KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Eliminator 500: Sleek, modern, lightweight cruiser.
- Super Meteor 650: Retro, torquey, affordable.
- Eliminator 500: Premium price, Japanese engineering.
- Super Meteor 650: Extensive variants, navigation.
- Both offer relaxed ergonomics, distinct aesthetics.
2025 Kawasaki Eliminator Vs RE Super Meteor 650: The cruiser motorcycle segment in India is heating up, with people becoming aware of owning a cruiser motorcycle. With the launch of the new Eliminator 500, we have two high-end, compelling offerings: the 2025 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 and the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. Both bikes cater to riders who crave a mix of retro aesthetics, relaxed riding dynamics, and modern performance.
While the Eliminator 500 brings a sleek, imported package with a premium price tag, the Super Meteor 650 offers homegrown perfection and a larger engine at a more accessible price point. This will be a detailed comparison across design, ergonomics, performance, features, and market positioning to help you decide which cruiser suits your style. Though I know both cater to different audiences, but are comparable in my sight. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.
Read more: Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Launched in India: Check Top Highlights Here
2025 Kawasaki Eliminator Vs RE Super Meteor 650: Design
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
The 2025 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 exudes a minimalist yet muscular vibe, striking a balance between retro charm and modern aggression. Its standout features include a round LED headlamp, a sculpted fuel tank, and a sleek all-black Metallic Flat Spark Black finish with copper-toned exhaust accents. The exposed engine and trellis frame add a raw, mechanical appeal, while the compact 2-into-1 exhaust and split seats enhance its sporty cruiser aesthetic. Wide handlebars and a low-slung silhouette give it a commanding road presence, perfect for riders who want to stand out without being overly flashy.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The Super Meteor 650 embodies Royal Enfield's signature retro-cruiser DNA, with a timeless design that pays homage to classic British motorcycles. Its teardrop-shaped fuel tank, round headlight, and bulb-type indicators scream vintage, while the premium chrome accents and variant-specific touches (like the Celestial variant's windshield and backrest) add a touch of luxury. Available in multiple colour schemes across its Astral, Interstellar, and Celestial variants, the Super Meteor 650 offers customisation options to suit different tastes. The bike's robust build and premium paint quality make it a head-turner, though its traditional styling may feel less modern compared to the Eliminator.
Verdict: The Eliminator 500 leans toward a sleek, contemporary cruiser look with a sporty edge, while the Super Meteor 650 is an established classic, heritage-inspired design. Choose the Kawasaki for a modern vibe or the Royal Enfield for nostalgic charm.
2025 Kawasaki Eliminator Vs RE Super Meteor 650: Ergonomics and Handling
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Designed for comfort and accessibility, the Eliminator 500 features a low seat height of 735 mm, making it ideal for riders of varying statures. The wide handlebars and forward-set foot pegs create a relaxed, upright riding posture, perfect for long cruises or city commutes. Its lightweight chassis (175 kg kerb weight) and balanced handling ensure nimble performance in traffic and confident control on highways. The scooped rider seat offers decent comfort, though prolonged rides may feel slightly firm for some.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The Super Meteor 650 also prioritises rider comfort with a low-slung seat and forward-set foot pegs, promoting a laid-back riding stance. However, its 241 kg kerb weight makes it noticeably heavier, which can be felt when manoeuvring at low speeds or in tight parking situations. The bike's handling is surprisingly agile for its size, with light steering inputs allowing easy direction changes. The suspension, featuring a 43 mm inverted front fork and preload-adjustable rear shocks, is tuned slightly firm, which may transmit sharper bumps to the rider, especially on the Interstellar variant's sculpted seat. The Celestial variant's touring seat mitigates this for better long-ride comfort.
Verdict: The Eliminator 500 is lighter and more beginner-friendly, with easier handling in urban settings. The Super Meteor 650 offers a plush, long-distance cruising experience but requires more effort due to its weight.
Engine and Performance
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Powering the Eliminator 500 is a 451cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that delivers 45 PS and 42.6 Nm of torque. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox and an assist-and-slipper clutch, the engine provides smooth, linear power delivery, making it versatile for both city riding and highway cruising. The high-tensile steel trellis frame, combined with 41 mm telescopic forks and a rear swingarm, provides a stable and composed ride. With an 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheel setup, the bike offers predictable handling, while the 310 mm front and 240 mm rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS provide confident stopping power.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The Super Meteor 650 is equipped with a 648cc, air-oil-cooled, parallel-twin engine, producing 47 PS and 52.3 Nm of torque. Its 6-speed gearbox with a slip-assist clutch delivers smooth shifts, and the engine's torquey nature makes it ideal for effortless cruising at moderate speeds. The bike's suspension setup, with a 43 mm inverted front fork and twin rear shocks, offers a balanced ride, though it's slightly stiffer than ideal for rough roads. Braking is handled by a 320 mm front disc and a 300 mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS, though the rear ABS calibration can feel intrusive under hard braking. The 100/150-section tubeless tyres provide ample grip.
Verdict: The Super Meteor 650's larger engine offers superior torque and a more relaxed cruising experience, while the Eliminator 500's refined parallel-twin is nimbler and better suited for mixed riding conditions.
Features and Technology
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
The Eliminator 500 sports a fully digital LCD instrument cluster with a retro-inspired round design, displaying key information like a tachometer, gear position, fuel gauge, and trip meters. Bluetooth connectivity via Kawasaki's RIDEOLOGY THE APP enables call notifications, maintenance alerts, and ride logging, but the absence of navigation or riding modes keeps the tech minimal. The bike's LED lighting and dual-channel ABS add modern safety and visibility.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The Super Meteor 650 features a semi-digital twin-pod instrument console with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, offering a slight edge over the Eliminator's tech suite. Additional features include a USB port, LED headlight and tail lamp, and premium aluminium switchgear (though the rotary switches may feel less intuitive). The Celestial variant's touring windscreen and deluxe seat enhance its long-distance appeal. Like the Eliminator, it includes dual-channel ABS for safety.
Verdict: The Super Meteor 650 offers more comprehensive features, including navigation, while the Eliminator 500 keeps things simpler with reliable connectivity and a sleek display.
2025 Kawasaki Eliminator Vs RE Super Meteor 650: Pricing
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Priced at Rs 5.76 lakh (ex-showroom), the Eliminator 500 is a premium offering, imported as a CKD unit. Its lack of direct rivals in the 500cc cruiser segment makes it a unique choice, appealing to riders seeking a refined, modern cruiser with Japanese engineering. However, its higher price may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Starting at Rs 3.68 lakh for the Astral variant and going up to Rs 3.98 lakh for the Celestial variant (ex-showroom), the Super Meteor 650 is significantly more affordable. Its pricing, combined with Royal Enfield's widespread service network and brand loyalty, makes it a compelling option for a broader audience. It competes with the Kawasaki Vulcan S but stands out as a value-for-money retro cruiser.
Verdict: The Super Meteor 650 is the budget-friendly choice with strong value, while the Eliminator 500 justifies its premium price with exclusivity and refinement.
Which Cruiser Should You Choose?
The 2025 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 and Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 cater to different rider preferences in the cruiser segment. The Eliminator 500 is the ideal pick for those who prioritise a lightweight, modern cruiser with nimble handling, refined performance, and a premium aesthetic. Its higher price and imported status make it a niche choice for enthusiasts seeking exclusivity.
On the other hand, the Super Meteor 650 is a versatile, value-driven option for riders who want a torquey, retro-inspired cruiser with robust build quality and long-distance comfort. Its lower price, extensive variant options, and Royal Enfield's strong after-sales support make it more accessible to a wider audience.
Read more: 2025 TVS Apache RR310: Top 5 Alternatives to Consider With the Same Price Tag!
Verdict
Ultimately, your choice depends on your budget, riding style, and aesthetic preference. Test-ride both to experience their distinct personalities and decide which cruiser sparks joy on your journeys.
