2009 Triumph Rocket III vs 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 Triumph Rocket III 2009 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
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
Full Specifications
General
Year2008 - 092009 - 10
Colours-Black
Make ModelTriumph Rocket IIIKawasaki VN 1700 Classic
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Seat Height740 mm / 29.1 in720 mm / 28.3 mm
Wheelbase1695 mm / 66.7 in1665 mm / 65.6 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm / 5.1 in
Height1165 mm / 45.9 in1155 mm / 45.5 in
Length2500 mm / 98.4 in2500 mm / 98.4 in
Width970 mm / 38.2 in1025 mm / 40.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight320 kg / 704 lbs-
Fuel Capacity24 Litres / 6.3 US gal / 5.3 Imp gal20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
Wet Weight350 kg / 771.6 lbs349 kg / 769 lbs
Performance
Top Speed219.4 km/h / 136.3 mph185 km/h / 115 mph
Max Power103.6 kW / 140 hp @ 5750 rpm55 kW / 74 hp @ 5000 rpm
Max Torque200 Nm / 20.4 kgf-m / 147ft.lbf @ 2500 rpm135 Nm / 13.7 kgf-m / 99.6 lb-ft @2750 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.2 sec-
Engine
Stroke-4
Fuel Control-SOHC
Engine Type-V2
Displacement2294 cc / 140 cu in1700 cc / 103.7 in
Engine DetailFour stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke101.6 x 94.3 mm102 x 104 mm
Compression Ratio8.7:19.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled, plus cooling fins
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Exhaust-Twin, stacked
Fuel Consumption6.4 L/100 km / 15.6 km/l / 36.7 US mpg / 44.1 Imp mpg-
Fuel Induction-Electronic fuel injection, 42 mm dia. x 2
IgnitionDigital inductive type via electronic engine management TCDI with digital advance
Lubrication-Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plateWet, multi-disc, manual, electronic cruise control
Final DriveShaftBelt drive
Final Drive Ratio-2.250:1
Gear Ratios-1st 3.077 / 2nd 1.900 / 3rd 1.407 / 4th 1.143 / 5th 0.967 / 6th 0.806:1
Gearbox-6-speed
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel, twin spineDouble cradle, steel with box section single-tube backbone
Suspension - Front43 mm Upside down forks43 mm Telescopic fork
Suspension - RearChromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preloadSwingarm with twin air-assisted 4 way adjustable shocks for rebound and damping
Rake32°30°
Steering Angle-35° / 35°
Trail152mm / 6.0 in169 mm / 6.65 in
Wheel Travel - Front-140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-80 mm / 3.2 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston calipers2 x 300 m discs, 2 piston calipers, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 316 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front150/80 V17130/90 B16M/C (67H)
Tyres - Rear240/50 V16170/70 B16M/C (75H)
Wheels-Alloy, 10 spokes
Wheels - Front3.5 x 17, 5 spoke-
Wheels - Rear7.5 x 16, 5 spoke-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 Triumph Rocket III

The 2009 Triumph Rocket III edges out the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic thanks to its higher torque, larger fuel tank and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 Triumph Rocket III - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 200 Nm vs 135 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Larger displacement: 2294 cc vs 1700 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 720 mm vs 740 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2009 Triumph Rocket III vs 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Triumph Rocket III and 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic?
The 2009 Triumph Rocket III uses Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic is powered by V2.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Triumph Rocket III or the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic?
The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has the lower seat at 720 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 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 has the larger fuel tank, the 2009 Triumph Rocket III or the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic?
The 2009 Triumph Rocket III has the larger tank at approximately 24 litres vs 20 litres for the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 400-480 km vs 333-400 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2009 Triumph Rocket III or the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Triumph Rocket III has the edge in higher torque and larger fuel tank, while the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.