The mid-weight cruiser segment is heating up with Kawasaki’s new Eliminator taking on Royal Enfield’s Interceptor 650. Both bikes offer twin-cylinder engines, retro-inspired styling, and impressive fuel efficiency. Here’s a deep dive into how they compare on performance, features, and value.
Kawasaki Eliminator vs Royal Enfield
| Feature | Kawasaki Eliminator | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 451cc Parallel Twin | 648cc Parallel Twin |
| Power | ~49 PS | ~47 PS |
| Torque | 42.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 52 Nm @ 5,250 rpm |
| Weight | 176 kg | 202 kg |
| Fuel Efficiency | 30 kmpl | 25 kmpl |
| Seat Height | 734 mm | 804 mm |
| Price (India) | ₹5.62 lakh | ₹3.03 lakh |
| Official Website | Kawasaki Motorcycles | Royal Enfield Motorcycles |
Engine and Performance
Kawasaki Eliminator
The Eliminator is powered by a 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine derived from the Ninja 400 platform. It delivers about 49 PS of power and 42.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Its smooth powerband and responsive acceleration make it versatile for both city and highway use.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
The Interceptor features a 648cc air-and-oil-cooled twin-cylinder engine. It puts out around 47 PS of power and 52 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm. This engine offers a laid-back, torquey feel that shines on open roads and long-distance cruising.
Fuel Efficiency
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Kawasaki Eliminator: Achieves approximately 30 kmpl, impressive for a twin-cylinder cruiser in this segment.
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Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Returns close to 25 kmpl, decent for its size but lower than the Eliminator.
Design and Ergonomics
Kawasaki Eliminator
The Eliminator adopts a modern cruiser silhouette with minimalist styling. Low seat height (734 mm), mid-mounted pegs, and a compact frame make it especially appealing to newer riders or those seeking comfort in urban traffic.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
With its classic British roadster vibe, the Interceptor 650 leans into nostalgia. It features upright handlebars, slightly rear-set pegs, and an 804 mm seat height. The ergonomics are neutral, offering a relaxed riding triangle suited for long journeys.
Features and Technology
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Kawasaki Eliminator:
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Assist and slipper clutch
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Digital display with smartphone pairing via Rideology app
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Optional ABS
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Royal Enfield Interceptor 650:
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Standard dual-channel ABS
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Analog-digital instrument cluster
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Minimal electronics, focused on simplicity
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Pricing and Value
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Kawasaki Eliminator: At ₹5.62 lakh, it’s priced at a premium, offering modern refinement, digital features, and a compact footprint.
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Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: At ₹3.03 lakh, it’s a strong value proposition for a twin-cylinder motorcycle with solid build and performance.
Verdict
Both motorcycles appeal to different kinds of riders.
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Choose the Kawasaki Eliminator if you want a new-age cruiser with nimble handling, fuel efficiency, and refined tech.
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Go for the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 if you prefer timeless styling, relaxed torque-heavy performance, and unbeatable value.
FAQs
Q: Which bike has better mileage?
A: The Kawasaki Eliminator offers better mileage at 30 kmpl versus the Interceptor’s 25 kmpl.
Q: Which is more beginner-friendly?
A: The Eliminator, due to its lower weight and seat height, is easier for new riders to handle.
Q: Do both models offer ABS?
A: The Interceptor 650 comes with dual-channel ABS as standard. The Eliminator offers ABS as an option.
Q: Which is better for long rides?
A: The Interceptor’s torquey engine and upright ergonomics make it better suited for long-distance comfort.
Q: Which one is cheaper to maintain?
A: The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is likely to be more affordable to maintain due to local part availability and simpler mechanics.
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