A few days ago, we told you that Kawasaki is all set to debut a new Ninja ZX-6R for its MY2024 lineup. And before that, CARB filings revealed Team Green’s plan for a new Eliminator 450. Now, the latest update on the matter comes right from the horse’s mouth, as Kawasaki USA has set a date for its upcoming lineup. Plus, it’s officially teased the new Ninja and Eliminator to confirm both rumors.
Kawasaki Will Debut Its 2024 Lineup On June 6, 2023
Kawasaki’s 2024 lineup will break cover in less than a month’s time, on June 6, 2023. The Japanese bikemaker has 16 products in store for the said date, which will include everything from electric mini bikes, ATVs, Jet Skis, and most importantly, motorcycles. Out of these 16, Kawasaki's teaser shows five silhouettes, two being the new ZX-6R and the Eliminator, alongside a dual-sport motorcycle, a motocross bike, and a side-by-side four-wheeler. With that out of the way, here’s what you can expect from the new supersport and cruiser.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R - What To Expect?
Probably the biggest update for 2024 will come to the Ninja ZX-6R’s powerhouse. As revealed in the EPA filings, the supersport will feature an updated 636cc, inline-four mill that produces 122 horsepower instead of the current model’s 127 horsepower output. Similarly, the redline will come down a notch from 13,500 RPM to 13,000 RPM which Team Green aims to offset with a longer final-drive gearing. What’s the reason for all this, you ask? Well, simply to meet Euro 5 norms. It makes total sense too when you consider the 6R has been off European and British shelves since 2019.
Engine aside, the teaser posted by Kawasaki hints at a new design. Compared with the current Ninja, the 2024 model appears sharper up top, with a Ninja ZX-10R-inspired fascia. Also expected is a host of electronic rider aids - wheelie control, traction control, IMU, bi-directional quickshifter - all topped by a TFT instrument cluster. Almost all ‘Ninja’ models have the latter, and it’s about time the 6R upgrades from its semi-digi setup too. Don’t expect much to change in terms of underpinnings, though.
2024 Kawasaki Eliminator - What To Expect?
Kawasaki unveiled the Eliminator 400 a few months ago. For America, however, it has the Eliminator 450 in store. The leaked CARB filings mentioned the model code - EL450 - where EL denotes Eliminator while the 450 gives away the displacement. Though not much is known about the mill, it’s expected to be a derivative of the 399cc, parallel twin found on the Japan-spec Eliminator with a bigger bore. The result should be more peak power and torque. Besides this, the teaser of the US-spec cruiser is pretty identical to the 400, so expect the same design and features. Once out, the cruiser will rival the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and the Honda Rebel 500.