Indian Chief vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Indian Chief vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Indian Chief: 72 hp @ 5,500 rpm (note: 2014+ Thunderstroke 111; modern variants vary) hp, 356 kg (wet/curb weight — 2014+ Indian Chief Classic) weight, top speed 185 km/h (note: estimated for 2014+ Thunderstroke 111 variant), 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
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
72 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
139 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
356 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
72 hp @ 5,500 rpm (note: 2014+ Thunderstroke 111; modern variants vary)
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
139 Nm @ 3,000 rpm (2014+ Thunderstroke 111)
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (note: estimated for 2014+ Thunderstroke 111 variant)
175 km/h
Weight
356 kg (wet/curb weight — 2014+ Indian Chief Classic)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L) — estimated real-world average for 2014+ models
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Indian Chief
8.5/10
"A genuinely premium cruiser that earns its price tag on used market."
Pros
+Massive low-down torque
+Premium fit and finish
+Strong aftermarket support
Cons
−Heavy at slow speeds
−Infotainment can glitch
−Chrome maintenance intensive
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.
