Kawasaki’s Most Rider-Friendly, Affordable Retro-Styled Cruiser Gets a Blacked-Out UpliftGear PatrolSteve MazzucchiUpdatedThu, September 17, 2026 at 8:40 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleThe new Eliminator 500 SE aims to upstage Honda's popular Rebel with a darkly dazzling new treatment.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreEven in the moto community, people sometimes forget Kawasaki makes cruisers, and when they do remember, they think of the Vulcan.However, the smaller Eliminator 500 is an excellent entry-level option, especially when it's suited and booted for a black-tie affair.The 2027 Eliminator 500 SE stuns in a new Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Flat Ebony finish. (There's also a more colorful Candy Emerald Green treatment.) - Credit: KawasakiThe 2027 SE variant that recently surfaced on the brand's European site fits the bill, thanks to a new paint scheme called Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Flat Ebony.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn other words, the best-looking finish just came to the best version of this bike, and we can only cross our fingers that it gets a stateside release.For $300 more, the SE trim adds a compact headlight cowl, fork boots and a handlebar-mounted USB-C outlet over the base model. - Credit: KawasakiFull disclosure: the 2026 Eliminator ABS for the US market does come in similar but less fetching Metallic Flat Spark Black (sans blacked-out exhaust), but the more full-featured Eliminator ABS SE does not.The latter is the more compelling option, as it adds only slightly to the price while introducing a compact headlight cowl, fork boots and a handlebar-mounted USB-C outlet to the mix.Delivering 45 horsepower and 31.7 lb-ft of torque, the Eliminator's 451cc twin boasts respectable numbers for an entry-level cruiser. - Credit: KawasakiFrom a looks, performance and price standpoint, this new one looks like the best threat to Honda's Rebel 500 yet.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe bike boasts a punchy little Ninja 400–based 451cc parallel-twin engine making a claimed 45 horsepower and 31.7 lb-ft of torque, with shifting eased by an assist and slipper clutch.Retro round but otherwise modern, the all-digital LCD instrument panel includes a bar-style tachometer and gear position indicator, plus smartphone connectivity. - Credit: KawasakiOther highlights include smartphone connectivity, the size-inclusive Ergo-Fit system and, of course, safety-boosting ABS.Adding to the beginner-friendly appeal are a 28.9-inch seat height and a curb weight of 390 pounds.Unlike the Honda Rebel 500 SE, the Eliminator 500 SE comes standard with a pillion seat for a passenger. - Credit: KawasakiThese dimensions make it easier for smaller riders to touch the ground and maneuver the bike at low speeds without tipping.At a price slightly cheaper than the Rebel 500 SE ($7,099 versus $6,999 for the 2026 US models), it also includes a pillion seat, something Honda's bike doesn't include as standard.The new Eliminator retains such charming retro aesthetics as a round headlight and mirrors, among other touches. - Credit: KawasakiMeanwhile, all the classic retro aesthetics, including the throwback silhouette, chopped fender and delightfully round headlamp, mirrors and gauge return.AdvertisementAdvertisementTogether with its shadowy new finish, this new Eliminator is more likely to make memories than to be forgotten.Availability and pricingThe 2027 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE lands in Europe in January of next year at a starting price of £6,599.No word yet on a US release, pricing or colors, but based on recent history, those details should emerge within a matter of weeks.2027 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE Learn More About the Author:Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.
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