Yamaha V-max 1200 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha V-max 1200 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Yamaha V-max 1200: 143 hp @ 9,000 rpm hp, 262 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 220 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.8/10. 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
Yamaha V-max 1200
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
143 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
150 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
220 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
262 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
143 hp @ 9,000 rpm
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
150 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h
175 km/h
Weight
262 kg (wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
7.5 L/100km (typical real-world average, varies significantly with riding style)
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Yamaha V-max 1200
7.8/10
"Pure muscle-bike theater that genuinely delivers the performance goods."
Pros
+Savage V4 thrust delivery
+Iconic unmistakable visual presence
+Bulletproof engine when maintained
Cons
−Four carbs are maintenance-intensive
−Handles like a barge
−Terrible fuel economy
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.
