Kawasaki Eliminator 450 vs Royal Enfield SM 650: Spec Comparison

2024 seems will be Kawasaki’s year. The Minato-based manufacturer has already launched two new motorcycles in just a span of two days. After taking us for a pleasant surprise with the launch of the Ninja ZX-6R at Rs 11.50 lakh, Kawasaki has now launched their entry-level urban cruiser, the Eliminator 450. 

However, the Kawasaki Eliminator 450’ heavy ex-showroom price tag of Rs 5.62 lakh might not be the most encouraging information, especially when you have the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 in the market. So, which one sounds more sensible on paper, and is the Kawasaki’s price tag justifiable?

Engine

The parallel-twin engine configuration in both motorcycles ensures that both have a refined performance which is quintessential for cruising. However, with a bigger capacity engine the Super Meteor 650 takes the baton for being more powerful and torque-rich. But, when it comes to performance, it’s the higher revving, Ninja-sourced engine in the Kawasaki Eliminator 450 nestled inside a trellis frame that would feel more sporty to ride of the two. The Kawasaki is also much lighter which means it will be quicker off the line as well. 

Hardware

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is the marquee’s most expensive motorcycle in its line-up, and the hardware list reflects the same. From a bigger USD  fork to bigger brakes, the Super Meteor 650 clearly gets the benefit of more premium equipment. Royal Enfield even gives us the benefit of pre-load adjustability with the rear suspension, something that seems like a major miss with the Kawasaki Eliminator 450, especially given the price it comes with. 

However, the 18/16-inch wheel configuration with the Kawasaki Eliminator 450 should help its case to become a nimbler handler in tight traffic conditions, unlike the RE SM 650, which gets an inch bigger front wheel. Interestingly, both get 150/80-16 wheel at the rear, so cruising on the highway at triple digits; with both these motorcycles should feel more natural. 

Dimension

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is clearly the bigger cruiser motorcycle here. It is also heavier than the Kawasaki Eliminator by 65 kg, and that does take a toll on the RE’s ground clearance. However, to be on the fair side, the way RE has distributed the weight of the SM 650 lower in the motorcycle, the weight doesn’t intrude much as it should when cruising or travelling at triple digit speeds. The bigger fuel tank on the SM 650 should also help its case with longer range.

On paper, both also have almost the same seat height, but when it comes to their ergonomics, the SM 650 has a more laid back seating posture with far-front set foot pegs. The Kawasaki Eliminator 450 has a more neutral seating posture, in comparison, with slightly front set foot pegs. 

Features

Both are not the most feature-rich motorcycle in the segment. But still, it’s the Royal Enfield SM650 that feels more feature-rich, especially with the tripper navigation pod. On the other hand, despite an all-digital instrument cluster, the Kawasaki Eliminator misses out on turn-by-turn navigation. However, it does support smartphone connectivity via the Rideology app for call alerts and notification only.

Price

The Kawasaki Eliminator 450 is clearly an overpriced package, in comparison to the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. The latter looks bigger, is more powerful, and delivers on all the fronts for its price tag. The Eliminator 450 might have a very niche followers base, but the lack of proper equipment does not justify its price tag. Henceforth, it’s the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 that looks like a better bet on paper at least.

Now how does the Kawasaki Eliminator 450 feel and ride in real world conditions? For that you will have to stay tuned for our road test review.