2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan vs 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 2008 - 09 | 2009 - 10 |
| Make Model | Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan | Victory Vegas 8 Ball |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 690 mm / 26.8 in | 640 mm / 25.2 i |
| Ground Clearance | 135 mm / 5.3 in | - |
| Length | 2535 mm / 99.8 in | - |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 332 kg / 732 lbs | 291 kg / 645 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 20.8 Litres / 5.5 US gal | 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal |
| Maximum Load / GVWR | - | 522 kg / 151 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph | - |
| Max Power | 103 hp / 76 kW @ 4800 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 177 Nm / 130.5 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm | - |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 13.4 sec | - |
| Engine |
| Displacement | 2053 cc / 125 cu-in | 1634 cc / 100 cu-in |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder | Four stroke, 50° V twin SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke | 103 x 123.2 mm | 101 x 102 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled | Air / oil |
| Fuel Consumption | 18.1 km/lit | - |
| Fuel Induction | Electronic fuel injection, 46mm throttle bodies | Electronic Fuel Injection with 44mm throttle bodies |
| Ignition | Digital | - |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| EV Specifics |
| Battery Capacity | - | 12 volts / 18 amp hours |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual | Wet, multi-plate |
| Final Drive | Belt | Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt |
| 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 / Drive | 5 Speed | 6 Speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Double-cradle, high-tensile steel | - |
| Suspension - Front | 49 mm telescopic fork. | 43mm Inverted cartridge telescopic fork, 130mm wheel travel |
| Suspension - Rear | Swingarm with mono-shock, rebound damping 8-way Spring preload adjustable | Single, mono-tube gas forged and cast aluminum w/ rising-rate linkage 100mm wheel travel, preload adjustable spring |
| Rake | 32.0° | - |
| Trail | 182 mm | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 150 mm / 5.9 in | - |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 100 mm / 3.9 in | - |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | 2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers | Single 300mm floating rotor 4 piston caliper |
| Brakes - Rear | Single 320mm disc 2 piston caliper | Single 300mm floating rotor 2 piston caliper |
| Tyres - Front | 150/80 R16 | 80/90 -21 |
| Tyres - Rear | 200/60 R16 | 180/55 R18 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan 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
2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan - Advantages
- 🌡️Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
- 🔩Larger displacement: 2053 cc vs 1634 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 291 kg vs 332 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
- 📏Lower seat height: 640 mm vs 690 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan vs 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan and 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan uses Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball is powered by Four stroke, 50° V twin SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan or the 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball?
The 2010 Victory Vegas 8 Ball is lighter at 291 kg compared to 332 kg for the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan - a difference of 41 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan 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 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan sits higher at 690 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 Victory Vegas 8 Ball?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan has the edge in liquid cooling and larger displacement, 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.