Kawasaki Vulcan 900 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Kawasaki Vulcan 900: 50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish output figures for this model) hp, 272 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated; note: governed more by wind resistance than engine limits), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. 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
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
50 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
76 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
175 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
272 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish output figures for this model)
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
76 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
175 km/h (estimated; note: governed more by wind resistance than engine limits)
175 km/h
Weight
272 kg (wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.2 L/100km (approx. 19.2 km/L typical real-world average)
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
7.5/10
"Dependable, honest cruiser that punches above its used asking price."
Pros
+Near-indestructible engine reliability
+Comfortable upright riding position
+Affordable used market pricing
Cons
−Wallowy at highway speeds
−Stock seat punishes long rides
−Chrome quality disappoints over time
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.
