2003 Honda VTX 1800 vs 2007 Triumph Rocket III

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2003 Honda VTX 1800 2003 Honda VTX 1800

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 52° V-twin, SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder.
Power
107 hp / 78 kW @ 5000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
319.7 kg / 714 lbs
2007 Triumph Rocket III 2007 Triumph Rocket III

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
103.6 kW / 140 hp @ 5750 rpm
Top Speed
219.4 km/h / 136.3 mph
Weight
350 kg / 771.6 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2001-032006 - 07
Make ModelHonda VTX 1800Triumph Rocket III
Dimensions
Seat Height708 mm / 27.9 in740 mm / 29.1 in
Wheelbase1717 mm / 67.6 in1695 mm / 66.7 in
Height-1165 mm / 45.9 in
Length-2500 mm / 98.4 in
Width-970 mm / 38.2 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight319.7 kg / 714 lbs320 kg / 704 lbs
Fuel Capacity15.5 Litres / 4.3 US gal24 Litres / 6.3 US gal / 5.3 Imp gal
Wet Weight-350 kg / 771.6 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-219.4 km/h / 136.3 mph
Max Power107 hp / 78 kW @ 5000 rpm103.6 kW / 140 hp @ 5750 rpm
Max Torque163 Nm / 120.2 ft-lb @ 3000 rpm200 Nm / 20.4 kgf-m / 147ft.lbf @ 2500 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-12.2 sec
Engine
Displacement1795 cc / 109.5 cu-in2294 cc / 140 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 52° V-twin, SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 112 mm101.6 x 94.3 mm
Compression Ratio9.0:18.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption-6.4 L/100 km / 15.6 km/l / 36.7 US mpg / 44.1 Imp mpg
Fuel InductionPGM-FI-
IgnitionSolid-state digital, two spark plugs per cylinder Digital inductive type via electronic engine management
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
Clutch-Wet, multi-plate
Final DriveShaftShaft
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, Double cradle frameTubular steel, twin spine
Suspension - Front45mm inverted fork43 mm Upside down forks
Suspension - RearDual shocks with five-position spring preload adjustabilityChromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake32.4°32°
Trail152mm / 5.7 in152mm / 6.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear100 mm / 3.9 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 296 mm discs 3 piston calipers2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 316 mm disc 3 piston caliperSingle 316 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front130/70 R18150/80 V17
Tyres - Rear180/70 R16240/50 V16
Wheels - Front-3.5 x 17, 5 spoke
Wheels - Rear-7.5 x 16, 5 spoke

Verdict

Winner on specs

2007 Triumph Rocket III

The 2007 Triumph Rocket III edges out the 2003 Honda VTX 1800 thanks to its higher torque, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2003 Honda VTX 1800 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 708 mm vs 740 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2007 Triumph Rocket III - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 200 Nm vs 163 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • Larger displacement: 2294 cc vs 1795 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2003 Honda VTX 1800 vs 2007 Triumph Rocket III - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2003 Honda VTX 1800 and 2007 Triumph Rocket III?
The 2003 Honda VTX 1800 uses Four stroke, 52° V-twin, SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder., while the 2007 Triumph Rocket III is powered by Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2003 Honda VTX 1800 or the 2007 Triumph Rocket III?
The 2003 Honda VTX 1800 has the lower seat at 708 mm, making it more accessible. The 2007 Triumph Rocket III sits higher at 740 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2003 Honda VTX 1800 or the 2007 Triumph Rocket III?
Both are strong choices. The 2003 Honda VTX 1800 has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2007 Triumph Rocket III stands out for higher torque and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.