Honda Vt750 Shadow Spirit vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Honda Vt750 Shadow Spirit vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Honda Vt750 Shadow Spirit: 45 hp @ 5,500 rpm hp, 236 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 170 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
Honda Vt750 Shadow Spirit
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
45 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
60 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
170 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
236 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
45 hp @ 5,500 rpm
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
60 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
170 km/h
175 km/h
Weight
236 kg (wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
4.5 L/100km or approximately 22 km/L
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Honda Vt750 Shadow Spirit
7.8/10
"The most reliable used cruiser under four grand, full stop."
Pros
+Nearly unbreakable engine reliability
+Shaft drive, no chain hassle
+Low, confidence-inspiring seat height
Cons
−Carb models need regular attention
−Suspension tuning is basic
−Limited aftermarket performance parts
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.
