Harley-davidson Softail Slim vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Harley-davidson Softail Slim vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Harley-davidson Softail Slim: 94 hp @ 5,020 rpm (2018+ Milwaukee-Eight 107; note: Harley officially rates in torque, hp is estimated) hp, 303 kg (curb weight, 2018+ model) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), 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 Softail Slim
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
94 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
145 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
303 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
94 hp @ 5,020 rpm (2018+ Milwaukee-Eight 107; note: Harley officially rates in torque, hp is estimated)
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
145 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (estimated)
175 km/h
Weight
303 kg (curb weight, 2018+ model)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.2 L/100km (approx. 16 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 Slim
7.5/10
"A characterful, honest cruiser that rewards patient, smooth riders."
Pros
+Milwaukee-Eight torque is excellent
+Retro styling ages beautifully
+Strong used market supply
Cons
−Stock suspension genuinely disappointing
−16-inch front limits handling
−Pre-2018 heat management poor
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.
