Kawasaki ZL 600 Eliminator [1986-1987]: A Timeless Fusion of Cruiser Style and Sporty Soul

Introduction

The Kawasaki ZL 600 Eliminator is a motorcycle that defies easy categorization—a cruiser with the heart of a sportbike, a standard bike dressed in rebel leathers. Produced from 1986 to 1987, this generation of the Eliminator remains a fascinating anomaly in motorcycling history. With its liquid-cooled inline-four engine, shaft drive, and a chassis that balances agility with stability, the ZL 600 feels like Kawasaki’s answer to riders who demanded versatility long before the term "hyper-naked" entered the lexicon.

Imagine straddling a machine that looks laid-back but growls like a caffeinated panther when provoked. The ZL 600 isn’t just a cruiser; it’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, blending the relaxed ergonomics of a boulevardier with the mechanical DNA of the Ninja 600. Let’s dissect what makes this bike a hidden gem for riders who refuse to be pigeonholed.

---

Design & Ergonomics: Low-Slung Comfort Meets Functional Aesthetics

At first glance, the ZL 600 Eliminator leans into cruiser conventions with its teardrop fuel tank, stepped seat, and that chunky 150/80-15 rear tire. But look closer, and you’ll spot hints of its sportier pedigree: the angular four-into-two exhaust, the raked-out front forks, and the lack of excessive chrome. The design is minimalist by 1980s standards, avoiding the gaudy excesses of its contemporaries.

The Eliminator’s party trick is its accessibility. With a seat height of 715 mm (28.1 inches), it’s a bike that welcomes riders of all statures. The flat, wide seat feels more like a barstool than a saddle, offering surprising support for longer rides. Paired with mid-mounted footpegs and a riser handlebar, the riding position strikes a Goldilocks balance—not too leaned forward, not too reclined. Your spine stays neutral, your arms relaxed, and your legs free to move. It’s a posture that works equally well for city commutes and weekend canyon runs.

Kawasaki’s choice of a shaft drive adds to the bike’s low-maintenance appeal, eliminating chain adjustments and lubricant sprays. The trade-off? A slight increase in weight—210 kg (463 lbs) wet—but the mass is carried low, making the ZL feel lighter than the scales suggest.

---

Engine & Performance: The Ninja’s Alter Ego

The ZL 600’s beating heart is a 593cc inline-four engine borrowed from the Ninja 600 but retuned for broader accessibility. While the Ninja chased peak horsepower at stratospheric RPMs, the Eliminator prioritizes mid-range punch. The numbers tell the story: 74 hp @ 10,500 rpm and 53.8 Nm (39.7 lb-ft) @ 8,500 rpm. But dyno charts don’t capture the thrill of twisting the throttle.

Fire it up, and the engine settles into a smooth, sewing-machine idle. Snick the 6-speed transmission into first (the clutch is light, thanks to Kawasaki’s anti-hopping mechanism for the shaft drive), and you’re greeted by instant response. The 30mm Keihin CV carburetors are the unsung heroes here, delivering crisp fueling that the Ninja’s larger 32mm carbs couldn’t match at lower revs. From 3,000 rpm onward, the ZL pulls with urgency, surging forward in a linear wave of torque.

This is a bike that thrives in the real world. Roll-ons from 45-70 mph (72-113 km/h) in fourth or fifth gear are effortless, and the ZL’s shorter final gearing means it’s always ready to pounce. Kawasaki claimed a 12.2-second quarter-mile at 106.7 mph (171.7 km/h), but the real joy is in how it makes speed feel accessible. You don’t need to wring its neck to keep up with traffic—just tap into that creamy mid-range.

Yet, the Eliminator hasn’t entirely shed its sportbike roots. Rev it past 8,000 rpm, and the engine note sharpens into a metallic howl, pushing you to the 11.0:1 compression ratio’s limits. The liquid cooling system keeps temps in check, even when you’re threading through summer traffic.

---

Handling & Ride Quality: Unexpected Finesse

Cruisers aren’t supposed to handle like this. The ZL 600’s chassis—a mix of revised geometry and pragmatic components—delivers a ride that’s both forgiving and engaging. The 37mm Kayaba forks and preload-adjustable twin shocks are softly sprung, soaking up potholes without wallowing. Dial up the preload, add 6-8 psi of air to the forks, and the Eliminator transforms into a backroad scalpel.

Steering is light and neutral, aided by the 18-inch front wheel and narrow 100/90 tire. The wide handlebar offers leverage for quick direction changes, while the 61-inch wheelbase keeps things stable at speed. Push hard into a corner, and the ZL leans with confidence, though the footpegs will scrape earlier than a modern naked bike’s.

Braking is the weak link. The single 280mm front disc (paired with a rear drum) provides adequate stopping power for casual riding but feels overwhelmed during spirited runs. Modern pads and braided lines—available at MOTOPARTS.store—could mitigate this.

---

Competition: How the Eliminator Stacks Up

In the mid-1980s, the ZL 600 faced off against cruisers and standards alike. Let’s see how it measures up:

1. Honda Shadow VT600 (1986)

• Engine: 583cc V-twin
• Pros: Classic cruiser styling, torquier low-end.
• Cons: Heavier (227 kg), 5-speed transmission, chain drive.
• Verdict: The Shadow appeals to traditionalists, but the ZL’s inline-four and 6-speed gearbox offer a broader powerband and sportier thrills.

2. Yamaha Virago 535 (1986)

• Engine: 535cc V-twin
• Pros: Lighter (188 kg), lower seat height.
• Cons: Anemic power (46 hp), dated chassis.
• Verdict: The Virago is a beginner-friendly cruiser but lacks the ZL’s versatility and punch.

3. Suzuki GS550E (1986)

• Engine: 553cc inline-four
• Pros: Sportier ergonomics, comparable power.
• Cons: Chain drive, firmer suspension.
• Verdict: The GS550E is a closer match, but the ZL’s shaft drive and relaxed ergonomics make it a better all-rounder.

The ZL 600’s true rival was its sibling, the Ninja 600R. While the Ninja excelled on track days, the Eliminator offered 90% of its performance with 50% more comfort. For riders seeking a do-it-all machine, the ZL was the smarter choice.

---

Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Owning a 35-year-old motorcycle requires diligence, but the ZL 600’s robust engineering simplifies upkeep. Here’s what to prioritize:

Engine & Valvetrain

• Valve Clearances: Check every 6,000 km (3,700 miles).
• Intake: 0.13–0.18 mm (0.005–0.007 in)
• Exhaust: 0.18–0.23 mm (0.007–0.009 in)
• Oil Changes: Use SAE 10W-40 (3.0L with filter). Synthetic blends improve longevity.

Shaft Drive & Final Gear

• Final Drive Oil: Replace every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) with SAE 80W GL-5 (190ml).

Tires & Suspension

• Pressures:
• Front: 2.0–2.2 bar (29–32 psi)
• Rear: 2.3–2.5 bar (33–36 psi)
• Fork Oil: SAE 10W-20 (310ml per leg). Refresh every 2 years.

Ignition & Carburetion

• Spark Plugs: NGK DR8ES (standard) or DR8EIX (iridium). Gap to 0.7 mm (0.028 in).
• Carb Sync: Essential for smooth idle. The factory recommends 2 turns out on the air screw.

Pro Tip: Upgrade to a modern DOT 4 brake fluid and stainless-steel lines for improved lever feel. MOTOPARTS.store stocks period-correct and performance-enhanced components to keep your Eliminator running like new.

---

Conclusion: The Unlikely All-Rounder

The Kawasaki ZL 600 Eliminator is a motorcycle that refuses to fade into obscurity. It’s a reminder that joyrides don’t require specialization—that a bike can carve canyons, cruise highways, and navigate gridlock with equal flair. While its braking and cornering limits remind you of its 1980s origins, those quirks only add to its charm.

Today, the ZL 600 stands as a testament to Kawasaki’s willingness to experiment. It’s a bridge between eras, offering the simplicity of a standard with the novelty of a cruiser. For riders who value character over conformity, the Eliminator isn’t just a relic—it’s a revelation.

Ready to revive your ZL 600? Explore MOTOPARTS.store’s curated selection of OEM and upgraded components to keep your Eliminator dominating roads, not just nostalgia threads.

---

Specifications sheet

---