- Kawasaki Eliminator 400 vs Harley X500: Battle of Budget Cruisers Under ₹5 Lakh
- Cruiser Clash: Harley X500 and Kawasaki Eliminator 400 Go Head-to-Head
- Under ₹5 Lakh Showdown: Kawasaki Eliminator 400 vs Harley-Davidson X500
- Mid-Weight Mayhem: Eliminator 400 vs Harley X500 – Which Cruiser Rules?
- Cruiser Wars Begin: Harley X500 and Kawasaki Eliminator 400 Compared
- Eliminator 400 or Harley X500? The Best Cruiser for Under ₹5 Lakh
- Harley X500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 400: Which One Deserves Your Garage?
- Budget Cruisers Face Off: Kawasaki Eliminator 400 vs Harley-Davidson X500
- ₹5 Lakh Cruiser Brawl: Who Wins – Harley X500 or Kawasaki Eliminator 400?
- Cruising in Style: Kawasaki Eliminator 400 vs Harley X500 – Best Buy in 2025?
India’s mid-capacity cruiser motorcycle market is heating up like never before. With the anticipated launch of the Kawasaki Eliminator 400 and the growing buzz around the Harley-Davidson X500, the sub-₹5 lakh cruiser segment is witnessing a fresh wave of competition. For riders seeking premium performance and distinctive style—without the heavyweight price tag—these two machines are set to offer thrilling new choices.
So how do these two globally renowned names stack up in their approach, performance, and value? Let’s break it down.
Engine & Performance: Sporty Zip vs Cruiser Grunt
At the heart of the rivalry lies two very different philosophies wrapped in similar output numbers.
| Specification | Kawasaki Eliminator 400 | Harley-Davidson X500 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 399cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin | 500cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin |
| Power | ~47 hp | ~47.5 hp |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 46 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed with slipper clutch | 6-speed |
| Engine Character | High-revving, Ninja 400-based | Low-end torque, relaxed cruising |
The Kawasaki Eliminator 400 borrows its engine from the Ninja 400, promising quick revs and sporty acceleration. It’s ideal for riders who want a cruiser that behaves like a lightweight performance bike.
On the flip side, the Harley-Davidson X500 emphasizes a broader torque band and cruiser smoothness. Its tuning delivers grunt where it matters most—low and mid-range RPMs—making it better for laid-back, long-distance riding.
Styling & Ergonomics: Modern Minimalism vs Retro Muscle
The Eliminator 400 goes for a modern yet minimalistic cruiser look—low-slung stance, stretched-out silhouette, and sharp design elements. It’s a sleek blend of comfort and aggression, particularly suited for riders who prefer contemporary design.
In contrast, the X500 leans heavily into traditional cruiser aesthetics. With its round headlamp, beefy tank, and wide handlebars, it channels the styling of Harley’s now-discontinued Street 500. For purists who want old-school American flair, this design ticks all the boxes.
Both offer relaxed ergonomics, but the Eliminator may feel lighter and more maneuverable, especially in city traffic.
Features & Ride Dynamics
| Feature | Eliminator 400 | Harley-Davidson X500 |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shocks | Twin shocks |
| Brakes | Disc front & rear, dual ABS | Disc front & rear, dual ABS |
| Display | Digital cluster | Digital cluster |
| Lighting | Full LED | Full LED |
| Weight (estimated) | ~176–180 kg | ~208–210 kg |
While neither cruiser is overloaded with electronics, both offer essential features like slipper clutch, LED lighting, and dual-channel ABS. However, the Eliminator may feel noticeably lighter, which can enhance agility in tight spaces and urban settings.
Pricing & Market Positioning
| Bike | Expected Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki Eliminator 400 | ~₹4.50 lakh |
| Harley-Davidson X500 | ~₹4.70 lakh |
Both bikes land neatly in the sub-₹5 lakh category, a crucial threshold for Indian riders upgrading from entry-level machines. This space has long been dominated by Royal Enfield and now sees new competition from Japanese and American giants alike.
While the X500 offers premium cruiser appeal, the Eliminator aims for versatility and daily usability with Kawasaki’s proven performance DNA.
Who Should Buy What?
- Buy the Eliminator 400 if you want:
- A sporty cruiser with high-revving fun
- A lighter, more agile ride for city and highway
- Japanese reliability and a Ninja-inspired engine
- Go for the X500 if you prefer:
- Classic Harley style with rich torque
- A stable, planted cruiser feel on longer rides
- A brand with iconic cruiser lineage and bold road presence
The Kawasaki Eliminator 400 vs Harley-Davidson X500 battle is shaping up to be one of identity as much as spec. Kawasaki delivers a modern, nimble cruiser for performance-oriented riders, while Harley-Davidson brings timeless style and road comfort for those who love laid-back cruising.
For India’s evolving middle-weight cruiser market, this rivalry injects fresh energy. And as competition tightens in the sub-₹5 lakh space, buyers now have more to choose from than ever before—without compromising on badge value or ride quality.
FAQs
Which bike is better for highway touring?
Both are capable, but the Harley-Davidson X500, with its low-end torque and heavier build, might offer a more relaxed long-distance experience.
Is the Kawasaki Eliminator 400 suitable for beginners?
Yes. With a manageable weight and a smooth, high-revving engine, it can work well for new riders upgrading from smaller bikes.
Are these bikes fuel-efficient?
Expect moderate fuel efficiency—around 25–30 km/l for both—typical for mid-capacity cruisers.
When will the Eliminator 400 launch in India?
While not officially confirmed, Kawasaki is likely to launch the Eliminator 400 in late 2024 or early 2025.