2008 Victory Hammer vs 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 2007 - 08 | 2008 - 09 |
| Make Model | Victory Hammer | Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 660 mm / 26 in | 690 mm / 26.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 1669 mm / 65.7 in | - |
| Ground Clearance | 135 mm / 5.3 in | 135 mm / 5.3 in |
| Length | 2366 mm / 93.1 in | 2535 mm / 99.8 in |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 305 kg / 672 lbs | 332 kg / 732 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal | 20.8 Litres / 5.5 US gal |
| 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 | 1634 cc / 100 cu-in | 2053 cc / 125 cu-in |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke, 50° V twin SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder | Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke | 101 x 102 mm | 103 x 123.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Air / oil | Liquid cooled |
| Fuel Consumption | - | 18.1 km/lit |
| Fuel Induction | Electronic Fuel Injection with 44mm throttle bodies | Electronic fuel injection, 46mm throttle bodies |
| Ignition | - | Digital |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| EV Specifics |
| Battery Capacity | 12 volts / 18 amp hours | - |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final Drive | Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt | 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 | 6 Speed | 5 Speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | Double-cradle, high-tensile steel |
| Suspension - Front | 43mm Inverted cartridge telescopic fork | 49 mm telescopic fork. |
| Suspension - Rear | Single, mono-tube gas forged and cast aluminum w/ rising-rate linkage | Swingarm with mono-shock, rebound damping 8-way Spring preload adjustable |
| Rake | 32.7° | 32.0° |
| Trail | 140 mm / 5.5 in | 182 mm |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 130 mm / 5.1 in | 150 mm / 5.9 in |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 100 mm / 3.9 in | 100 mm / 3.9 in |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | 2x 300mm floating rotor 4 piston caliper | 2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers |
| Brakes - Rear | Single 300mm floating rotor 2 piston caliper | Single 320mm disc 2 piston caliper |
| Tyres - Front | 130/70 R18 | 150/80 R16 |
| Tyres - Rear | 250/40 R18 | 200/60 R16 |
| Wheels - Front | 18 x 3.5 in | - |
| Wheels - Rear | 18 x 8.5 in | - |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan edges out the 2008 Victory Hammer thanks to its liquid cooling, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
2008 Victory Hammer - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 305 kg vs 332 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
- 📏Lower seat height: 660 mm vs 690 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
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.
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
2008 Victory Hammer vs 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2008 Victory Hammer and 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
The 2008 Victory Hammer uses Four stroke, 50° V twin SOHC, 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 2008 Victory Hammer or the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
The 2008 Victory Hammer is lighter at 305 kg compared to 332 kg for the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan - a difference of 27 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Victory Hammer or the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
The 2008 Victory Hammer has the lower seat at 660 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 2008 Victory Hammer or the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Victory Hammer has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan stands out for liquid cooling and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.