Indian Chieftain Dark Horse vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Indian Chieftain Dark Horse vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Indian Chieftain Dark Horse: 78 hp @ 4,800 rpm (Thunder Stroke 116; note: Indian rates by torque — hp is estimated) hp, 390 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), 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 Chieftain Dark Horse
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
78 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
161 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
390 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
78 hp @ 4,800 rpm (Thunder Stroke 116; note: Indian rates by torque — hp is estimated)
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
161 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (estimated)
175 km/h
Weight
390 kg (wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L) — estimated real-world average
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
Yes
No
Individual Reviews
Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
8.5/10
"A genuinely accomplished touring bagger that embarrasses its asking price used."
Pros
+Thunder Stroke torque is immense
+Cornering ABS works brilliantly
+Premium fit and finish throughout
Cons
−Suspension too soft for sport
−Thinner dealer network than Harley
−Heavy, punishing 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.
