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Head to head

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP 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 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R undercuts the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP by about $11,200, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP leads on power with 217 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.

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
Our pick
9.1

Honda

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
8.5

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

The verdict

The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP edges it overall at 9.1/10, but the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R wins on best value, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

217 hp.

Most exciting

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

217 hp and 1.08 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Our 8.5/10 at $17,799, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

201 kg with an 830 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

Our top score in this matchup at 9.1/10.

Price & rating
Price$28,999$17,799
KickTheStand score9.1 / 108.5 / 10
Performance
Engine1000cc four998cc four
Power217 hp203 hp
Torque113 Nm114.9 Nm
Power-to-weight1.08 hp/kg0.98 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension43mm Öhlins NPX USD fork43mm Showa BFF USD fork
Rear suspensionÖhlins TTX36 monoshockHorizontal back-link monoshock
Front brakesDual 330mm discs, Brembo StylemaDual 330mm discs, Brembo M50
Rear brakesSingle 220mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight201 kg207 kg
Seat height830 mm835 mm
Fuel capacity16.1 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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Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP makes the most power at 217 hp and 113 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $17,799.

Which is lighter, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is the lightest at 201 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

For a new rider we'd point to the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP: 217 hp and 201 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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