Yamaha V-star 650 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha V-star 650 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Yamaha V-star 650: 40 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 228 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 160 km/h (estimated, note: governed by gearing and aerodynamics), 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
Yamaha V-star 650
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
40 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
50 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
160 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
228 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
40 hp @ 7,500 rpm
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
50 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
160 km/h (estimated, note: governed by gearing and aerodynamics)
175 km/h
Weight
228 kg (wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
3.8 L/100km (approx. 26 km/L typical real-world average)
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Yamaha V-star 650
7.5/10
"The most reliable cheap cruiser you can buy used today."
Pros
+Virtually unbreakable drivetrain
+Low accessible seat height
+Massive cheap aftermarket support
Cons
−Buzzy above 70mph
−Weak stock suspension
−Carb gums when neglected
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.
