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Edition:
Kawasaki ZL 900 Eliminator - [1985]
This edition of the Kawasaki ZL 900 Eliminator is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1985. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1986 Suzuki RH 250 X and the 1986 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 DOHC.This particular Kawasaki ZL 900 has a 908cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Horizontal In-Line Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Horizontal In-Line engine, Cruiser style motorbike includes the Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984]
The 1985 ZL 900 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 900's Cruiser style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura | 1984cc.1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S | 1984cc.
Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki ZL 900 Eliminator in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, give or take 50kg.
The 1985 Kawasaki ZL 900 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT - [2025]
In terms of power the 908cc 16 valve Horizontal In-Line 4 cylinder engine produces 105 bhp (78 kW) @ 9500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [117.4 bhp (87 kW) @ 10000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple [117.4 bhp (87 kW) @ 10000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 62.9 lb-ft (85.2 Nm) @ 8000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki ZL 900 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2022 Honda NT 1100 Manual has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1985 Kawasaki ZL 900 Eliminator.
The 1985 Kawasaki ZL 900 Eliminator has a Power to weight ratio of 397.7 bhp per ton and 238.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1985 ZL 900 competing with the 2022 Honda NT 1100 Manual [422.2 bhp\ton] and the 2022 Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin Adventure Sports [422.2 bhp\ton].
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 900 generating around 238.3 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 2007 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 90�SE [263.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 2009 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 90�SE [263.3 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 9.3 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.5 secs, this makes the Kawasaki ZL 900 Eliminator similar in acceleration to the 2024 Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin Adventure Sports (9.3 secs) and the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 DOHC (9.3 secs). This Kawasaki ZL 900 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).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1985 Kawasaki ZL 900 Eliminator and the 1990 Honda NSR 125 R
When talking about the performance of the 1985 Kawasaki ZL 900 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 1990 Honda NSR 125 R (0 secs) and the 2014 Suzuki GSR 400 ABS (0 secs).
The 1985 version of the Kawasaki ZL 900 Eliminator has a maximum speed of 134mph.
Top Speed of the 1985 ZL 900 equals the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1985 Kawasaki ZL 900 Eliminator then how about a 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE (145 mph) and the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC (145 mph).
