2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 vs 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | - | 2004 |
| Make Model | - | Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 820 mm / 32.3 in. | 826 mm / 32.5 in |
| Wheelbase | - | 1389 mm / 54.6 in |
| Ground Clearance | - | 120mm / 4.9 in |
| Height | - | 1130 mm / 43.9 in. |
| Length | 2,025 mm / 79.7 in. | 2065 mm / 80.5 in. |
| Width | 725 mm / 28.5 in. | 705 mm / 27.8 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 194 kg / 427.7 lbs | 170 kg / 374.9 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons | 17 Litres / 4.4 US gal |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | - | 290.6 km/h / 180.5 ph |
| Max Power | - | 175 hp / 128.4 kW @ 11700 rpm |
| Max Torque | 102.00 | 115 Nm / 1173 kg-m @ 9500 rpm |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.7010 HP/kg | - |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | - | 10.6 sec |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 3.9 x 2.5 inches | - |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 100.0 x 63.6 mm | - |
| Stroke | 4 | - |
| Engine Type | V2 | - |
| Displacement (ci) | 60.96 cubic inches | - |
| Displacement (cc) | 999.00 cc | - |
| Displacement | - | 998 cc / 60.9 cu-in |
| Engine Detail | - | Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. |
| Bore x Stroke | - | 76 x 55 mm |
| Compression Ratio | - | 12.7:1 |
| Cooling System | - | Liquid cooled |
| Engine Oil Specification | - | Synthetic, 10W/40 |
| Fuel Consumption | - | 16.1 km/lit |
| Fuel Induction | - | Digital fuel injection with four 43mm throttle bodies |
| Ignition | - | TCBI with digital advance |
| Lubrication | - | Wet sump |
| Spark Plug | - | NGK, CR9EIA-9 |
| Starter | - | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | - |
| Transmission / Drive | - | 6 Speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | All-aluminum twin-tube backbone |
| Suspension - Front | - | 43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs Compression damping - 16-way Rebound damping - 16-way Spring preload - Fully adjustable |
| Suspension - Rear | - | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and top-out spring Compression damping - Stepless Rebound damping - Stepless Spring preload - Fully adjustable |
| Rake | - | 24° |
| Trail | - | 102 mm / 4.0 in |
| Wheel Travel - Front | - | 119 mm / 4.0 in |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | - | 125 mm / 4.7 in |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | Double disc | 2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc | Single 220 mm disc |
| Tyres - Front | 120/70-17 | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 190/50-17 | 190/50 ZR17 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja
The 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja edges out the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling and fuel injection. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 - Advantages
- 💿Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 170 kg vs 194 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
- 🌡️Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
- 🔧Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 vs 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 and 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
The 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 uses V2, while the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 or the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
The 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja is lighter at 170 kg compared to 194 kg for the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 - a difference of 24 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 or the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
Both are strong choices. The 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 has the edge in dual front discs, while the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja stands out for lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.