2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan vs 2010 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy

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 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy 2010 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
329.0 kg / 725 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2008 - 092010
Make ModelKawasaki VN 2000 VulcanHarley Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy
Dimensions
Seat Height690 mm / 26.8 inLaden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in
Wheelbase-1715 mm / 67.5 in
Ground Clearance135 mm / 5.3 in-
Length2535 mm / 99.8 in2445 mm / 96.2 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight332 kg / 732 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20.8 Litres / 5.5 US gal18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-526.0 kg / 1160 lbs
Wet Weight-329.0 kg / 725 lbs
Performance
Top Speed200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph-
Max Power103 hp / 76 kW @ 4800 rpm-
Max Torque177 Nm / 130.5 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm124.7 Nm / 92 ft. lbs @ 3000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.4 sec-
Engine
Displacement2053 cc / 125 cu-in1584 cc / 96 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke103 x 123.2 mm95.25 x 111.25 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:19.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
Fuel Consumption18.1 km/lit-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection, 46mm throttle bodiesElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
IgnitionDigital Single-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignition
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualMulti-plate, wet
Final DriveBeltBelt
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 9.311 / 2nd 6.454 / 3rd 4.793 / 4th 3.882 / 5th 3.307 / 6th 2.790
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble-cradle, high-tensile steelMild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast and forged junctions, forged fender supports; MIG welded
Suspension - Front49 mm telescopic fork.41.3 mm telescopic, chrome dust covers
Suspension - RearSwingarm with mono-shock, rebound damping 8-way Spring preload adjustableHidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over shock
Rake32.0° 31.6°
Trail182 mm147 mm / 5.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear100 mm / 3.9 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipersSingle 292mm disc 4 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 320mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 292mm disc 4 piston caliper
Tyres - Front150/80 R16140/75R17
Tyres - Rear200/60 R16200/55R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan

The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan edges out the 2010 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy thanks to its liquid cooling 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

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Larger displacement: 2053 cc vs 1584 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2010 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Laden 635 mm vs 690 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan vs 2010 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan and 2010 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan uses Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2010 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy is powered by Four stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan or the 2010 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy?
The 2010 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy has the lower seat at Laden 635 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 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan has the edge in liquid cooling and larger displacement, while the 2010 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy stands out for 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.