Harley-davidson Slim Softail vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Harley-davidson Slim Softail vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Harley-davidson Slim Softail: 93 hp @ 5,020 rpm (Milwaukee-Eight 107, 2018–present) hp, 300 kg (curb weight, 2020 model) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated; note: electronically limited in some markets), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. 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 Slim Softail
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
93 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
145 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
300 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
93 hp @ 5,020 rpm (Milwaukee-Eight 107, 2018–present)
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
145 Nm @ 3,000 rpm (Milwaukee-Eight 107, 2018–present)
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (estimated; note: electronically limited in some markets)
175 km/h
Weight
300 kg (curb weight, 2020 model)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.8 L/100km (approx. 17.2 km/L) — estimated real-world average
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Harley-davidson Slim Softail
7.5/10
"A genuinely desirable cruiser — buy smart and you won't regret it."
Pros
+Timeless blacked-out styling
+Milwaukee-Eight genuinely impressive
+Strong resale value retention
Cons
−Suspension disappointingly soft stock
−Heavy for its power
−Rear tire wears fast
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.
