Indian Chief Dark Horse vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Indian Chief Dark Horse vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Indian Chief Dark Horse: 79 hp @ 4,800 rpm (Thunder Stroke 111, 2016–2021 generations) hp, 330 kg (curb/wet weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated; note: factory-limited, real-world figures vary), Motoryk rating 8.5/10. 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
Indian Chief Dark Horse
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
79 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
139 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
330 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
79 hp @ 4,800 rpm (Thunder Stroke 111, 2016–2021 generations)
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
139 Nm @ 2,900 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (estimated; note: factory-limited, real-world figures vary)
175 km/h
Weight
330 kg (curb/wet weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L, real-world average)
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Indian Chief Dark Horse
8.5/10
"The most resolved American V-twin you can buy used right now."
Pros
+Thunder Stroke torque is addictive
+Chassis noticeably sharper than competitors
+Strong used value retention
Cons
−Rear cylinder runs very hot
−Stock seat punishes long hauls
−Pre-2019 electronics feel primitive
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.
