Kawasaki ZX-10R vs Honda CBR1000RR
The Kawasaki ZX-10R is more powerful, while the Honda CBR1000RR is lighter and lower. The Kawasaki ZX-10R delivers 200 hp (149 kW), while the Honda CBR1000RR has a 10.5 kg wet-weight advantage. That makes the Kawasaki the choice for riders who prioritize stronger output, while the Honda’s lower mass and seat height offer practical differences when moving the bike and reaching the ground. Both are liter-class sport motorcycles, so the choice comes down to whether you value outright power or a lower seat and less mass.
Kawasaki ZX-10R vs Honda CBR1000RR: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 | Honda CBR1000RRModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 998 cm³ | 999 cm³ |
| Power | 200 hp (149 kW) — Favorable value | 178 hp (133 kW) |
| Wet weight | 206 kg | 195.5 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 835 mm | 820 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L — Favorable value | 15.9 L |
Percentages use the second model as the baseline. Highlighting applies only to comparable power, torque, mass and fuel capacity; it does not predict handling or acceleration.
Engine
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 | Honda CBR1000RRModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 998 cm³ | 999 cm³ |
| Power | 200 hp (149 kW) — Favorable value | 178 hp (133 kW) |
| Torque | 114.9 Nm — Favorable value | 114 Nm |
| Engine type | In-line four, four-stroke | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 x 55.0 mm | 76.0 x 55.1 mm |
| Compression ratio | 13.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 | Honda CBR1000RRModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual | Assisted Slipper Clutch |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 | Honda CBR1000RRModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 206 kg | 195.5 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 835 mm | 820 mm |
| Length | 2,085 mm | 2,075 mm |
| Width | 740 mm | 720 mm |
| Height | 1,145 mm | 1,125 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,395 mm | 1,405 mm |
| Ground clearance | 145 mm | 130 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L — Favorable value | 15.9 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 | Honda CBR1000RRModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Twin spar, cast aluminium | Diamond; aluminium composite twin spar |
| Front suspension | 43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, adjustable stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability | Öhlins with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-link with BFRC lite gas-charged shock, piggyback reservoir, | Unit Pro-Link® Ohlins Shock with spring-preload, rebound and compression-damping adjustability |
| Front wheel travel | 119 mm | 109 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 140 mm | 137 mm |
| Rake | 25.0° | 23.3° |
| Trail | 107 mm | 96 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 | Honda CBR1000RRModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. Floating discs. Optional ABS. | Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper. |
| Front brake diameter | 330 mm | 320 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 220 mm | 220 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 190/55-ZR17 | 190/55-ZR17 |
| ABS | Optional | Yes |
Key differences
This comparison uses Kawasaki ZX-10R from 2019 and Honda CBR1000RR from 2019.
Power
Kawasaki ZX-10R
200 hp (149 kW)
Highlighted valueHonda CBR1000RR
178 hp (133 kW)
Wet weight
Kawasaki ZX-10R
206 kg
Honda CBR1000RR
195.5 kg
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Kawasaki ZX-10R
998 cm³
Honda CBR1000RR
999 cm³
Torque
Kawasaki ZX-10R
114.9 Nm
Highlighted valueHonda CBR1000RR
114 Nm
Seat height
Kawasaki ZX-10R
835 mm
Honda CBR1000RR
820 mm
Highlighted valueKawasaki ZX-10R vs Honda CBR1000RR: which one to choose?
- Choose Honda CBR1000RR if pushing and parking in city use matter; its comparable wet-weight advantage is 10.5 kg.
- Choose Honda CBR1000RR if a lower seat helps you reach the ground; the seat-height difference is 15 mm.
FAQ
- Which bike has more power?
- The Kawasaki ZX-10R is more powerful, at 200 hp (149 kW) versus 178 hp (133 kW) for the Honda CBR1000RR.
- How do the engine sizes compare?
- Engine sizes are very close: Kawasaki ZX-10R 998 cm³; Honda CBR1000RR 999 cm³.
- Which bike has the larger fuel tank?
- The Kawasaki ZX-10R has the larger tank, at 17 L compared with 15.9 L for the Honda CBR1000RR.