; but after getting as wide as possible tires put on, hitting those saucers was negligible. How a tire looks doesn’t matter; the more rubber on the road, the better grip and handling.

I was at a dealer looking at the versys 300 and found myself on this. I have not been comfortable on any cruiser before but found this to be quite comfortable. But I have no interest or need for the amount of power the machine comes with and not when it comes at the cost of mpg (which I don't know what it even is). MPG is only a part of the cost of ownership but is also mostly the only part you can really control when buying a bike. Maintenance costs don't vary all that much frankly.

On my Yamaha FZ-07 I put some mirror extensions on because the stock mirror location just gave me a good view of my shoulders.. Seems the move the mirror 10 mm up and 20 mm outwards.. or visa versa.. Bought them on Amazon

I've been watching your channel for over a year, but I went to check and sit on all of them and at 5'2 I thought I would like how the rebel would feel but I got sold on the eliminator

The 500 Rebel is more like a Harley Sportster and that's what I feel it was designed to compete with!

I would like to see you do a review/comparison with the Kawasaki Vulcan S 650. I originally wanted the rebel 1100, but I could only find the DCT version in my area so I went with the Vulcan S.

i wish the japanese restart to make more cruiser, in all form with v twin and inlines.... for example de venerable vulcan 900 is still very good and the bolt too

Great video Burch !!! 🤙🏽

Thanks for this review. Great comparison.

Thank you for making this qualitative review! I enjoy them so much more than stats like you said lol. So excited Honda has some competition.

Talking about 6 inch cables. Yes they exist. I bought a couple short lightning cables for my bike and they're convenient and good looking.

Great review! It will be nice to see a comparison to the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 when it arrives in the US

If you take a shot every time this guy says chintzy you'll have alcohol poisoning by half way through the video.

Yeaaa boi! Happy to see this new vid!

F̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ second again! I was checking out that Eliminator a couple of weeks ago. I think it might be a great middleweight cruiser and commuter. I'm trying to decide between the Eliminator and one of the Royal Enfields... either the Hunter 350 or the Scram 411. 🤔👍 --QM

So my wife and me are going to go through the training course at the beginning of next year. So we have looked at the rebel line. I sat on a 500 but I'm not sure if I like me feet directly straight down. I'd like to see if anyone has forward controls and how they like them. I love your content being that we are looking at the rebel line.

Interesting bike. Here in Sweden we have to wait until 2024 before it is launched, a look at the website told me that it will come here in 2024 but nothing about the price as yet. But propably close to the Rebel 500. I like the looks of the thing, with another exhaust and maybe bar end mirrors and a tail tidy it would look good. Another colour, too. That one is not to my taste. Well done to be one of the first on the ball with this quickreview.

Thanks for the video

Picked up one of the plaid jackets from NBT, so much more comfortable than the mesh one I owned before!

If we are being honest, the Eliminator is not copying the Honda, they are both copying Harley. They want that sportster money now that Harley has dropped the ball on it. It is weird though that the Eliminator came out when they already have the Vulcan S. I don't know if you have done a review of that bike or not, but you should try it out if you haven't. Also, good On Kawi for putting a sportbike motor in their small displacement cruiser. It's so much more fun that way.

Great video! How was finding neutral? As a newer rider, it’s something I think about a lot. Thanks, brother!

They make 6" usb cables Birch...See some aftermarket foot pegs, and mirrors. Maybe that's why they have those long extensions on the handlebars.

great review!

Easton! I’m close, on the other side of the bay and a lifelong Orioles fan, the ES tics all the boxes even the awesome colors, lol.

All I ever need is a new Honda Trail 125. I never liked heavier motorbikes with big engines. The light Honda ct125 Trail are easier to maneuver and have better reaction time due to the speed max of 50 mph instead of 100 mph. And it gives me a better chance of surviving certain situations.

If you think this bike is a sporty cruiser I think you should try the Vulcan 650 and see what you think of it

My Triumph Bonneville had that same odd positioning for the feet because of the wide tank. So im used to that.

bro...they make shorter cables

I don't know what the deal is with bike mirrors now... I bought my grand kids some bikes last year and this year (spending their inheritance) and I had to modify (widen) the mirrors on every one to not have my arms taking up half of the view. Your supposed to be able to see the center of your lane 100ft behind you, no way with today's mirrors. I'm 5' 11", average sized guy... Mirrors have to be wider than your handlebars, in most cases, unless they are above your shoulders. Bikes usta be that way... Now bikes come with them 8" above and centered on the grips...

I'm an old guy that wanted smaller and lighter and not forward controls. I've been looking at the Eliminator for several months, so I just bit the bullet and mine will be delivered tomorrow. My daughter has the Rebel 500.

My biggest worry with the Eliminator is the same issues I have with the Rebel. I'm 6' 250lbs. These bikes might just be too small for me. Might have to go Vulcan 650 or maybe a Honda Shadow.

The chinesium bike is otw. 2024 CFMOTO CL-C 450 bobber. With a 270 crank P-Twin. If the Eliminator and Rebel honestly had the 270-crank it would be my choice immediately. I just can't fathom the 90 sound on a cruiser. I want to... But my body says absolutely no. Edit: Btw there's videos of it already overseas and it sounds freaking amazing.

So, I'm a fat older guys who knows nothing about motorcycles, then I woke up a couple of days ago with a sudden strong urge to start riding, so I started researching the topic, options, best fit.. Etc. I learned a lot in the last 2 days, but somehow I enjoyed this video so much. It made me feel I was physically there with you, checking specs and ride feel myself. So far, I'm zoomed in the area of the rebel 500 or 1100. However, I'm trying to find something where my legs would be stretched forward a bit more. That must be the "degree" angle that I haven't researched yet and not sure where to start. Btw, along with the 2 rebels I mentioned, I also like the kawasaki Vulcan (900 or the S?) and the Yamaha bolt. I don't want something too weak and I want something low and stretchy. Never been in a dealer and never been on a bike yet!! Only been on a moped with my wife in key west 20 years ago!! I'm sure some people would love to give their input regarding my story. All welcomed to join for a comment.

Mirrors that short need to be on way wider bars. On my Triumph, the bars are quite wide, so I put short Magnum mirrors on it. Look great and give me massive visibility in spite of short stems on the mirrors themselves. The bars on this bike are too narrow to support mirrors that short. But nothing some nice bar-ends or something wouldn't fix.

Nice review, good info, and made me laugh a few times. It would be cool to get your perspective on the Ninja 400/451(and even 650) versus the Honda CBR500R.

I like the looks. We've owned a vulcan 650 once upon a time so maybe a step down but maybe more fun too cause it's like 110lbs lighter. Idk I like the looks better though, it would be my wife's bike but with me being allowed to take it out occassionally too so hand weight balances, maybe . . .

Nice review. I'm very much rebel, but this is a great alternative for folks who prefer a sportier style. PS: Bought NBT's don't run me over yellow plaid flannel shirt and dig it. Maybe I actually will wear all the gear all the time.

Bro you had me at "Hondasaki Rebeliminator". Lmao Reminded me of a line from futurama back in the day........."one word, ThunderCougarFalconBird"....if you k ow you know lol

Great video !! Great content !!! The wavey hands thing gets old fast.

The agility you experienced is more likely the tire width and not diameter. Bigger diameter wheels actually add gyroscopic stability and turning radius.

One of the original LED reflector replaements (that are DOT etc approved) are from Truck-lite and they use this arrangement of LED to great effect. Overall, neither of these bikes do a thing for me. I find that exhaust header on this one really unsightly, that weird bend sticking out forward is just odd. I think this is better looking than the Rebel overall just because the "sit up and beg" appearance of the Rebels is really not a fave.

I think both bikes are a good idea in many respects, but they really need to get new styling people because neither are what I'd call pretty.

Looks twice as good as a Rebel. Let the good times roll!

That SLC looks much prettier than 450 and Rebel.

I just got my endorsement yesterday and looking to get my first bike.... seeing that in less than 1 minute into riding two people cutting him off is not reassuring at all 😅 Great video and a nice looking bike.

Not gonna lie I'm not a fan of the eliminator

About the aftermarket exhaust. I have yet to find or see one. Only one custom one out of the states.

I like the styling, especially with that orange and black shtick, but that exhaust, that end can is an eyesore.

still thinking about getting my first bike, and at 6'2 and a little on the heavier side, but seems like I still should rather get the Vulkan S

Looks more like a Harley Davidson 750 street rod than a Honda Rebel. This is a good looking bike.. Ive never been a huge fan of the Rebel.

With the Kawasaki does it have the gearbox where it’s easy to find neutral where you go all the way down and one up and it won’t go into second unless the bike is moving? Also what’s the quality of the switchgear like on the Kawasaki bs the Honda? The rebel I rode the switchgear quality it felt like a toy.

Good vid,spot on

Whoah… I was not expecting this lmao. Speaking of your xr150l, I would like to see more of it 😜

Good job , thanks

I will wait for the Eliminator 900.

Comments on the mirrors made me laugh. Good review, you should do more reviews

I'm looking to upgrade to a larger bike. Originally I wanted a Vulcan S, but they are hard to find because everyone keeps them. Sitting on the SCL 500 I was shocked at how nice it was, then I found out that Kawasaki made the Eliminator. It's like two parents spoiling me with choices.

Nice bike, a little 'busy' looking not as simple as the rebel. It's a shame, you'd think after almost 40 years Kawasaki would have updated their switch gear on some models but it is what it is.

I’d line up against you with my 500 ;) Great video as always Mike.

Why am I seeing it listed as a 400 sometimes but other times a 450? And does only the abs edition come with abs or can it come with the premium edition (I forgot the name)?

Hey man what do you like better the scrambler or the rebel?? Have a new 2023 rebel. Pretty sweet bike.

9:51 Thanks for the inseam measurement Burch! It's nice to know we're only a like 2 inch difference in pants, which is basically nothing.

I know Burch didn't go into the red line or probably even very near it. Nevertheless, if you are planning to buy a new motorcycle never buy a demonstrator. Even what he did is something I don't want anyone doing to my brand new motorcycle. If you buy a new bike always check the odometer to make sure it doesn't have more than 1 mile on it. Any more than that means that some crazy person has hot rodded it to see what it can do long before it was broken in. Yes, there is a theory that maintains that riding an unbroken in bike like you stole it and the police are after you is actually a good thing but I never wanted someone doing that to a bike I bought. Again, I'm not saying Burch did anything wrong or unethical.... I'm just saying don't buy a demonstrator.

a comfy ninja 400! nice review. i have many miles on the cmx500 and found it very agile so to hear you say its more agile than the rebel is surprising in a good way. also its a kawasaki, its made well. Big 4 japanese bike companies make good stuff. good review :)

Is CL500 better in your opinion? I think the kawi is not even close, but what are your thoughts?