Yamaha YZF R1 vs Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE (2026)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Yamaha YZF R1stacks up against the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Yamaha YZF R1 | Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
| Price | $19,199 | $28,500 |
| Engine | 998 cc | 998 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 200 hp |
| Torque | — | 137 Nm |
| Weight | 203 kg | 264 kg |
| Seat height | 856 mm | 835 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17.0 L | 19.0 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | Manual, 6 speed, Chain | 6-speed manual |
| Front brakes | Dual Hydraulic Disc | Dual 320mm discs |
| Rear brakes | Hydraulic Disc | Single 250mm disc |
| Tires | Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11F 120/70 ZR17 / Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11R 190/55 ZR17 | 120/70-17 front, 190/55-17 rear |
Yamaha YZF R1 vs Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE — which should you buy?
Picking between the Yamaha YZF R1 and the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE 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 SX SE counters with 200 hp at 264 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: