2006 Honda VTX 1800R vs 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2006 Honda VTX 1800R 2006 Honda VTX 1800R

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
364.7 kg / 804 lbs
2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
103 hp / 76 kW @ 4800 rpm
Top Speed
200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph
Weight
332 kg / 732 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2003-062008 - 09
Make ModelHonda VTX 1800RKawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan
Dimensions
Seat Height696 mm / 27.4 in690 mm / 26.8 in
Wheelbase1714 mm / 67.5 in-
Ground Clearance-135 mm / 5.3 in
Length-2535 mm / 99.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight335 mm / 750 lbs332 kg / 732 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal20.8 Litres / 5.5 US gal
Wet Weight364.7 kg / 804 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed-200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph
Max Power107 hp / 78 kW @ 5000 rpm103 hp / 76 kW @ 4800 rpm
Max Torque163 Nm / 120.2 ft-lb @ 3000 rpm177 Nm / 130.5 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-13.4 sec
Engine
Displacement1795 cc / 109.5 cu-in2053 cc / 125 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 52° V-twin, SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 112 mm103 x 123.2 mm
Compression Ratio9.0:19.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption-18.1 km/lit
Fuel InductionPGM-FI Fuel injectionElectronic fuel injection, 46mm throttle bodies
IgnitionSolid-state digital, two spark plugs per cylinder Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
Clutch-Wet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveShaftBelt
Gear Ratios-1st 2.550 (51/20) 2nd 1.630 (44/27) 3rd 1.219 (39/32) 4th 0.939 (31/33) 5th 0.730 (27/37)
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, Double cradle frameDouble-cradle, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front45mm inverted fork49 mm telescopic fork.
Suspension - RearDual shocks with five-position spring preload adjustabilitySwingarm with mono-shock, rebound damping 8-way Spring preload adjustable
Rake32.4°32.0°
Trail163mm / 6.4 in182 mm
Wheel Travel - Front109 mm / 4.3 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear100 mm / 3.9 in100 mm / 3.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 296 mm discs 3 piston calipers2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 316mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 320mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front150/80R-17 radial150/80 R16
Tyres - Rear180/70R-16 radial200/60 R16

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan

The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan edges out the 2006 Honda VTX 1800R thanks to its higher torque, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2006 Honda VTX 1800R - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2006 Honda VTX 1800R matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 177 Nm vs 163 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger displacement: 2053 cc vs 1795 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 109 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2006 Honda VTX 1800R vs 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2006 Honda VTX 1800R and 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1800R uses Four stroke, 52° V-twin, SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder., while the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan is powered by Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which has more power, the 2006 Honda VTX 1800R or the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1800R produces more peak power at 107 hp, compared to 103 hp for the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan.
Which should I buy, the 2006 Honda VTX 1800R or the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
Both are strong choices. The 2006 Honda VTX 1800R has its own strengths, while the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan stands out for higher torque 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.