Harley-davidson Softail Rocker vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Harley-davidson Softail Rocker vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Harley-davidson Softail Rocker: 68 hp @ 5,000 rpm (estimated, based on Twin Cam 96B output) hp, 318 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 6.5/10. 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 Softail Rocker
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
68 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
113 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
175 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
318 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
68 hp @ 5,000 rpm (estimated, based on Twin Cam 96B output)
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
113 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
175 km/h (estimated)
175 km/h
Weight
318 kg (wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 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 Softail Rocker
6.5/10
"A stylish oddball that rewards patient buyers who inspect carefully."
Pros
+Genuinely distinctive visual presence
+TC96 strong midrange torque
+Surprisingly capable handling
Cons
−Ergonomics punish taller riders
−Brakes need upgrading immediately
−Rear fender mounts crack
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.
