2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic vs 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2
Power
55 kW / 74 hp @ 5000 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h / 115 mph
Weight
760.7 pounds
2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 50° V twin SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
291 kg / 645 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2009 - 102009 - 10
ColoursBlack-
Make ModelKawasaki VN 1700 ClassicVictory Vegas 8 Ball
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches-
Seat Height720 mm / 28.3 mm640 mm / 25.2 i
Wheelbase1665 mm / 65.6 in-
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1155 mm / 45.5 in-
Length2500 mm / 98.4 in-
Width1025 mm / 40.4 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-291 kg / 645 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-522 kg / 151 lbs
Wet Weight349 kg / 769 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed185 km/h / 115 mph-
Max Power55 kW / 74 hp @ 5000 rpm-
Max Torque135 Nm / 13.7 kgf-m / 99.6 lb-ft @2750 rpm-
Engine
Stroke4-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Engine TypeV2-
Displacement1700 cc / 103.7 in1634 cc / 100 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke, 50° V twin SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies-
Bore x Stroke102 x 104 mm101 x 102 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:19.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled, plus cooling finsAir / oil
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, semi-dry sump-
ExhaustTwin, stacked-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection, 42 mm dia. x 2Electronic Fuel Injection with 44mm throttle bodies
IgnitionTCDI with digital advance-
LubricationForced lubrication, semi-dry sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 volts / 18 amp hours
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-disc, manual, electronic cruise controlWet, multi-plate
Final DriveBelt driveCarbon Fiber Reinforced Belt
Final Drive Ratio2.250:1-
Gear Ratios1st 3.077 / 2nd 1.900 / 3rd 1.407 / 4th 1.143 / 5th 0.967 / 6th 0.806:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble cradle, steel with box section single-tube backbone-
Suspension - Front43 mm Telescopic fork43mm Inverted cartridge telescopic fork, 130mm wheel travel
Suspension - RearSwingarm with twin air-assisted 4 way adjustable shocks for rebound and dampingSingle, mono-tube gas forged and cast aluminum w/ rising-rate linkage 100mm wheel travel, preload adjustable spring
Rake30°-
Steering Angle35° / 35°-
Trail169 mm / 6.65 in-
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear80 mm / 3.2 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 300 m discs, 2 piston calipers, ABSSingle 300mm floating rotor 4 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABSSingle 300mm floating rotor 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front130/90 B16M/C (67H)80/90 -21
Tyres - Rear170/70 B16M/C (75H)180/55 R18
WheelsAlloy, 10 spokes-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic and the 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball - Advantages

  • Lighter: 291 kg vs 349 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 640 mm vs 720 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic vs 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic and 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball?
The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic uses V2, while the 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball is powered by Four stroke, 50° V twin SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball?
The 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball is lighter at 291 kg compared to 349 kg for the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic - a difference of 58 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball?
The 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball has the lower seat at 640 mm, making it more accessible. The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic sits higher at 720 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball?
The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has the larger tank at approximately 20 litres vs 17 litres for the 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 333-400 km vs 283-340 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball?
Both are strong choices. The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has the edge in larger fuel tank and liquid cooling, while the 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.