Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster vs Yamaha YZF R1 (2026)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportsterstacks up against the Yamaha YZF R1. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster | Yamaha YZF R1 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1985 | 2026 |
| Price | — | $19,199 |
| Engine | 997 cc | 998 cc |
| Horsepower | 50 hp | — |
| Weight | — | 203 kg |
| Seat height | — | 856 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 2.3 L | 17.0 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | Manual, 6 speed, Chain |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Dual Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Hydraulic Disc |
| Tires | MJ 90-19 / MT 90-16 | Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11F 120/70 ZR17 / Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11R 190/55 ZR17 |
Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster vs Yamaha YZF R1 — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster and the Yamaha YZF R1 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster brings 50 hp, while the Yamaha YZF R1 counters with its own power figure at 203 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: