Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator - [1986] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator - [1986]

Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator - [1986] image

Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator - [1986]

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Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator
  • Year: 1986 | Type: Cruiser
  • Engine: 398 cc (24.2 ci) 16 Valve
  • Engine Type: Horizontal In-Line | Cylinders: 4
  • Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
  • Cooling: Liquid | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 6 speed | Manual
  • Drive: Shaft
  • Wet Weight: 0 kgs (0 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 192 kgs (423 lbs)
  • Power: 54 bhp (40 kW) @ 12000 rpm
  • Torque: 24.5 lb-ft (33.2 Nm) @ 10500 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 254.7 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 115.5 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 14.5 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 14.8 secs
  • Top Speed: 100 mph (160.9 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 0 secs @ 0 mph
  • Frame: Steel
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Kawasaki ZL 400 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1986. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1987 Suzuki RH 250 X and the 1986 Suzuki RH 250 X.This particular Kawasaki ZL 400 has a 398cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Horizontal In-Line Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.

Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984] image

An alternative Horizontal In-Line engine, Cruiser style motorbike includes the Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984]

The 1986 ZL 400 shares its Horizontal In-Line engine and Cruiser style configuration with the likes of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the ZL 400's Cruiser style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1982 Yamaha XS 400 L Maxim | 1982cc.1994 Suzuki VS 400 Intruder | 1994cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

Suzuki SV 650 ABS - [2025] image

The 1986 Kawasaki ZL 400 shares the same bhp with the Suzuki SV 650 ABS - [2025]

In terms of power the 398cc 16 valve Horizontal In-Line 4 cylinder engine produces 54 bhp (40 kW) @ 12000 rpm similar to the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm] or the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm].

The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 24.5 lb-ft (33.2 Nm) @ 10500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki ZL 400 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Yamaha FZR 250 DOHC - [1988] image

The 1988 Yamaha FZR 250 DOHC has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1986 Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator.

The 1986 Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator has a Power to weight ratio of 254.7 bhp per ton and 115.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1986 ZL 400 competing with the 1988 Yamaha FZR 250 DOHC [279.5 bhp\ton] and the 1986 Yamaha FZR 250 DOHC [279.5 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki ZL 400 generating around 115.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2023 Kawasaki ZX-4 RR Ninja KRT [140.5 lb-ft per ton] and the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 MotoGP Edition [140.3 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 14.5 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 14.8 secs, this makes the Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator similar in acceleration to the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 ABS (14.5 secs) and the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 ABS SE (14.5 secs). This Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Honda CB 550 F Super Sport - [1975] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1986 Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator and the 1975 Honda CB 550 F Super Sport

When talking about the performance of the 1986 Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1975 Honda CB 550 F Super Sport (0 secs) and the 1972 Yamaha TX 750 SOHC (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1986 version of the Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator has a maximum speed of 100mph.

Honda CBR 250 RR SP Quick Shifter Special Ed - [2021] image

Top Speed of the 1986 ZL 400 equals the 2021 Honda CBR 250 RR SP Quick Shifter Special Ed

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1986 Kawasaki ZL 400 Eliminator then how about a 2021 Honda CBR 250 RR SP Quick Shifter Special Ed (111 mph) and the 2021 Honda CBR 250 RR (111 mph).

Related Links:

1986 Kawasaki ZL 400 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Kawasaki

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

Choose a Bike Make for a List of More Performance Figures and Specs.




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More Kawasaki Models:

Edition:

A1 250

AR 125

AR 50

AR 80

BJ 250

BR 250

EL 125

EL 250

EL 252

Eliminator 400

Eliminator 500

EN 400

EN 450

EN 500

ER-4

ER-5

ER-6

EX 250

EX 400

EX 500

F9 350

FX 400

G3-SS

GPX 250

GPX 400

GPX 600

GPX 750

Gpz 1000

Gpz 1100

Gpz 250

Gpz 305

Gpz 400

Gpz 500

GPZ 550

Gpz 600

Gpz 750

Gpz 900

GTO 125

GTR 1000

GTR 1400

H1 500

H2 750

KDX 125

KDX 175

KDX 200

KDX 220

KDX 250

KDX 400

KDX 450

KE 125

KE 175

KH 125

KH 250

KH 400

KH 500

KL 250

KLE 250

KLE 400

KLE 500

KLR 250

KLR 600

KLR 650

KLV 1000

KLX 125

KLX 230

KLX 250

KLX 300

KLX 400

KLX 450

KLX 650

KMX 125

KMX 200

KR 1

KR 250

KRR

KX 500

KZ 1000

KZ 1100

KZ 650

Ninja 1000

Ninja 125

Ninja 250

Ninja 300

Ninja 400

Ninja 650

Ninja 7

Ninja H2

RMX 250

S1 250

S2 350

S3 400

SL 250

Versys 1000

Versys 650

Versys-X

VN 1500

VN 1600

VN 1700

VN 2000

VN 250

VN 400

VN 500

VN 650

VN 750

VN 800

VN 900

W 250

W 400

W 650

W 800

W1

W2

W3

Xanthus 400

Z 1000

Z 1100

Z 125

Z 1300

Z 200

Z 250

Z 300

Z 305

Z 400

Z 440

Z 450

Z 500

Z 550

Z 650

Z 750

Z 800

Z 900

Z H2

Z1

Z2 750

Z7

Zephyr 1100

Zephyr 400

Zephyr 550

Zephyr 750

ZG 1000

ZG 1200

ZG 1300

ZL 1000

ZL 250

ZL 400

ZL 600

ZL 750

ZL 900

ZN 1300

ZN 700

ZN 750

ZR 1100

ZR-250

ZR-7

ZRX 1100

ZRX 1200

ZRX 400

ZX 1000

ZX 1100

ZX 400

ZX 600

ZX 750

ZX 900

ZX-10

ZX-12

ZX-14

ZX-25

ZX-4

ZX-6

ZX-7

ZX-9

ZX-R 250

ZX-R 400

ZX-R 750

ZZR 1100

ZZR 1200

ZZR 1400

ZZR 250

ZZR 400

ZZR 600


More Bikes:

Bike Figures:

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
Engine Capacity: 890cc
Top Speed: 135 mph
Power: 117.4 bhp


Kawasaki Gpz 500 S

Kawasaki Gpz 500 S
Engine Capacity: 498 cc
Top Speed: 110 mph
Quarter Mile: 13.5 secs @ 99 mph


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Quarter Mile List

Quarter Mile | Random Figures and Specs

Edition
Quarter Mile Time
11.9 seconds
12.4 seconds

Top Speed List

Top Speed | Random Figures & Specs

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Top Speed

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