Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 Sportster vs Kawasaki Ninja® H2® SX SE ABS (2026)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 Sportsterstacks up against the Kawasaki Ninja® H2® SX SE ABS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XLCH 1000 SportsterKawasaki Ninja® H2® SX SE ABS
Model year19782026
Price$29,999
Engine997 cc998 cc
Horsepower57 hp
Weight248 kg
Seat height835 mm
Fuel capacity2.4 L18.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-speedManual, 6 speed, Chain
Front brakesDual discDual Hydraulic Disc
Rear brakesSingle discHydraulic Disc
Tires3.75-19 / 4.25-18 Bridgestone® Battlax Hypersport S22: 120/70 ZR17 M/C 58W / Bridgestone® Battlax Hypersport S22: 190/55 ZR17 M/C 75W

Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 Sportster vs Kawasaki Ninja® H2® SX SE ABS — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 Sportster and the Kawasaki Ninja® H2® SX SE ABS usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 Sportster brings 57 hp, while the Kawasaki Ninja® H2® SX SE ABS counters with its own power figure at 248 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: