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Head to head

Ducati Panigale V2 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Ducati Panigale V2 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Ducati Panigale V2 undercuts the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R by about $1,804, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R leads on power with 203 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Ducati Panigale V2
Our pick
8.5

Ducati

Ducati Panigale V2
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
8.5

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

The verdict

The Ducati Panigale V2 edges it overall at 8.5/10, but the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Ducati Panigale V2

120 hp.

Most exciting

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

203 hp and 0.98 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Ducati Panigale V2

Our 8.5/10 at $15,995, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Ducati Panigale V2

200 kg with an 837 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Price & rating
Price$15,995$17,799
KickTheStand score8.5 / 108.5 / 10
Performance
Engine890cc twin998cc four
Power120 hp203 hp
Torque93 Nm114.9 Nm
Power-to-weight0.60 hp/kg0.98 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension43mm Marzocchi USD fork43mm Showa BFF USD fork
Rear suspensionKYB monoshockHorizontal back-link monoshock
Front brakesDual 320mm discs, Brembo M50Dual 330mm discs, Brembo M50
Rear brakesSingle 245mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight200 kg207 kg
Seat height837 mm835 mm
Fuel capacity15 L17 L
Suitability
ClassSportSport
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forsport, tracksport, track

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Ducati Panigale V2 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Ducati Panigale V2 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R makes the most power at 203 hp and 114.9 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Ducati Panigale V2 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

The Ducati Panigale V2 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $15,995.

Which is lighter, the Ducati Panigale V2 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

The Ducati Panigale V2 is the lightest at 200 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Ducati Panigale V2 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

For a new rider we'd point to the Ducati Panigale V2: 120 hp and 200 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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