Kawasaki Eliminator 500 versus Honda CMX 500 Rebel

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Eliminator 500

Cruiser
Honda

Honda CMX 500 Rebel

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2024 bis 2024~
Built von 2017 bis 2024~
RRP 6.495 €
RRP 7.060 €
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Pros:
  • very light cruiser
  • Low seat height
  • Easiest manoeuvring
  • Simplest operation
  • living engine
  • cheap fun bike
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Price
  • Service
  • Cruising
Cons:
  • sometimes rather simple materials
  • Lever not adjustable
  • old-fashioned cockpit
  • restrained sound
Cons:
  • Not sporty

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length :
2.250 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat :
735 mm
Weight :
176 (max: 357 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.490 mm
Length :
2.190 mm Height : 1.090 mm
Seat :
690 mm
Weight :
190 (max: 361 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Four-stroke in-line two-cylinder 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 451 ccm
Hub: 59 mm
Hole: 70 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 471 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 67 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 169 km/h
Performance: 45 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 43 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 13 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
342 km
Maximum speed: 155 km/h
Performance: 46 HP at 8.500 U/Min
Torque: 43 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 11 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
303 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Stereo shock absorbers, adjustable spring base (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 130/70-18M/C 63H
Rear tyres: 150/80-16M/C 71H
Front suspension:
Telefork 41 mm
Rear suspension:
Central spring leg
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: ZR
Rear tyres: ZR

Brakes

Front brake
Single disc brake, double piston caliper ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, double piston caliper ( 240 mm)
Front brake
Single disc ( 295 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 240 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

Man, Eli is really a lot of fun! As soon as you sit on the bike, you forget about A2 performance, non-existent technology and the simple construction of the cruiser. On the contrary, the reduction to the essentials is even what makes the Eliminator 500 so charming. It rides well and everyone, really EVERYONE - whether small or big, man or woman or anything in between - will feel safe on this machine and get off with a big grin. As I said, a real fun bike!

The test machine was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michalisdonn . Eli will be there as a demonstrator and is looking forward to lots of test riders. We can only encourage you to do so, even if an A2 bike might not even come to your mind at first. The new Kawa cruiser is really fun! Maybe even as a second machine? Let's go to St. Michaelisdonn to Heller & Soltau!

Price/availability/colours/years of manufacture

  • Price: € 6,495
  • Availability: since 03/2024
  • Colors: Black

Conclusion

So: thumbs up, or not? Clearly, thumbs up. Rarely can you ride a motorbike, which perhaps does not meet the personal taste and certainly not the riding style – but which nevertheless earns sympathy points without end.

It is a Honda, I want to say: High quality is guaranteed, easy operation as already mentioned. Perhaps the price prevents the purchase? No, it's 6075 Euros new price, so all the fun is for small money.

The test bike was provided to us by Motofun in Kaltenkirchen.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 6,075€
  • Used (3 years old): 4,900€
  • Years of construction: since 2016
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: grey, matt grey, black, red