2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod vs 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
643.7 pounds
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Top Speed
188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Weight
308 kg / 678 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2010
ColoursVivid Black, Pewter Pearl, Flame Blue Pearl, Red Hot Sunglo, Vivid Black and Pewter Pearl; Flame Blue Pearl and Pewter Pearl-
Make Model-Triumph Thunderbird 1600
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)127 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.0 inches-
Seat Height660 mm / 26.0 in.702 mm / 27.6 in
Wheelbase1,715 mm / 67.5 in.1641 mm / 64.6in
Height-1216mm / 47.9 in
Length2,455 mm / 96.7 in.2350 mm / 92.5 in
Width-947 mm / 37.2 in (Handlebars)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight292 kg / 643.7 lbs308 kg / 678 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.90 litres / 4.99 gallons22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Oil Capacity-4.2 L / 1.1 US gal . 0.92 Imp gal
Performance
Top Speed-188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Max Power-63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Max Torque115.00146 Nm / 14.89 kgf-m / 107.7 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-13.1 sec
Engine
Displacement (cc)1250.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (mm)105.0 x 72.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.8 inches-
Displacement (ci)76.27 cubic inches-
Stroke4-
Engine TypeV2-
Displacement-1597 cc / 97.5 cu in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection-
Bore x Stroke-103.8 x 94.3mm
Compression Ratio11.5:19.7:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
ExhaustChrome, slash-cut exhaust with dual mufflers-
Fuel Consumption-7.0 L/100 km / 14.2 km/l / 33.4 US mpg / 40.1 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction-Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI , progressive linkage on throttle
Ignition-Digital, inductive type via electronic engine management
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
Clutch9-plate, wet, Assist and SlipWet, multi-plate
Final DriveBeltToothed belt
Gear Ratios-1st 2.9875:1 / 2nd 1.958:1 / 3rd 1.536:1 / 4th 1.219:1 / 5th 1.029:1 / 6th 0.909:1
Gearbox5-speed-
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails;Tubular steel, twin spine Swingarm Twin sided, steel
Suspension - FrontWide, 49mm custom forkShowa 47 mm forks.
Suspension - RearPreload adjustableShowa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload.
Rake34.0°32°
Trail115 mm / 4.5 in.151.3 mm / 5.96 in
Wheel Travel - Front102 mm / 4.0 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear102 mm / 4.0 in.95 mm / 3.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS, 4-piston calipers2 x 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS, 4-piston calipersSingle 310 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR19120/70 R19
Tyres - Rear240/40-R18200/50 R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod

The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod edges out the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod - Advantages

  • Lighter: 292 kg vs 308 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 660 mm vs 702 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More rear wheel travel: 102 mm vs 95 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 102 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod vs 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod and 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod uses V2, while the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod or the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod is lighter at 292 kg compared to 308 kg for the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - a difference of 16 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod or the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod has the lower seat at 660 mm, making it more accessible. The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 sits higher at 702 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod or the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 stands out for liquid cooling and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.