Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster vs Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R ABS (2026)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportsterstacks up against the Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R ABS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XLH 1000 SportsterKawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R ABS
Model year19852026
Price$2,026
Engine997 cc998 cc
Horsepower50 hp
Weight193 kg
Seat height825 mm
Fuel capacity2.3 L17.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-speedManual, 6 speed, Chain
Front brakesSingle discDual Hydraulic Disc
Rear brakesSingle discHydraulic Disc
TiresMJ 90-19 / MT 90-16 Bridgestone: 120/70 ZR17 (58W) / Bridgestone: 190/55 ZR17 (75W)

Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster vs Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R ABS — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster and the Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R ABS usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster brings 50 hp, while the Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R ABS counters with its own power figure at 193 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: