Yamaha Virago 535 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha Virago 535 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Yamaha Virago 535: 40 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 181 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 155 km/h, 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 Virago 535
Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Horsepower (hp)
40 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
44 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
155 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
181 kg
195 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
40 hp @ 7,500 rpm
60 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
44 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
44 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
155 km/h
175 km/h
Weight
181 kg (wet/curb weight)
195 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
4.5 L/100km (approx. 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 Virago 535
7.5/10
"A brilliant starter cruiser if you buy smart and inspect carefully."
Pros
+Dead reliable when maintained
+Cheap parts everywhere
+Forgiving low-speed handling
Cons
−Carbs need attention always
−Charging system fails regularly
−Worn suspension almost universal
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.
