MotoSpecs

2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster vs 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
109 kW 146 hp @ 5750rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
367 kg / 807 lbs
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
Full Specifications
General
Year20102008 - 09
Make ModelTriumph Rocket III RoadsterKawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan
Dimensions
Seat Height750 mm / 29.5 in690 mm / 26.8 in
Wheelbase1695 mm / 66.7 in-
Ground Clearance-135 mm / 5.3 in
Height1165 mm / 45.8 in-
Length2500 mm / 98.3 in2535 mm / 99.8 in
Width970 mm / 38.2 in (Handlebars)-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight320 kg / 704 lbs332 kg / 732 lbs
Fuel Capacity24 Litres / 6.3 US gal / 5.3 Imp gal20.8 Litres / 5.5 US gal
Wet Weight367 kg / 807 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed-200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph
Max Power109 kW 146 hp @ 5750rpm103 hp / 76 kW @ 4800 rpm
Max Torque221Nm / 22.5 kgf-m / 163 ft.lbs @ 2750rpm177 Nm / 130.5 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-13.4 sec
Engine
Displacement2294 cc / 140 cu in2053 cc / 125 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101.6 x 94.3 mm103 x 123.2 mm
Compression Ratio8.7:19.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption-18.1 km/lit
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injectionElectronic fuel injection, 46mm throttle bodies
IgnitionDigital inductive type via electronic engine management Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plateWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveShaftBelt
Gear Ratios1st: 41/14 / 2nd: 37/19 / 3rd: 33/23 / 4th: 29/25 / 5th: 27/281st 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 / Drive5 Speed, constant mesh5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel, twin spineDouble-cradle, high-tensile steel
Suspension - FrontKayaba 43 mm upside down forks49 mm telescopic fork.
Suspension - RearKayaba black spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preloadSwingarm with mono-shock, rebound damping 8-way Spring preload adjustable
Rake32°32.0°
Trail148 mm / 5.8 in182 mm
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear105 mm / 4.1 in100 mm / 3.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 316 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 320mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front150/80 V17150/80 R16
Tyres - Rear250/50 V16200/60 R16
Wheels - FrontAlloy 5-spoke, 17 x 3.5in-
Wheels - RearAlloy 5-spoke, 16 x 7.5in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster

The 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster edges out the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 109 kW 146 hp @ 5750rpm vs 103 hp - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 221Nm 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 367 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 690 mm vs 750 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster vs 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster and 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
The 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster 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 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster or the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan is lighter at 332 kg compared to 367 kg for the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster - a difference of 35 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster or the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
The 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster produces more peak power at 109 kW 146 hp @ 5750rpm, compared to 103 hp for the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster 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 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster sits higher at 750 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster or the 2009 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
Both are strong choices. The 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster has the edge in more peak power and higher torque, 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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