Since 1985, Japanese auto manufacturer Kawasaki has produced the cruiser-inspired motorcycle, the Eliminator, in several variants. In the 2006 model year, in particular, the Eliminator was manufactured as an entry-level cruiser that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation of the United States found suitable enough for use in beginner rider courses. Available as a lone model, the 2006 Kawasaki Eliminator had a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $2,649.
The 2006 Kawasaki Eliminator is officially known as the Eliminator 125, or EL125. The three-digit suffix comes from the bike’s engine displacement, which is measured at 124 cubic centimeters (rounded up to 125). The engine itself--a four-stroke single-cylinder--generates 7.3 pound-feet of torque at 8,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). Two intake valves are placed on the cylinder, and an air cooling feature keeps the engine at a temperature ideal for best performance. The bore and stroke of the engine is measured at 2.17 by 2.06 inches (55 by 52.4 mm), and its compression ratio of 9.6 to 1.
Each engine on the 2006 Kawasaki Eliminator is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, with an electric kick starter for convenient ignition. On each bike is a 3.4-gallon (12.9-liter) tank for fueling it. The 28-mm Mikuni carburetor that Kawasaki includes on the ‘06 Kawasaki Eliminator provides sharp throttle response, as well as remarkable fuel efficiency.
Made out of steel and covered with plastic, the 2006 Kawasaki Eliminator comes in only one color scheme, which is called Thunder Blue. The instrumentation on the bike consists of a trip odometer and speedometer, and the vinyl seat on the bike has enough space for the driver and a passenger. Also included is a halogen headlight and a pair of side mirrors.
The 2006 Kawasaki Eliminator has a 9.8-inch (250-mm) disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. Its suspension, designed for giving it a relatively smooth ride, consists of a 1.4-inch (36-mm) telescopic fork and 3.1-inch (78.7-mm) twin-sided swing arm. True to its cruiser style, each ‘06 Kawasaki Eliminator rides on a 17-inch front aluminum wheel; and a smaller, 15-inch rear one: both fitted with tubeless tires.
Each 2006 Kawasaki Eliminator is 84.6 inches (around 2,149 mm) long, 30.7 inches (779.8 mm) wide and 41.3 inches (1,049 mm) in height. The wheelbase, ground clearance and seat height are measured at 57.9 inches (1,470 mm), 6.1 inches (154.9 mm) and 26.8 inches (680.7 mm), respectively. Each bike weighs 291 lbs. (132 kilograms) in dry weight.
The 2006 Eliminator from Kawasaki is blessed with manageable power, low seat height and light weight rating. Although performance enthusiasts or more experienced riders are definitely better off elsewhere, the aforementioned attributes make the '06 Kawasaki Eliminator a great bike for novice or beginner bikers.