Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster vs Kawasaki Z H2 SE 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 Z H2 SE ABS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XLH 1000 SportsterKawasaki Z H2 SE ABS
Model year19852026
Price$21,999
Engine997 cc998 cc
Horsepower50 hp
Weight241 kg
Seat height830 mm
Fuel capacity2.3 L18.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-speedManual, 6 speed, Chain
Front brakesSingle discDual Hydraulic Disc
Rear brakesSingle discHydraulic Disc
TiresMJ 90-19 / MT 90-16 Pirelli® Diablo™ Rosso III: 120/70 ZR17 M/C 58W / Pirelli® Diablo™ Rosso III: 190/55 ZR17 M/C 75W

Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster vs Kawasaki Z H2 SE ABS — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster and the Kawasaki Z H2 SE 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 Z H2 SE ABS counters with its own power figure at 241 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: