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All Bikes/Compare/Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500

Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus: Approximately 18 hp @ 5,250 rpm (estimated based on 350cc AVL engine of the era) hp, Approximately 180 kg (wet/curb weight, estimated) weight, top speed Approximately 120 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 6.5/10. 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

Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
18 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
28 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
120 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
180 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
Approximately 18 hp @ 5,250 rpm (estimated based on 350cc AVL engine of the era)
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
Approximately 28 Nm @ 4,000 rpm (estimated)
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
Approximately 120 km/h (estimated)
175 km/h
Weight
Approximately 180 kg (wet/curb weight, estimated)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
Approximately 30-35 km/L (estimated; note: specific Thunderbird Plus figures vary by year and conditions)
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No

Individual Reviews

Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus
Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus
6.5/10

"Characterful budget tourer that rewards patient, mechanically-minded owners."

Pros
+Addictive thumper character
+Cheap parts everywhere
+Comfortable highway cruising posture
Cons
Electrical reliability genuinely questionable
Carb needs constant attention
Weak pillion accommodation
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
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.

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Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
Helmet
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
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Riding Gloves
Gloves
Riding Gloves
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Mesh Riding Jacket
Jacket
Mesh Riding Jacket
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Riding Boots
Boots
Riding Boots
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Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
Chain Lube
Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
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Battery Trickle Charger
Battery Tender
Battery Trickle Charger
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Handlebar Phone Mount
Phone Mount
Handlebar Phone Mount
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Waterproof Motorcycle Cover
Bike Cover
Waterproof Motorcycle Cover
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Roadside Tool Kit
Tool Kit
Roadside Tool Kit
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Helmet Action Camera
Action Camera
Helmet Action Camera
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