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

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Yamaha YZF R1stacks up against the Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R ABS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecYamaha YZF R1Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R ABS
Model year20262026
Price$19,199$2,026
Engine998 cc998 cc
Weight203 kg193 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: 120/70 ZR17 (58W) / Bridgestone: 190/55 ZR17 (75W)

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

Picking between the Yamaha YZF R1 and the Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R 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® ZX™-10R ABS counters with its own power figure at 193 kg. On price, the Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R ABS 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: