The cruiser segment in India has just become a lot more exciting. With Kawasaki bringing in the Eliminator 400 and Royal Enfield already having its heavyweight cruiser – the Super Meteor 650 – on the streets, it seems like the battle for cruiser dominance has officially begun.
While both bikes cater to a similar audience, their approach, design, and performance bring very different things to the table.
Two Different Worlds of Cruising
Kawasaki’s Eliminator 400 is a mid-displacement cruiser that recently created waves in the Japanese market and is now gaining attention in India. Designed for modern-day urban riders who want a mix of comfort and agility, it follows a more sleek and sport-inspired cruiser language.
On the other hand, Royal Enfield’s Super Meteor 650 stays true to the classic cruiser form – big fuel tank, wide handlebars, chunky stance, and the unmistakable Royal Enfield thump. It feels more laid-back and traditional, something that appeals to those who love highway touring and that old-school cruiser charm.
Engine Showdown
The Eliminator 400 is powered by a 398cc parallel-twin engine borrowed from the Ninja 400, tuned for a relaxed yet responsive delivery. It’s peppy, smooth, and refined – something Kawasaki engines are known for.
Meanwhile, the Super Meteor runs on a 648cc parallel-twin engine from the Interceptor and Continental GT 650. It’s torquey, more powerful, and offers a highway-friendly cruising experience without breaking a sweat.
Both engines are capable in their own right, but they clearly serve different styles of riding. The Eliminator suits urban rides and quick getaways, while the Super Meteor is more of a long-distance cruiser.
Design Philosophy
When it comes to design, these bikes go their own separate ways. The Eliminator 400 is low-slung, compact, and leans toward a more modern bobber look. It features a round LED headlamp, a slim profile, and a minimalist tail.
The Super Meteor, however, boasts traditional cruiser aesthetics. From its retro-inspired fuel tank to large fenders and comfortable seat setup, everything about it screams old-school touring. It also offers alloy wheels, premium finishing, and Royal Enfield’s growing focus on build quality.
Features and Tech
Kawasaki offers modern tech in a simple package – digital LCD display, lightweight frame, and assist/slipper clutch. The Super Meteor answers with a semi-digital instrument cluster, Tripper navigation pod, and USB charging. It even offers better ergonomics for long-distance comfort.
So, while the Eliminator keeps things sporty and simple, the Super Meteor leans into a tech-laced cruiser experience.
Pricing and Market Impact
There’s still speculation about the exact launch price of the Eliminator 400 in India, but expectations place it close to ₹5 lakh (ex-showroom). The Super Meteor 650, already on sale, starts around ₹3.6 lakh, depending on the variant.
If the Eliminator enters at a premium, Royal Enfield could still hold the value edge. But Kawasaki’s Japanese precision and urban styling could attract a different type of buyer altogether.
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Final Thoughts
This isn’t a clear-cut competition. The Kawasaki Eliminator 400 and the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 are not trying to outdo each other in every way. They reflect two sides of the same coin – one brings performance-focused modernism, and the other delivers heritage-backed highway comfort.
In the end, it’s the Indian rider who wins, getting two solid cruiser options in a market that has long been waiting for variety. With both bikes offering their own set of thrills, the real question is – what kind of cruiser rider are you?
