Kawasaki Eliminator vs Royal Enfield: 451cc Twin Engine vs Iconic Power – Which Cruiser Wins?

Kawasaki Eliminator vs Royal Enfield: 451cc Twin Engine vs Iconic Power – Which Cruiser Wins?

Kawasaki Eliminator vs Royal Enfield: 451cc Twin Engine vs Iconic Power – Which Cruiser Wins?

Cruiser bikes have always held a special place in the hearts of Indian bikers. Their road presence, laid-back riding position, and unique charm make them perfect for long-distance touring as well as daily use. In 2025, two powerful machines are facing off in the mid-range cruiser category – the Kawasaki Eliminator 451 and the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. One brings modern Japanese tech and sleek looks, while the other stands tall with old-school design and signature thump.

Let’s compare both these motorcycles in detail and find out which one takes the crown.

Overview Table

Design & Style

When it comes to design, both cruisers have their own language. The Kawasaki Eliminator 451 follows a more modern and minimalist design. With a long wheelbase, low seat height (just 735 mm), and slim frame, it looks like a street-style cruiser with a hint of café-racer genes. Its LED headlamp and blacked-out components give it a premium urban appeal.

On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 carries forward the traditional cruiser look. It features a teardrop tank, wide handlebars, round headlamp, and lots of chrome. It’s bulkier and gives you the true old-school cruiser feel. In terms of size and style, RE scores higher on road presence, while Kawasaki impresses with modernity and compactness.

Engine & Performance

This is where both bikes show their character. The Kawasaki Eliminator comes with a 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine derived from the Ninja 400 platform but tuned for better low-end torque. It’s rev-happy, smooth, and very responsive.

In contrast, the Super Meteor 650 has a bigger 648cc engine with air-oil cooling. It delivers stronger low-end and mid-range torque. It’s not as quick to rev, but it gives that signature Royal Enfield feel — smooth cruising with a deep rumble.

If you want quicker acceleration and modern refinement, the Kawasaki takes the edge. But if raw torque and traditional feel matter, the RE wins.

Ride & Handling

Despite being a cruiser, the Kawasaki Eliminator handles like a street naked. It’s light, agile, and flickable in traffic. The upright riding position, forward-set footpegs, and low centre of gravity make it extremely beginner-friendly.

The Super Meteor, with its extra weight, offers a more planted feel at high speeds. But it’s not as easy to manoeuvre in the city. It prefers open highways and relaxed riding over quick cuts and corners.

So if you’re riding in the city and need nimbleness, go for Kawasaki. For relaxed long highway cruises, Royal Enfield delivers the comfort and stability.

Features & Tech

The Kawasaki Eliminator gets a full-LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity, gear position indicator, dual-channel ABS, and a slipper clutch. It’s tech-packed for a cruiser.

The Super Meteor 650 also comes with a semi-digital cluster, Tripper Navigation pod (optional), LED lighting, and dual-channel ABS. However, the absence of Bluetooth on the main console and USB charging might feel dated for some buyers.

Kawasaki wins here for offering more advanced tech out of the box, while RE stays simple but functional.

Mileage & Fuel Efficiency

The Kawasaki Eliminator 451 offers around 28 to 30 km/l in real-world conditions, thanks to its lighter frame and smaller engine.

The Super Meteor 650 delivers a mileage of 24–26 km/l depending on riding style. The extra weight and bigger engine reduce its fuel efficiency slightly.

So, for those who are cost-conscious, Kawasaki gives you a slight edge in fuel savings.

Price & Variants

This is a big factor in the decision. The Kawasaki Eliminator is priced at ₹5.62 lakh (ex-showroom), which puts it in a premium category. There’s only one variant currently available.

The Super Meteor 650, on the other hand, starts at ₹3.73 lakh and goes up to ₹3.89 lakh, offering better value for money. It comes in three variants – Astral, Interstellar, and Celestial.

In terms of affordability and variety, Royal Enfield clearly takes the win.

FAQs

Q1. Which bike is better for beginners?
The Kawasaki Eliminator is lighter and easier to handle, making it more beginner-friendly.

Q2. Does the Super Meteor 650 offer better comfort for long rides?
Yes, thanks to its wider seat, better cushioning, and relaxed riding ergonomics.

Q3. Which bike has more modern features?
Kawasaki offers more tech, including Bluetooth and advanced display, while RE keeps it minimal.

Q4. Is the Royal Enfield engine more powerful?
It has more torque and higher displacement but is tuned for cruising, not aggressive riding.

Q5. Which cruiser is more value for money?
The Super Meteor 650 offers more bang for your buck, especially considering its twin-cylinder engine under ₹4 lakh.

Final Verdict

Choosing between the Kawasaki Eliminator 451 and the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 depends on your riding style and budget.

• Go for Kawasaki if you want a light, modern, and refined machine with sporty performance and sharp looks.

• Pick the Royal Enfield if you love traditional cruiser styling, a strong thump, highway comfort, and more affordable pricing.