Kawasaki El250 Eliminator

KAWASAKI EL250 ELIMINATOR

CYCLE WORLD TEST

Beginner's Luck

KAWASAKI'S ENGINEERS DON'T HAVE A CLUE HOW TO build an entry-level motorcycle, do they? They sprang their 454 LTD, a beginnermobile with a hot-rod heart, in 1985: then, in 1986 they brought forth the EX250 Ninja, a premium-priced tyrocycle that could tear up the twisties. Don’t they know’ that entry-level bikes are supposed to be cheap, underwhelming little wheezers, motorcycles the cognoscenti mention with a withering sneer?

Apparently not, because Kawasaki's at it again, this time with the EL250 Eliminator, an entry-level overachiever in street-tough garb. At $2299. it's certainly not cheap; and the engine—a version of the 250 Ninja’s modern liquid-cooled, counterbalanced, twin-cam four-valve parallel-Twin, tuned for more low-end and mid-range power—packs a punch that makes the Eliminator the class tire-eater.

In fact, the EL's motor should wipe the sneers right off those smug faces. Sure, it’s docile down at the bottom of its power curve, the better to accommodate a rider at the bottom of his learning curve. But in the mid-range (the EL has no tach), power builds with a nice snap that’ll push him back in the solo saddle, and continues right up to the 14,200-rpm ceiling imposed by the rev limiter. The EL revs eagerly to those heights, aided by crisp, immediate throttle response. A rider can gag the motor by cranking on too much throttle, though, if he mismatches gears and rpm (too tall/too low). Otherwise, when his right wrist tells the EL’s revs to jump, the engine just asks, “How high?"

Such perky performance makes the EL stand out from most entry-level machines, with their broad, featureless powerbands. But the Eliminator distances itself even further because it’s quick enough to whip up on nearly every learner-bike around. Even Kawasaki’s own EX250 falls victim to the EL through the quarter-mile: of the four Ninja-derived Eliminators (250, 600, 900 and 1000). the 250 is the only one quicker than its progenitor.

Yet, as entertaining as it is to pin the 250’s throttle through all six gears, the bike offers something far more important; versatility. It is, after all, an entry-level 250 bred to urban use. But the Eliminator rarely reminds the rider of that. It doesn’t climb in his face and say, “You can’t do that: I'm just a 250. Take me home."

For instance, everyone knows that a 250 is all wrong for touring, do they not? Well, a novice doesn’t, and the EL tries not to let on. The suspension serves up an exceptional ride over most surfaces; the long, 59-inch wheelbase contributes to a relatively roomy seating position; the rider’s weight is distributed equitably: and the stepped solo saddle is nicely padded. The saddle allows him to scoot back only so far. however, which can make even average-height pilots feel confined over the long haul (Kawasaki will offer a pillion pad and passenger pegs for $ 104.95). Exhaust roar becomes oppressive, too, with the engine wailing at nearly 8000 rpm at 60 mph. Still, on day trips or weekend jaunts, a new rider won’t know’ he’s doing anything wrong.

Likewise, if he makes a spirited pass down a backroad, the 250 won’t turn sullen. It heels into corners willingly, and the brakes—especially the powerful, progressive front disc—quickly snub the bike down from speed. It’s a shortage of rebound damping in the shocks that fixes the EL’s limits; aggressive turn-ins or bumpy pavement cause the back end to wallow.

Not surprisingly, then, the 250 Eliminator feels most at home back inside the city limits. With its feathery, 320pound weight, light, quick steering and high-winding power, it can slog through the daily running street brawl of urban traffic, or flit around it like a hyperthyroid hummingbird. In addition, the low, 281/4-inch-high seat benefits short-legged or short-time riders by letting them firmly plant both feet at a stop.

Still, it's the EL250's wide-ranging competence and startling speed that vault the motorcycle to the front of the class. Some beginners’ bikes become as satisfying for a novice as kissing his sister once he acquires the basic riding skills; but the EL, with its lively, eager-to-please character, should capture his interest and hold it long after he’s made the last payment. That kind of thing just might give entrylevel motorcycles a good name—and prove that, when it comes to building them. Kawasaki knows what it’s doing. IS

KAWASAKI

EL250 ELIMINATOR

$2299