When you think of Kawasaki, you picture the supercharged Ninja H2, KLR 650, or Z400, but almost never a cruiser. However, in an attempt to change this notion (slightly), Team Green has resurrected its iconic Eliminator moniker for 2023. First appeared in 1985 with a 900cc heart, the new Eliminator now takes a dig at the middleweight cruiser segment, primarily to dethrone the Honda Rebel 500.

But when talking about mid-spec cruisers, it’s hard to discount Royal Enfield’s flagship offering, the new Super Meteor 650. After all, the RE also wants to lure in young cruiser fanatics with the same bang-for-buck philosophy, just like the Kawasaki. So can the 400cc Eliminator punch above its weight to rival the 650cc Super Meteor? Well, in some aspects, yes. In others, not so much. Here’s why.

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The Kawasaki Eliminator Has More Power Than The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

It employs a 398cc, twin-cylinder engine with 47 horsepower

Yes, you read that right. The Eliminator is more powerful than the Super Meteor 650, courtesy of its Ninja 400-derived 398cc, parallel-twin engine. With 35kW (47 horsepower), it’s roughly one-pony more than the Super Meteor’s Interceptor-derived 648cc, parallel-twin mill. To add to the latter’s misery, the Kawasaki weighs just 176 kg (388 pounds) - an enormous 65 kg less than the RE - which gives it a 0.276HP/kg power-to-weight ratio. The Super, meanwhile, promises 0.192HP/kg.

Performance aside, the Eliminator’s lower weight should also ensure a shorter stopping distance than the 650, considering both motorcycles have identical disc brake sizes (310 mm for the former, 320 mm for the latter). The Kawi’s wider front tire (130-section vs 100-section for the RE) will play a role here too (due to a wider contact patch).

The Kawasaki Eliminator Is More Feature-Loaded Than The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

The Eliminator comes loaded with smartphone connectivity, while the SE even has data-recorder feature

Royal Enfield has lacked in the feature department for a while now, and the Super Meteor 650 feels that way against the Eliminator. Don’t get us wrong, the 650 is the most modern RE yet (thanks to all-LED lights and the Tripper navigation module) and we surely like the direction the manufacturer’s headed in. But the new cruiser just does all of it better.

For instance, you get a full-digital instrument cluster on the Kawasaki, compared to the Super Meteor’s semi-digital unit. Plus, Team Green has also thrown app connectivity (as standard) to track vehicle details and display phone notifications on the LCD–both absent from the RE. The only pros for the Indian cruiser are its Tripper module (which enables turn-by-turn navigation) and a USB charging port tucked in the side panel. In case this is something you want, you can opt for the Eliminator’s SE variant, ripe with a USB type-C charger and GPS-enabled front and rear cameras that act as dash cams.

The Kawasaki Eliminator Will Likely Undercut The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

We expect the Eliminator to reach international markets as a MY2024 motorcycle

At the moment, both motorcycles are absent from the American market. However, post some calculations, we believe the Super Meteor 650 will be the most expensive Royal Enfield in the USA, likely priced at $6,900. Coupled with the fact that the Eliminator costs exactly the same as the Ninja 400 in Japan, it’s almost a given the 400cc cruiser will undercut the RE by a sizable chunk. The price difference, together with the Eliminator’s merits, will make it a better value for the money–a crucial factor for new/mildly experienced riders who can’t spend a lot. All isn’t hunky-dory for the Eliminator, though, and here are a couple of aspects where the Super Meteor shines.

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Promises A Proper Cruiser Experience Unlike The Eliminator

The flagship Meteor has the same engine as the INT650

Ask any experienced motorcyclist, and he/she’ll tell you thumpy engines with loads of torque (right from the get-go) are crucial for cruisers. And this is exactly where the Super Meteor prevails over the Eliminator. You see, the Eliminator might produce more horsepower, but it’s the RE that promises 38.72 pound-feet, a chunky 11.4 pound-feet of torque more than the Japanese cruiser. In addition, both the RE’s horsepower and torque are available from way lower in the revs, unlike the Kawasaki’s peaky 10,000 RPM power band. This means more tractability in the city, and easy overtakes on the highway.

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Looks Better Than The Eliminator

The Super Meteor 650 looks all set to munch miles in its Tourer trim

We know design is a subjective affair, but in our opinion, the Super Meteor looks better than the Eliminator. Be it the plethora of chrome elements (exhausts, handlebar, mirrors) or the round lights, everything makes the Super Meteor a handsome cruiser. This, together with its bigger proportions (width, height, tank size) than the Kawasaki, helps you feel more royal on the road. For the final nail in the coffin, the 650 flexes beefy 43 mm upside-down forks up top and comes in seven color options, unlike the Eliminator’s 41 mm telescopic units and two color choices.

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Finally, it all comes down to what your list of non-negotiables is and which motorcycle fits the bill best. If technology, a modern mill, and chic looks are your thing, you should hit up the nearest Kawasaki USA dealer for the Eliminator’s timeline. Meanwhile, if classic charm and cruiser-like personality are what you want, then head to the nearest Royal Enfield dealer instead. Regardless of the pick, do comment down below to share your pick.