2007 Triumph Rocket III vs 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

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

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

Differs Same

General
Year	2006 - 07	2008 - 09
Make Model	Triumph Rocket III	Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan
Dimensions
Seat Height	740 mm / 29.1 in	690 mm / 26.8 in
Wheelbase	1695 mm / 66.7 in	-
Ground Clearance	-	135 mm / 5.3 in
Height	1165 mm / 45.9 in	-
Length	2500 mm / 98.4 in	2535 mm / 99.8 in
Width	970 mm / 38.2 in	-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	320 kg / 704 lbs	332 kg / 732 lbs
Fuel Capacity	24 Litres / 6.3 US gal / 5.3 Imp gal	20.8 Litres / 5.5 US gal
Wet Weight	350 kg / 771.6 lbs	-
Performance
Top Speed	219.4 km/h / 136.3 mph	200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph
Max Power	103.6 kW / 140 hp @ 5750 rpm	103 hp / 76 kW @ 4800 rpm
Max Torque	200 Nm / 20.4 kgf-m / 147ft.lbf @ 2500 rpm	177 Nm / 130.5 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile	12.2 sec	13.4 sec
Engine
Displacement	2294 cc / 140 cu in	2053 cc / 125 cu-in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke	101.6 x 94.3 mm	103 x 123.2 mm
Compression Ratio	8.7:1	9.5:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled	Liquid cooled
Fuel Consumption	6.4 L/100 km / 15.6 km/l / 36.7 US mpg / 44.1 Imp mpg	18.1 km/lit
Fuel Induction	-	Electronic fuel injection, 46mm throttle bodies
Ignition	Digital inductive type via electronic engine management	Digital
Starter	Electric	Electric
Drivetrain
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate	Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive	Shaft	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	5 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Tubular steel, twin spine	Double-cradle, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front	43 mm Upside down forks	49 mm telescopic fork.
Suspension - Rear	Chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload	Swingarm with mono-shock, rebound damping 8-way Spring preload adjustable
Rake	32°	32.0°
Trail	152mm / 6.0 in	182 mm
Wheel Travel - Front	-	150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	-	100 mm / 3.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front	2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston calipers	2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear	Single 316 mm disc, 2 piston caliper	Single 320mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front	150/80 V17	150/80 R16
Tyres - Rear	240/50 V16	200/60 R16
Wheels - Front	3.5 x 17, 5 spoke	-
Wheels - Rear	7.5 x 16, 5 spoke	-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2007 Triumph Rocket III and the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan 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

2007 Triumph Rocket III - Advantages

Higher torque: 200 Nm 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 - Advantages

Lighter: 332 kg vs 350 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
Lower seat height: 690 mm vs 740 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2007 Triumph Rocket III vs 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2007 Triumph Rocket III and 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?

The 2007 Triumph Rocket III uses Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan is powered by Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.

Which is lighter, the 2007 Triumph Rocket III or the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?

The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan is lighter at 332 kg compared to 350 kg for the 2007 Triumph Rocket III - a difference of 18 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2007 Triumph Rocket III or the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?

The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan has the lower seat at 690 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 2007 Triumph Rocket III or the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?

Both are strong choices. The 2007 Triumph Rocket III has the edge in higher torque and dual front discs, while the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan 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.

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