Harley-davidson Nightster Special vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Harley-davidson Nightster Special vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Harley-davidson Nightster Special: 90 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 228 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated; note: factory limited, real-world reports vary), Motoryk rating 7.8/10. Kawasaki Eliminator 500: 60 hp @ 10,000 rpm hp, 195 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Harley-davidson Nightster Special
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
90 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
95 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
228 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
90 hp @ 7,500 rpm
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
95 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (estimated; note: factory limited, real-world reports vary)
175 km/h
Weight
228 kg (wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L, typical real-world average)
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Harley-davidson Nightster Special
7.8/10
"The best Sportster-lineage bike Harley has ever built."
Pros
+Revolution Max engine is exceptional
+Handles surprisingly well
+Modern reliability and electronics
Cons
−Suspension too soft stock
−Seat comfort is poor
−Limited wind protection
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
7.5/10
"Smart, practical cruiser that punches above its modest price point."
Pros
+Bulletproof Kawasaki parallel twin
+Surprisingly nimble for cruiser
+Excellent real-world fuel economy
Cons
−Highway vibration above 75mph
−Budget non-adjustable suspension
−Cruiser aesthetics feel slightly costume
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
