The 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator from Japan was powered by a 902cc DOHC inline-4 producing 105hp at 9500rpm. Weighing 241.0kg (531 lbs) and with a seat height of 740mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 989cc of OHV V-twin Knucklehead power, delivering 40hp at 4800rpm. Tipping the scales at 245.0kg (540 lbs) with a top speed of 150km/h (93 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator | 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 902 cc | 989 cc |
| Power | 105 hp | 40 hp |
| Torque | 80.0 Nm | 70.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 150 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 241.0 kg | 245.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 260.0 kg | 265.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 740 mm | 680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1550 mm | 1500 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 6 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure cruiser performance, the 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator has the edge thanks to more power (105hp vs 40hp) and a higher top speed and lower weight. The 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead, however, excels when relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort is the priority. For collectors, the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead commands more attention with a 10/10 collectibility rating. Parts availability is moderate for the 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator and difficult for the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator
The 1985 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator packs a 902cc DOHC inline-4 engine with 105hp into a cruiser package from Kawasaki.
Full 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator Profile →About the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead
Harley-Davidson released the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead in 1936 with a 989cc OHV V-twin Knucklehead powerplant making 40hp — a definitive cruiser.
Full 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead Profile →