MotoSpecs

2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan vs 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
109 kW 146 hp @ 5750rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
367 kg / 807 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2008 - 092010
Make ModelKawasaki VN 2000 VulcanTriumph Rocket III Roadster
Dimensions
Seat Height690 mm / 26.8 in750 mm / 29.5 in
Wheelbase-1695 mm / 66.7 in
Ground Clearance135 mm / 5.3 in-
Height-1165 mm / 45.8 in
Length2535 mm / 99.8 in2500 mm / 98.3 in
Width-970 mm / 38.2 in (Handlebars)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight332 kg / 732 lbs320 kg / 704 lbs
Fuel Capacity20.8 Litres / 5.5 US gal24 Litres / 6.3 US gal / 5.3 Imp gal
Wet Weight-367 kg / 807 lbs
Performance
Top Speed200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph-
Max Power103 hp / 76 kW @ 4800 rpm109 kW 146 hp @ 5750rpm
Max Torque177 Nm / 130.5 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm221Nm / 22.5 kgf-m / 163 ft.lbs @ 2750rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.4 sec-
Engine
Displacement2053 cc / 125 cu-in2294 cc / 140 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke103 x 123.2 mm101.6 x 94.3 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:18.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption18.1 km/lit-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection, 46mm throttle bodiesMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
IgnitionDigital Digital inductive type via electronic engine management
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet, multi-plate
Final DriveBeltShaft
Gear Ratios1st 2.550 (51/20) 2nd 1.630 (44/27) 3rd 1.219 (39/32) 4th 0.939 (31/33) 5th 0.730 (27/37)1st: 41/14 / 2nd: 37/19 / 3rd: 33/23 / 4th: 29/25 / 5th: 27/28
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 5 Speed, constant mesh
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble-cradle, high-tensile steelTubular steel, twin spine
Suspension - Front49 mm telescopic fork.Kayaba 43 mm upside down forks
Suspension - RearSwingarm with mono-shock, rebound damping 8-way Spring preload adjustableKayaba black spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload
Rake32.0°32°
Trail182 mm148 mm / 5.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear100 mm / 3.9 in105 mm / 4.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 320mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 316 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front150/80 R16150/80 V17
Tyres - Rear200/60 R16250/50 V16
Wheels - Front-Alloy 5-spoke, 17 x 3.5in
Wheels - Rear-Alloy 5-spoke, 16 x 7.5in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster

The 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster edges out the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan thanks to its more peak power, 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

2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan - Advantages

  • Lighter: 332 kg vs 367 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 690 mm vs 750 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 109 kW 146 hp @ 5750rpm vs 103 hp - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 221Nm vs 177 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 2053 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan vs 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan and 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan uses Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster is powered by Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan or the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan is lighter at 332 kg compared to 367 kg for the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster - a difference of 35 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan or the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster?
The 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster produces more peak power at 109 kW 146 hp @ 5750rpm, compared to 103 hp for the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan or the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan has the lower seat at 690 mm, making it more accessible. The 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster sits higher at 750 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 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan or the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster stands out for more peak power and higher torque. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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