Yamaha YZF R1 vs Kawasaki Ninja H2® ABS (2026)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Yamaha YZF R1stacks up against the Kawasaki Ninja H2® ABS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecYamaha YZF R1Kawasaki Ninja H2® ABS
Model year20262026
Price$19,199$34,400
Engine998 cc998 cc
Weight203 kg218 kg
Seat height856 mm825 mm
Fuel capacity17.0 L17.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
TransmissionManual, 6 speed, ChainManual, 6 speed, Chain
Front brakesDual Hydraulic DiscDual Hydraulic Disc
Rear brakesHydraulic DiscHydraulic Disc
TiresBridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11F 120/70 ZR17 / Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11R 190/55 ZR17Bridgestone® Battlax RS11: 120/70ZR17 (58W) / Bridgestone® Battlax RS11: 200/55ZR17 (78W)

Yamaha YZF R1 vs Kawasaki Ninja H2® ABS — which should you buy?

Picking between the Yamaha YZF R1 and the Kawasaki Ninja H2® ABS usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Yamaha YZF R1 brings its published horsepower in a 203 kg package, while the Kawasaki Ninja H2® ABS counters with its own power figure at 218 kg. On price, the Yamaha YZF R1 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: