Yamaha V-star 950 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha V-star 950 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Yamaha V-star 950: 54 hp @ 7,500 rpm (estimated; Yamaha did not officially publish power figures for this model) hp, 261 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world conditions may vary slightly), 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 950
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
54 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
82 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
175 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
261 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
54 hp @ 7,500 rpm (estimated; Yamaha did not officially publish power figures for this model)
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
82 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world conditions may vary slightly)
175 km/h
Weight
261 kg (wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
4.5 L/100km or approximately 22 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 950
7.5/10
"A dependable, fuss-free cruiser that rewards patient, practical used buyers."
Pros
+Shaft drive, zero chain maintenance
+Bulletproof engine reliability
+Low seat, confidence inspiring
Cons
−Front fork seals leak early
−Top speed feels breathless highway
−Suspension firm over rough roads
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.
