Royal Enfield Thunderstorm 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Royal Enfield Thunderstorm 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Royal Enfield Thunderstorm 500: ~27.5 hp @ 5,250 rpm (estimated, based on RE 500cc UCE engine) hp, ~195 kg (estimated wet/curb weight) weight, top speed ~130 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 Thunderstorm 500
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
27.5 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
41.3 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
130 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
195 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
~27.5 hp @ 5,250 rpm (estimated, based on RE 500cc UCE engine)
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
~41.3 Nm @ 4,000 rpm (estimated, based on RE 500cc UCE engine)
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
~130 km/h (estimated)
175 km/h
Weight
~195 kg (estimated wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
~25-28 km/L (estimated, based on RE 500cc platform average)
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Royal Enfield Thunderstorm 500
6.5/10
"Charming budget cruiser, but verify exactly what you're buying first."
Pros
+Authentic thumper character
+Cheap used market prices
+Simple mechanically DIY-friendly
Cons
−Electrical gremlins plague older examples
−Vibration tires you long-term
−Verify model name before buying
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.
