In 2025, the Indian cruiser motorcycle segment is witnessing an intense face-off between two heavyweight contenders: the newly launched Kawasaki Eliminator and the established Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650.
With both bikes offering distinct personalities and cruiser DNA, enthusiasts across India are closely watching which machine will claim the crown in this segment.
A New Challenger Enters the Arena
Kawasaki has reintroduced the Eliminator nameplate in India after a long hiatus. This new-age cruiser brings a modern twist to the classic cruiser silhouette. Powered by a 451cc parallel-twin engine derived from the Ninja 400’s platform, it’s tuned for relaxed highway cruising with a dose of sportiness. The 6-speed gearbox, liquid cooling, and DOHC setup give the Eliminator a refined and responsive nature, especially at mid to high RPMs.
Weighing around 176 kg (kerb), the Kawasaki Eliminator is relatively light for a cruiser, making it appealing for riders looking for a nimble yet powerful cruiser that can handle city traffic and open highways alike.
The Proven Classic: Royal Enfield Super Meteor
On the other side is the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, a product that has already built a strong fanbase since its launch. Based on RE’s 648cc parallel-twin platform, this cruiser delivers a smooth and torque-rich experience. With a 47 bhp output and 52 Nm of torque, the Super Meteor has a heavier stance and a laid-back cruising character.
What sets the Super Meteor apart is its classic styling, touring-friendly ergonomics, and premium features like LED lighting, Tripper Navigation, and alloy wheels with tubeless tyres. It weighs around 241 kg, making it more planted on highways but less agile in city conditions.
Design & Road Presence
Both bikes stay true to cruiser form but carry different visual appeals.
- The Kawasaki Eliminator opts for a more minimalist, modern design with a low-slung seat, a compact fuel tank, and a distinctive LED headlamp. It’s more of a modern-day urban cruiser.
- The Royal Enfield Super Meteor stays closer to old-school cruiser aesthetics with a long wheelbase, wide handlebars, metal-heavy bodywork, and chrome touches that add to its vintage appeal.
Riding Experience & Comfort
- Eliminator: With its upright seating position and low seat height (just around 734mm), the Eliminator is accessible to shorter riders. The ride feels lighter and sportier due to its weight and engine characteristics.
- Super Meteor: Offers a more relaxed, stretched-out cruiser posture, suitable for long-distance highway rides. The suspension setup, especially the USD forks at the front, provide a plush experience on rough patches.
Features & Pricing
Kawasaki has priced the Eliminator at around ₹5.6 lakh (ex-showroom), which puts it in direct competition with the Super Meteor 650, priced between ₹3.63 lakh to ₹3.94 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant.
While the Eliminator offers a premium Japanese-built machine with lighter weight and a sportier character, the Super Meteor wins on the value front with a larger engine, touring accessories, and RE’s wide service network across India.
Also Read:- Kawasaki W800 May Enter India in CKD Route – Premium Retro Coming Soon?
Final Thoughts
The cruiser battle of 2025 is more than just a spec sheet comparison. It’s about what kind of rider you are. If you’re looking for a lighter, tech-laden, urban cruiser with Japanese precision, the Kawasaki Eliminator could be your pick. But if you value heritage styling, relaxed long rides, and a rich exhaust note, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 remains a compelling choice.
Indian buyers are now spoilt for choice, and this rivalry is only expected to heat up further as more mid-weight cruisers enter the market. With both brands bringing their A-game, the streets in 2025 are set to echo with the sound of modern-day cruiser wars.
