The mid-size cruiser segment in India is heating up like never before. With the launch of the Kawasaki Eliminator 400 and the Harley-Davidson X440, 2025 promises to be a thrilling year for biking enthusiasts who love relaxed rides and muscular styling.
Both motorcycles bring strong personalities to the table, but they cater to slightly different flavors of the cruiser lifestyle. Here’s a closer look at how the Eliminator 400 and the X440 stack up against each other.
Design and Styling – Modern vs Muscle
The Kawasaki Eliminator 400 follows a modern cruiser design language. It looks leaner, with a stretched wheelbase, low-slung seating, and minimalist styling. Kawasaki has kept things simple yet sporty, making it attractive for riders who prefer an understated but stylish presence on the road.
On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson X440 embodies traditional American muscle. It looks bulkier, with a bigger fuel tank, broad shoulders, and a more upright stance. The X440 screams “power” even while standing still, appealing to those who want their ride to make a bold statement.
In short, while the Eliminator 400 looks modern and sharp, the X440 leans towards a beefier, old-school cruiser vibe.
Engine and Performance – Punchy vs Smooth
The Eliminator 400 gets its power from a 398cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine producing around 48 hp. It’s tuned for a balance between low-end torque and high-revving performance, making it lively both in city rides and open highways. Kawasaki’s proven engineering ensures a smooth, refined feel at any speed.
Meanwhile, the Harley-Davidson X440 uses a 440cc air-oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine delivering 27 hp and a hefty torque of 38 Nm. It’s not about outright speed, but about delivering strong low-end grunt, perfect for laid-back cruising at comfortable speeds.
For riders seeking brisk performance and rev-happy character, the Eliminator 400 stands out. For those wanting a relaxed, torque-rich ride, the X440 holds its ground firmly.
Features and Equipment – Technology vs Tradition
Kawasaki has equipped the Eliminator 400 with modern tech such as an LCD instrument cluster, dual-channel ABS, and assist-and-slipper clutch. It also offers adjustable rear suspension, making it more versatile for different riding conditions.
Harley-Davidson keeps it classic but doesn’t miss out on essentials. The X440 comes with an all-digital console, Bluetooth connectivity, LED lighting, and dual-channel ABS. Harley has smartly blended tradition with a pinch of modern features to meet today’s expectations.
Both bikes offer enough kit, but the Eliminator leans slightly more into the tech-savvy territory, while the X440 keeps it practical and authentic.
Ride and Comfort – Laid-Back vs Sporty
The Eliminator 400’s low seat height, light chassis, and easy handling make it one of the friendliest cruisers to ride, especially for newer or shorter riders. It feels light on its feet, almost like a street bike in cruiser clothing.
The X440, with its slightly heavier feel and robust build, gives that typical Harley plantedness. It’s made for those long, steady rides where you want the road to melt away under a wave of steady torque.
If you want nimbleness, the Kawasaki makes more sense. If you love that “big bike” experience, the Harley delivers in spades.
Pricing and Value
While official 2025 pricing updates are still awaited, it is expected that the Kawasaki Eliminator 400 will be priced slightly higher than the Harley-Davidson X440. Harley-Davidson, thanks to its collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, has managed aggressive pricing, making the X440 one of the most affordable Harleys ever.
Kawasaki, with its Japanese quality and higher performance figures, will appeal to buyers who don’t mind paying a little extra for refinement and engineering prowess.
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Verdict – Cruiser Choices for Different Souls
The Kawasaki Eliminator 400 and the Harley-Davidson X440 may both wear the cruiser badge, but they cater to different kinds of riders. The Eliminator 400 is ideal for those who want a sharp, easy-to-ride modern cruiser with a punchy twin-cylinder heart. The X440 suits riders who crave traditional Harley character, loads of low-end torque, and a bike that turns heads with its sheer presence.
In the end, the real winner is the Indian biking community. With such diverse options now available, 2025 is shaping up to be a golden year for cruiser lovers.
