Kawasaki Eliminator / Eliminator 500 SE (EL450A) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
451cc Liquid-Cooled Parallel-Twin DOHC 8-Valve Urban Cruiser (Assist & Slipper Wet Clutch) · Source: Kawasaki Eliminator / Eliminator 500 (EL450A) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the Kawasaki Eliminator / Eliminator 500 (EL450A) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 2024–Present Kawasaki Eliminator / Eliminator 500 SE (EL450A) (chassis EL450A/EL450B) requires 1.6 L (1.69 US qt) of SAE 10W-40 (JASO MA2, API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM) engine oil for a drain-only change and 2 L (2.11 US qt) with filter service (16097-0008 / HF303). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI front (130/70-18 M/C 63H) and 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI rear (150/80-16 M/C 71H), paired with 2× NGK LMAR9G spark plug(s) and a YTX9-BS battery.
Drain only: 1.6 L (1.69 US qt)
R 225 kPa (2.25 bar)
Est. Range: ~332 km (206 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 10W-40 (Alt: SAE 10W-50) · JASO MA2 · API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 1.6 L (1.69 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 2 L (2.11 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 2.3 L (2.43 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 16097-0008 / HF303 |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 30 N·m (22.1 lb-ft / 3.06 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 130/70-18 M/C 63H · Rear: 150/80-16 M/C 71H (Tubeless) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI Rear: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI Rear: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK LMAR9G × 2 (Gap: 0.7–0.8 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTX9-BS (12V 8.0Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | 520 Sealed O-Ring Chain (112 links, 14T/43T) — Maintain 20–30 mm slack |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Kawasaki Aluma-Cool Ethylene Glycol Coolant (~1.3 L) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 451 cc · 45.4 hp @ 9,000 rpm · 42.6 N·m (31.4 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 735 mm (28.9 in) · 176 kg (388 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 13 L (3.4 US gal) · ~25.5 km/L → ~332 km (206 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 12,000 km / 12,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 18,000 km / 12,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 24,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Badged Eliminator 500 in Europe/Korea and Eliminator 450 in North America, all global EL450A bikes run the identical 451cc twin (only Japan’s domestic license version displaces 398cc); SE trims add a headlight cowl, fork gaiters, and USB-C outlet.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Sharing the 451cc DOHC engine and light Assist & Slipper clutch with the Ninja 500, oil service requires 1.6 L drain-only or exactly 2.0 L with an HF303 filter of SAE 10W-40 JASO MA2.
Garage Wrenching Gotchas
- Unlike the 16/16-inch balloon-tired Rebel 500, the Eliminator runs an 18-inch front (130/70-18) and 16-inch rear (150/80-16) at 200 kPa (29 PSI) front and 225 kPa (33 PSI) rear cold.
- With a stretched 1,520 mm wheelbase and low-slung headers, take steep underground garage ramps at a gentle speed so the belly pipes do not scrape.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the exact cc and oil capacity of the Kawasaki Eliminator 500?
Actual displacement is 451cc, taking 1.6 L without filter and 2.0 L (2.1 US qt) with spin-on filter 16097-0008 / HF303.
How does the Eliminator 500 footpeg position differ from traditional cruisers?
Its neutral mid-mount footpegs and 735 mm seat (715 mm low / 765 mm high Ergo-Fit options) avoid leg-forward reach strain and feel natural for riders switching from naked bikes.
Does the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 use a belt or chain final drive?
It uses a lightweight 520 sealed O-ring chain rather than a belt; inspect 20–30 mm slack and lubricate every ~600 km.