Yamaha YZF R1 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R (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. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Yamaha YZF R1 | Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
| Price | $19,199 | $17,500 |
| Engine | 998 cc | 998 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 203 hp |
| Torque | — | 114 Nm |
| Weight | 203 kg | 207 kg |
| Seat height | 856 mm | 835 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17.0 L | 17.0 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | Manual, 6 speed, Chain | 6-speed manual |
| Front brakes | Dual Hydraulic Disc | Dual 330mm discs |
| Rear brakes | Hydraulic Disc | Single 220mm 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 ZX-10R — which should you buy?
Picking between the Yamaha YZF R1 and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 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 counters with 203 hp at 207 kg. On price, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 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: