Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Sport vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Sport vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Sport: 63 hp @ 5,500 rpm (estimated stock output) hp, 253 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 180 km/h (estimated; note: varies with rider and conditions), 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 Sportster 1200 Sport
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
63 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
93 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
180 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
253 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
63 hp @ 5,500 rpm (estimated stock output)
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
93 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
180 km/h (estimated; note: varies with rider and conditions)
175 km/h
Weight
253 kg (wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 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 Sportster 1200 Sport
7.8/10
"The sharpest Sportster ever built, still worth every dollar used."
Pros
+Dual front discs stop properly
+Adjustable suspension, rare here
+Bulletproof engine with parts everywhere
Cons
−Pushrod tube oil seepage common
−Primary chain tensioner wears fast
−Heat soak in slow traffic
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.
