Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R (2026)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportsterstacks up against the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster | Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1985 | 2026 |
| Price | — | $17,500 |
| Engine | 997 cc | 998 cc |
| Horsepower | 50 hp | 203 hp |
| Torque | — | 114 Nm |
| Weight | — | 207 kg |
| Seat height | — | 835 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 2.3 L | 17.0 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | 6-speed manual |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Dual 330mm discs |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single 220mm disc |
| Tires | MJ 90-19 / MT 90-16 | 120/70-17 front, 190/55-17 rear |
Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster brings 50 hp, while the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R counters with 203 hp at 207 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: