Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R vs Yamaha YZF R1 (2026)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10Rstacks up against the Yamaha YZF R1. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecKawasaki Ninja ZX-10RYamaha YZF R1
Model year20262026
Price$17,500$19,199
Engine998 cc998 cc
Horsepower203 hp
Torque114 Nm
Weight207 kg203 kg
Seat height835 mm856 mm
Fuel capacity17.0 L17.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed manualManual, 6 speed, Chain
Front brakesDual 330mm discsDual Hydraulic Disc
Rear brakesSingle 220mm discHydraulic Disc
Tires120/70-17 front, 190/55-17 rearBridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11F 120/70 ZR17 / Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11R 190/55 ZR17

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R vs Yamaha YZF R1 — which should you buy?

Picking between the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and the Yamaha YZF R1 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R brings 203 hp in a 207 kg package, while the Yamaha YZF R1 counters with its own power figure at 203 kg. On price, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has the lower MSRP.

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: