Yamaha R1 2012 vs. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015

Yamaha R1 2012

Yamaha R1 2012

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015

Loading...

Overview - Yamaha R1 2012 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015

The Yamaha R1 model year 2012 and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R model year 2015 are both supersport motorcycles that offer powerful engines and impressive performance. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Yamaha R1 2012 has a bore of 78 mm and a stroke of 52.2 mm, while the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015 has a slightly smaller bore of 76 mm and a longer stroke of 55 mm. The Yamaha R1 2012 has an engine power of 182 HP and a torque of 115.5 Nm, whereas the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015 boasts a higher engine power of 200.1 HP but a slightly lower torque of 114.3 Nm. Both motorcycles have 4 cylinders and a displacement of 998 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front, providing excellent stability and control. The chassis of both models is made of aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy frame.

Yamaha R1 2012

Yamaha R1 2012

In terms of braking, both motorcycles have double disc brakes at the front, offering strong and reliable stopping power. However, the Yamaha R1 2012 is criticized for having a relatively weak braking system compared to its competitors.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha R1 2012 has a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 190 mm, with both tires having a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the Yamaha R1 2012 is 1415 mm, and it has a seat height of 835 mm. The kerb weight of the Yamaha R1 2012 is 206 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 18 liters. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015 has the same tire dimensions and wheelbase as the Yamaha R1 2012, but it has a slightly lower seat height of 813 mm. The kerb weight of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015 is 198 kg, and it has a slightly smaller fuel tank capacity of 17 liters.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha R1 2012 is praised for its pleasant vibration level, strong engine, precise transmission, high-quality impression, and good traction control. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015 is considered a great basis for a racing bike, with a strong engine in the upper rev range and a good chassis.

In terms of weaknesses, the Yamaha R1 2012 is criticized for its high weight, suspension elements that are tuned a little too soft, and a relatively weak braking system. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015 is noted for having a gear ratio that is too long, an engine with little power in the lower rev range, and a traction control system that cannot keep up with the systems of the top bikes.

Overall, both the Yamaha R1 2012 and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015 are powerful and capable supersport motorcycles. However, the Yamaha R1 2012 may be more suitable for riders looking for a comfortable and well-rounded sportbike, while the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015 may appeal more to riders seeking a racing-oriented machine with a strong top-end power.

Technical Specifications Yamaha R1 2012 compared to Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015

Yamaha R1 2012
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore78 mmBore76 mm
StrokeStroke52.2 mmStroke55 mm
Engine powerEngine power182 HPEngine power200.1 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power12,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power13,000 rpm
TorqueTorque115.5 NmTorque114.3 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque10,000 rpmRpm at Torque11,500 rpm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement998 ccmDisplacement998 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameAluminium

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width190 mmRear tyre width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,075 mm
WidthWidth715 mmWidth715 mm
HeightHeight1,130 mmHeight1,115 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,415 mmWheelbase1,115 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 mmSeat Height813 mm
Kerb WeightKerb Weight206 kgKerb Weight198 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18 lFuel Tank Capacity17 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha R1 2012

Yamaha R1 2012

All in all, the R1 is given the thankless role of the comfortable, easy-to-ride sports bike in the 2012 model year. From a pragmatic point of view, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but try explaining that to your mates at the pub table.

Pleasant vibration level

strong engine

precise transmission

high-quality impression

good traction control.

High weight

suspension elements tuned a little too soft

relatively weak braking system.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015

The ZX-10R was right in the middle during the test. It was not as fast and radical as the R1, Panigale, BMW and Aprilia. But it was also sportier than the Honda and Suzuki. While Honda and Suzuki would need completely new bikes to catch up with the top, Kawasaki would only have to give the ZX-10R a small update. But satisfied ZX-10R riders need not despair. The gap to the top is small enough to catch up with a few accessories. Because the ZX-10R has one decisive advantage. It has been on the market for a long time and there are enough parts available, including the necessary setup information. If you don't want to get involved in any experiments, take a Kawasaki and with a few simple steps you will also be at the top.

Great basis for racing bike

strong engine in the upper rev range

good chassis

Gear ratio too long

engine with little power in the lower rev range

traction control cannot keep up with the systems of the top bikes

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Yamaha R1 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha R1 2012 and a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2015. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 5. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha R1 with 64 days compared to 81 days for a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 80 reviews for the Yamaha R1 and 51 reviews for the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R since model year 2005. The first review for the Yamaha R1 was published on 28/04/2003 and now has more than 3,900 views. This compares to more than 2,900 views for the first review on Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R published on 11/01/2004.

Price Yamaha R1

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH