Kawasaki Eliminator 250V
Verified17 reviews
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- +5
Excellent small displacement cruiser that looks big! – I bought the 2007 model used about a month ago at 23,000 Km and no regret despite the several cosmetic issues the previous owner(s) have dissimulated. The bike was running well and that's all that matters and it was the better looking and running model I've inspected so all good. On the day of purchase, I rode it 90km back home with some highway… Read more
sections. Without windshield, the wind against the chest was strong but manageable. Getting to 110km/h was easy and there was still some power left.
I've been asked what engine size it was and people were surprised as they thought it was at least a 600cc.
Most of the chrome was faded but nothing a 0000 steel wool can't fix.
The stock exhaust has a good sound but drilling four 7mm holes in the exhaust plate made it sound deeper and louder without affecting torque but giving a bit better top speed.
The 2007 model does not have speed restriction so it should be giving the full 35hp the engine is capable of.
I can't comment on keeping up with bigger bikes because of lack of skills but from other reviews, this is a very capable bike despite its small engine size. For me it does what I need and I'm happy with it.
The seat is very comfortable, however with my back and shoulders issues, I'm thinking of upgrading the handle bars to some buck horn or six bend bars to add more comfort.
Before buying the Kawasaki VN250 Eliminator, I was looking listings of other 250cc bikes from other brands such as Honda (Shadow, Rebel, Nighthawk, Magna, VTX), Yamaha Virago, Suzuki Intruder etc... But the look of the VN250 was attracting me and reading about the specs, I was impressed by the 35hp and six speed gear system. After riding it back home on the first day, I was not disappointed.
I'm 1.60m high (75cm inseam) and weighing 62kg. The VN250 seat is pretty low allowing almost both foot flat on the ground. Its 170Kg (dry) were a bit intimidating at first (having ridden moped only before) but I got used it very quickly and it's quite well balanced so not that easy to drop actually. I almost dropped it once but managed to hold it back when it was almost on the ground so it's very manageable.
It handles very well. Riding in the rain is no problem. I need to find a way to adjust the headlight angle as I find a bit too low but it has nice horizontal spread.
After riding it for 870Km, my current average fuel consumption is 23.1 Km/L, I usually refuel every 200Km and it takes more or less 8 litres to fill. I didn't hit the reserve yet and the tank can hold 14L.
Unfortunately, it has been discontinued in 2007 so accessories and parts can be difficult to come around. But the local motorcycle centre can still order genuine stock parts from Kawasaki you just need to wait a little bit longer.
Changing oil and oil filter was easy. So was bleeding the brake fluid. I've received the air filter now just need to figure out where it goes.
Having not found a sissy bar / luggage rack that fits the VN250, I bought an old rusty one for Yamaha XVS650 and disassembled, drilled and and welded more steel to it to make it fit. After sanding down the rust and a bit of the chrome layer, I re-painted it with chrome paint. Not as shiny as original but much better than the heavy rust. Now I can install a topbox and my son has a nice back rest.
So in 2023, this bike is still a good choice if you can do some DIY for various accessories. But with parts still available on order, it's should still be good for a little while.
Eliminator VN 250 Love it – bought the VN 250 2007 model as my first bike, still use it, cant part with it. love every ride on it. Have no issues on the bike, it looks + feels bigger for a 250. Highly recommended Show details
Kawasaki Eliminator VN 250 Cruiser – This was my first and still my only bike. Purchased in 2013 it is a 2003 model. It had 7,000 km on it and now has only 11,000. A fantastic full size bike with 250cc running cost but plenty of power from the v twin four stroke. Its sound great and has a quality finish and robust chrome. It gets lots of interest and comments wherever I go. Ill be sticking with it. 5 stars Show details
Love this motorcycle – I bought a 1993 Kawasaki EL 250 in Warrick QLD, when I had my L-plate. I took it for a test ride down the street from the dealership, for about 2 blocks. Decided right then to buy it. Now that I have my P-plate, I am riding everday, and I love this bike.My mate has a KLR650 Suzuki, I have no trouble keeping up with him. My 250cc is easy to control… Read more
and manoeuvre on any type of road, and it cruises at 100kph all day long if you want it to. I think I will upgrade to a bigger bike, then I get on my 250 and ride, I change my mind everytime. I recommend this bike to anyone who wants a good bike at a good price.
1st bike <3 – I bought my 2001 VN250 with only 25,000k's on the clock ..... and it is a comfortable bike with plenty of power at what is an amazing price! Perfectly weighted for this 5ft3' chick, and even though I thought it was heavy at 1st... now I've gotten used to her... not heavy at all! Rides beautifully and love the big bike look :) Still not sure I'm… Read more
going to part with her when I get a bigger bike :) As a new rider I love how confident I feel with the Eliminator :)
WHAT A GREAT FIRST BIKE -VERY HAPPY – Ok so was looking around on a bike to buy cheap but not China cheap , virago had me until I saw a eliminator, wow , great style flat bar is what I was looking for , full size 250cc easy to handle and manage , just try look for 1 bad review !! You won't find 1 , I'm very happy with it until a vrod muscle comes my way :) all my friends where very… Read more
impressed in my choice , it's actually a very fast 250cc no drama keeping up with my friends 1000cc , he can get to 80kms hour faster but I'm
Not far behind him , it's not a gutless bike I'll give it a 10/10
Perfect – I just started riding 3 months ago, and let me tell you Eliminator is one mean machine. Reliable, learner friendly and looks great too. I ride on highways, freeways and suburban roads and it never lets me down. Also I noticed it holds its value really well.
Looks cool, sounds awesome, turns heads – My first bike and I couldn't have made a better decision. For a 250, it has many of the attributes of a larger bike. It's got good acceleration and staying power and is comfortable for city riding or longer journeys. It's a cool looking bike and people are always admiring it and asking me about it. Looks terrific, performs well, holds its resale value, in demand.
VN250 Elininator 2003 – Great bike I am not a petite guy and it gets me around no worries. I am looking at a new exhaust so I can fit some saddle bags to it. Also have contacted a chopper fork supplier in Germany and they are making me a set of 14deg raked chopper forks should make it a real nice looking bike. It is great on fuel goes hard and turns heads, everyone askes… Read more · 1
me what it is and can not believe it is only a 250. I will eventually buy a bigger bike but am giving this one to my lady to ride. Reliable cheap to run and looks like a much bigger bike
My first bike – I knew I wanted my first bike to be a cruiser or a naked bike. I researched them both and decided on a cruiser. I put some $ down on an Intruder and was considering a Virago, but once I saw VN250, this had to be the one! Less than half the price of a xvs250 and a lot cheaper than a Shadow, excellent learner bike and carries my 110kg butt on a… Read more
steady 100kph with lots to spare. I get 280km on a $18 full tank. will miss this bike when I upgrade to a larger cruiser. Price, looks, best 250 cruiser! I only wish it was more than a 250.
What a great Motorcycle Eliminator EN 250cc – I have owned many bikes, this big hearted bike is one of a kind, it provides a great riding exp, and handles very well. Top speed 150 klms and cruises 110klms all day, it's a shame Kawasaki and other builders don't follow this example set by Kawasaki. Ride weight, design perfection. Wow wow wow Show reply
Excellent – This is the perfect bike to either learn on, commute on or cruise. It keeps any rider from any cc class with a smile on its face. More than able to keep up with the big boys. The ride is so well engineered, the power is highest in the class so riding the coast road, freeway, or those country roads is a joy. You can just feel the quality in these… Read more
bikes from the frame and drive-train through to switches and paintwork. You will have driven, broken and paid for 3 or 4 Chinese and Korean bikes and the Kawa Eliminator will earnestly keep supplying you with a better ride and feeling. forget the Honda Magna, Yam Virago and the Suz Intruder and get a Kawa Eliminator (If you can find one), best decision you will ever make. Biggest 250 on the market, strong, reliable and looks like a seriously bigger bike, resale value - they dont depreciate!! Expensive to buy and produce, hence why Kawasaki have stopped making and importing them (Grab one when you get the chance they are the cream of all 250's)
Excellent – I found the Eliminator when researching bikes for my restricted license and thought - wow! When I saw it in the flesh I had to have it, and when I first rode it I knew I had made the right choice. Very comfortable to ride, looks like a bigger bike and is a head turner! Seen a few debates about the top end on the web and with my weight (88… Read more · 2
Kg) I have had it to 140 Km/h with some to spare, so would say top end is about 150Km/h.
Take one for a ride - if you can find one - you will love it! So smooth and comfortable to ride. Great big bike looks and stands out in a crowd.
Suitable for tall riders - I am about 6 foot 2 "and 88Kg, and ride it with ease, but I wouldn't want to be much bigger than that. Whats not to like! Yes it is expensive to buy, but they hold their value well, because they are quite rare.
Find out how Kawasaki Eliminator 250V compares to other Naked Bikes
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Kawasaki Eliminator 250V - Good buy – Purchased a Eliminator 250 about 3 weeks ago. Thought with my weight (100kg) it would be struggling but no way. Hitting the highway and city streets with no issue. Love the position.....looks bigger and defs a head turner with all the chrome fittings. If you love cruisers and are a new rider get one you will love it Position, look and no issues with it
Excellent – I bought my bike new when I got my learners licence and it is a very easy bike to ride. It's a real head turner and if you can cope with the attention and have a limited budget like I did, than this is the bike you should get. Easily the best 250cc cruiser you can buy today. Nothing will come anywhere near it in its range. Just don't spect a… Read more
big bore sounding bike! It is after all just a 250cc keep remainding your self of that. It looks like a much bigger bike than a 250cc You have to pull 1/2 the bike apart to get to the battery.
Excellent – I almost bought a Yamaha V-Star but a day before going to make the deal I popped into my local (Kim Britton Motorcycles)dealership and saw the eliminator in the flesh, I had seen them on the net but when I saw the 2007 model next to a Virago there was no comparison (the virago looked like a toy) however these bikes are rare in WA and I was… Read more
fortunate enought pick one up, I am most impressed by both the bike and the service from Kim Britton Motorcycles in Rockingham WA. I will upgrade to a larger cruiser however will be very reluctant in letting go of this bike if I do at all. If your looking for a 250 and can get your hands on one buy it, you won't be disappointed. Looks great, very comfortable to ride and pillion comfort also. None, It's a 250 that far exceeds it's competition.
Excellent – The bike is awsome, it handels beautifully and has the power you need to get out of tight situations, i have test ridden the other bikes of its range such as the suzuki intruder and yamaha virago and nothing even comes close to the way the elimantor rides, it may be a bit more expensive than the rest but it is money well spent, 10 out of 10. Its big, stylish, beautifull to ride. Its not as loud as i would like
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