Harley-davidson Softail Heritage vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Harley-davidson Softail Heritage vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Harley-davidson Softail Heritage: 90 hp @ 5,020 rpm hp, 337 kg (curb weight, 2018+ Milwaukee-Eight model) weight, top speed 177 km/h, 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 Softail Heritage
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
90 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
142 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
177 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
337 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
90 hp @ 5,020 rpm
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
142 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
177 km/h
175 km/h
Weight
337 kg (curb weight, 2018+ Milwaukee-Eight model)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L, real-world average)
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Harley-davidson Softail Heritage
7.8/10
"The definitive used classic cruiser — buy 2018-onwards, budget wisely."
Pros
+Milwaukee-Eight pulls effortlessly everywhere
+Huge used market availability
+Bulletproof resale value
Cons
−Twin Cam heat management poor
−Handling limits arrive early
−Chrome upkeep costs real money
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.
