VS
The 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow and 1986 Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator are both iconic 1980s cruisers that defined their respective markets.
The 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow from Japan was powered by a 749cc OHV V-twin producing 55hp at 7500rpm. Weighing 226.0kg (498 lbs) and with a seat height of 740mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1986 Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator by contrast offered 592cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 75hp at 10000rpm. Tipping the scales at 196.0kg (432 lbs) with a top speed of 190km/h (118 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.
The 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow from Japan was powered by a 749cc OHV V-twin producing 55hp at 7500rpm. Weighing 226.0kg (498 lbs) and with a seat height of 740mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1986 Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator by contrast offered 592cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 75hp at 10000rpm. Tipping the scales at 196.0kg (432 lbs) with a top speed of 190km/h (118 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
| 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow | 1986 Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 749 cc | 592 cc |
| Power | 55 hp | 75 hp |
| Torque | 56.0 Nm | 50.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/h | 190 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 226.0 kg | 196.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 246.0 kg | 212.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 740 mm | 730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1530 mm | 1510 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 6 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure cruiser performance, the 1986 Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator has the edge thanks to more power (75hp vs 55hp) and a higher top speed and lower weight. The 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow, however, excels when relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort is the priority.
About the 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow
A cruiser from 1983, the 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow delivers 55hp from its 749cc OHV V-twin engine.
Full 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow Profile →About the 1986 Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator
A cruiser from 1986, the 1986 Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator delivers 75hp from its 592cc DOHC inline-4 engine.
Full 1986 Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator Profile →