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The 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator and 1985 Harley-Davidson FXWG Wide Glide are both iconic 1980s cruisers that defined their respective markets.
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 1985 Harley-Davidson FXWG Wide Glide, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1338cc of OHV V-twin Evolution power, delivering 55hp at 4800rpm. Tipping the scales at 272.0kg (600 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.
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 1985 Harley-Davidson FXWG Wide Glide, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1338cc of OHV V-twin Evolution power, delivering 55hp at 4800rpm. Tipping the scales at 272.0kg (600 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 | 1985 Harley-Davidson FXWG Wide Glide | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 902 cc | 1338 cc |
| Power | 105 hp | 55 hp |
| Torque | 80.0 Nm | 100.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 150 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 241.0 kg | 272.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 260.0 kg | 295.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 740 mm | 680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1550 mm | 1560 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.0 L | 18.0 L |
| Gears | 6 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure cruiser performance, the 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator has the edge thanks to more power (105hp vs 55hp) and a higher top speed and lower weight. The 1985 Harley-Davidson FXWG Wide Glide, however, excels when relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort is the priority. Parts availability is moderate for the 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator and good for the 1985 Harley-Davidson FXWG Wide Glide — 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 1985 Harley-Davidson FXWG Wide Glide
A cruiser from 1985, the 1985 Harley-Davidson FXWG Wide Glide delivers 55hp from its 1338cc OHV V-twin Evolution engine.
Full 1985 Harley-Davidson FXWG Wide Glide Profile →