Indian Chief Classic vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Indian Chief Classic vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Indian Chief Classic: 73 hp @ 5,600 rpm hp, 367 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h, Motoryk rating 8.2/10. 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
Indian Chief Classic
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
73 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
139 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
367 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
73 hp @ 5,600 rpm
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
139 Nm @ 2,900 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight
367 kg (wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.7 L/100km (approx. 14.9 km/L)
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Indian Chief Classic
8.2/10
"Arguably the best American cruiser you can buy used today."
Pros
+Thunderstroke engine pulls magnificently
+Build quality embarrasses comparable Harleys
+Stunning retro styling holds value
Cons
−Heavy for urban riding
−Early electrical gremlins common
−Stock tires genuinely terrible
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.
