The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow from Japan was powered by a 491cc OHV V-twin producing 48hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 190.0kg (419 lbs) and with a seat height of 730mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator by contrast offered 902cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 105hp at 9500rpm. Tipping the scales at 241.0kg (531 lbs) with a top speed of 210km/h (130 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
| 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow | 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 491 cc | 902 cc |
| Power | 48 hp | 105 hp |
| Torque | 39.0 Nm | 80.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 190.0 kg | 241.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 208.0 kg | 260.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 730 mm | 740 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1480 mm | 1550 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 12.0 L | 17.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 6 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure cruiser performance, the 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator has the edge thanks to more power (105hp vs 48hp) and a higher top speed. The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow, however, excels when relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort is the priority. For collectors, the 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator commands more attention with a 5/10 collectibility rating. Parts availability is good for the 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow and moderate for the 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow
The 1984 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow packs a 491cc OHV V-twin engine with 48hp into a cruiser package from Honda.
Full 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow Profile →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 →