Kawasaki's website has been an interesting spot lately. A banner greets guests to the page with a timer counting down to June 6 — the day Kawasaki plans to launch 16 new models.
Just days away from the unveiling, it's time to discuss what to expect from the event.
Return of the Eliminator
Let's start out with what we're most likely to see. According to Ben Purvis from Cycle World, Kawasaki announced the revival of the Eliminator line at the Osaka Motorcycle Show in Japan on March 17.
Earlier this year, Dustin Wheelen reported that information related to an Eliminator 450 was included in a list of California Air Resources Board filings from Kawi, meaning there are plans to bring the bike back to the states.
A cruiser-type bike, Kawasaki first released the Eliminator in 1985 with a 900cc engine. While a 450cc version wasn't released during the bikes initial run, a 400cc model was produced from 1986-1994. This will be the first Eliminator released since 2007.
According to Denchung from motorcycle.com, files from a Kawasaki California Air Resources Board show that the company also certified a model codenamed ER650RR, which is expected to be a version of the Z650RS with updated electronics and components.
"Your supersport obsession begins"
Behind Kawasaki's website countdown is a slideshow of silhouettes, with one in particular looking like a ZX-6R. According to Denchung, recent EPA data shows that Kawasaki certified two new model codes: ZX636JR and ZX636. The writer further speculates that Kawasaki will introduce a ZX-6RR, similar to the ZX-4RR and ZX-10RR.
As of now, there are no rumors surrounding additions to the ZX-4, ZX-14 and H2 lines. Denchung does note though that the updated version of the ZX-10RR with variable intake funnels — currently available in Europe — will likely be announced on June 6.
Newcomers to the KLX Line
California Air Resources Board data confirms that Kawasaki certified the codenames LX300FR and LX300GR, according to Denchung. Both of these are likely additions to the KLX300 line.
Recently, French MX racer Romain Febvre has been riding a pre-production KX450, which he used in the MXGP World Championship. Denchung says that a full production model is likely to be announced on June 6.
"More strength is on the way"
Of the three videos Kawasaki released, its "More strength is on the way" video may be the most ominous. It starts by showing a vehicle driving in the dark with only the headlights visible. After, people working outside are shown, many doing ranch and welding work.
A side-by-side is clearly shown in Kawasaki's behind-countdown slideshow. That said, not much can be drawn from the photo. It's not unlikely that Kawasaki adds to its Teryx line on June 6, but it's even more probable that a new Mule is released.
Can Am, Polaris and CFMOTO all have 1000cc side-by-sides that are engineered for utility purposes. Polaris also recently introduced its overland-themed Xpedition. Currently, the most powerful Mule, the Pro-FXT, sports only an 812cc, 3-cylinder engine. It's possible that Kawasaki announces it's beefing up the lineup on June 6.
While no ATV outline was shown on the slideshow, speculation about a Brute Force update is valid.
Obviously, this article doesn't mention 16 models. While some things have leaked, Kawasaki's done an exceptional job at keeping the public in the dark. The announcement event will start at 7pm MDT. Those interested in watching can register at this link:
https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/new-models?cm_sp=2023JUNENPL-_-HPP:TEASERLEADGEN-_-LEARNMORE
*Photo Credit: Photos of the Z650RS, ZX-6Rs and Mule are from Kawasaki.
