The Kawasaki Eliminator is a cruiser-type motorcycle that has been produced in several variants since its introduction in 1985 as the ZL900. Billed as a "power cruiser" through the 1980s and mid-1990s, Kawasaki now sells the Eliminator as an entry-level cruiser. Available in black for 2005, the Eliminator 125’s styling features include a stepped seat with laid-back riding comfort for two, a stretched 3.4-gallon fuel tank, straight-flow exhaust and chrome-plated single headlight.[1][2]Contents[hide]
Models
ZL900
Introduced in 1985, the ZL900 evolved from the legendary Kawasaki Z1. The ZL900 was designed to evoke images of the wildly successful Z1 drag bikes, with a bobbed rear fender, short travel fork, large rear tire, fat chromed mufflers, a small fuel tank and low straight handlebars. The ZL900 engine was a transplanted and slightly modified version of the liquid-cooled I4 introduced in the 1984 Kawasaki ZX900 Ninja. Kawasaki used smaller 32 mm carburetors (the ZX900 used 34 mm), different timing and camshafts with less duration. This gave the engine a dramatically different personality, trading the Ninja's high-end surge for low-end grunt and a meaty mid-range that was more suitable for a cruiser. At the time, the ZL900 was the only bike in its segment using an I4 powerplant instead of a V4 configuration.
The ZL900 garnered praise for its excellent powerplant and inspired styling.
[edit] Criticisms
The pursuit of drag-bike style resulted in some functional compromises. First, some riders[attribution needed] complained about a lack of cornering clearance. The ZL900 was long and low like a drag bike, so sporting riders who wanted ZX900 power in a cruiser had to give up riding the twisties. Additionally, pushing the bike hard overwhelmed the skinny front tire and brought the rear suspension's shortcomings to the surface. More universally, owners and magazines alike[attribution needed] bemoaned the Eliminator's lack of range due to its small fuel tank capacity. At 25-35 mpg on a 2.9 gallon tank, even conservative riders were forced to find a filling station after 100 miles or less.
Models
ZL900
Introduced in 1985, the ZL900 evolved from the legendary Kawasaki Z1. The ZL900 was designed to evoke images of the wildly successful Z1 drag bikes, with a bobbed rear fender, short travel fork, large rear tire, fat chromed mufflers, a small fuel tank and low straight handlebars. The ZL900 engine was a transplanted and slightly modified version of the liquid-cooled I4 introduced in the 1984 Kawasaki ZX900 Ninja. Kawasaki used smaller 32 mm carburetors (the ZX900 used 34 mm), different timing and camshafts with less duration. This gave the engine a dramatically different personality, trading the Ninja's high-end surge for low-end grunt and a meaty mid-range that was more suitable for a cruiser. At the time, the ZL900 was the only bike in its segment using an I4 powerplant instead of a V4 configuration.
The ZL900 garnered praise for its excellent powerplant and inspired styling.
[edit] Criticisms
The pursuit of drag-bike style resulted in some functional compromises. First, some riders[attribution needed] complained about a lack of cornering clearance. The ZL900 was long and low like a drag bike, so sporting riders who wanted ZX900 power in a cruiser had to give up riding the twisties. Additionally, pushing the bike hard overwhelmed the skinny front tire and brought the rear suspension's shortcomings to the surface. More universally, owners and magazines alike[attribution needed] bemoaned the Eliminator's lack of range due to its small fuel tank capacity. At 25-35 mpg on a 2.9 gallon tank, even conservative riders were forced to find a filling station after 100 miles or less.
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