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question:Doug writes: "I am looking at Shadows. This will be my first street bike. How will a 600 be with two riders. It will be me and my wife. Anything you can tell me will help. Some say I should get at least a 750. However when I sit on them I like the feel of the 600 better. But I am unsure of the power. Thanks, Doug" |
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answer: Good timing on your note. Keep in mind that as of February 2003 I've only been riding for a year (although I'm a car nut from the second I could legally drive). Just yesterday I rode my buddy's year 2000 Triumph Tiger (855cc) a few twisty miles. The VLX 600 has plenty of power. You won't wheelie or do burn outs, but I doubt you'll ever lack for power. I only ride single (one up), and I'm a small guy (5 foot 8 inches, 150 lbs). I ride around town all the time. The VLX has great acceleration - at least as good as a V8 car. At highway speeds (65 mph) it is a bit slower. Wind resistance is a huge factor. The VLX still does well, but not as well as from 0 to 45 mph. It will cruise easily at 70 mph, but it feels like a taller last gear would help. The VLX is a great bike, and there are plenty of good used machines out there at good prices. You could drive it for a year or two, and trade it for almost what you paid for it. Or you might just love it and keep it for a long time. The VLX has a huge following. If you want to do serious miles, I'm guessing that you'd like it, but would trade up after a year. Bigger bikes are smoother, and often handle a little better. The Triumph Tiger was amazing. First, it has a TON more power. With the VLX, you can usually twist the throttle as far as you want and you won't scare yourself. No so the Tiger. Very smooth and it doesn't redline until something over 8000 rpm. Cruisers like the VLX probably redline below 6000. Second, the Tiger has better cornering manners. Cornering is more like a telepathic connection. Third, the Tiger engine is very smooth - more revs don't result in the kind of increased vibration that the VLX has. Last was the riding position. The Tiger has a kind of touring seating position where the feet take some of the pressure off the butt. Riding a modern dual/sport was a real eye opener. Will you like a VLX? Sure thing. You'd like probably like a larger Shadow or maybe even a Harley Sporster. For me budget is a factor, so a 1996 VLX in really good condition for $3200 was a great deal. My butt falls asleep on the VLX after an hour. However, plenty of people tour on VLXs. They take a break every hour. No problem because the tank only holds 2.9 gallons of fuel, and 0.9 gallons of that is the reserve. You'll be fueling every 90 miles or so. Did you know that the VLX is a Harley imitation, right down to the semi-single pin crank? The Honda doesn't quite have the HD "potato-patato" engine note, but it is close. The result is vibration. Around town it's cool. It feels like you really are on a great machine. At highway speeds it is just an annoying buzz. The stock exhaust note is firm, a tad loud, but not anti-social. The transmission is only 4 speed. False neutrals aren't much of a problem. Once is a while I'll miss 2nd gear and end up in neutral if I don't give it a firm enough kick. Down shifting is a tad clunky. The tranny doesn't want to shift when the bike is stopped, or at very slow speeds. I down shift before I get to 5 mph. If you are stopped, a light slip of the clutch will help it drop into a lower gear. I've mindlessly stopped in 3rd gear, and had to do the clutch/downshift thing a few times to get into 1st. The VLX is very reliable. The engine is a 52 degree (the angle of the V bwtween the two cylinders) V2 with 583cc. It has a chain driven overhead cam, 3 valves per cylinder. There are little valve adjustment access covers in the vavle covers. Spark control is electronic with dual coils and two spark plugs per cylinder. Water cooled means that it won't overheat, and runs at a nice constant temp no matter what the outside temp is. Not a drop of oil leaks, even after 20,000 miles. The cooling system seems solid too, however, the water pump is the lowest part of the engine. I had an email note from a gal who hit a big rock and took out her water pump. Ouch. The VLX Deluxe has fancier paint, and a lot of chrome. My VLX was the right bike at the right price and just incidently is a Deluxe. I didn't think much of it, but I get compliments all the time. The chrome really makes a difference. This bike looks great. The VLX is somewhat limited when it comes to accessories. Due to pricing, features, and low seat height, the VLX is often considered a beginner bike. It is a serious machine, but many long term riders end up on the larger Shadows (and other cruisers, of course). There are a better selection of accessories for the larger Shadows. The pillion seat is kind of small. I don't know that I'd want to spend a lot of time up there. I hope all this helps. I love to hear about other people's bike (and car) experiences, so drop me a note, especially if you getting back on a bike, or are a beginner. Cheers, Tom. matching terms: 19 |
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| question:Janine from Michigan had some qustions that I'll paraphrase. She's 5 feet zero inches tall. She is riding a 2005 Honda VLX and loving it. Gifted with short legs, she had trouble reaching the shifter so she had the dealer install a heel/toe shifter. She also got them to add a windscreen. Her questions: What about seat height? Even on the VLX she's only toes-down when stopped. Why does she still get a lot of wind even with the windshield? | ||
answer: Thanks for writing, Janine. I'll get the short answers first. The VLX is a great bike. I'm glad you are enjoying it, and I think you'll have even more fun as time goes on. Most of us have to flip down our face shield at 35 mph and over. Seat height is a common problem, although after you've been riding a couple of years it is less nerve-racking. Aftermarket parts are fine (some after market parts are superior to original equipment), although I would be careful of lowering kits. You might like a motorcycle magazine, and I strongly recomment David Hough's book "Proficient Motorcycling". My review of "Proficient Motorcycling" The magazine "Motorcyclist" is good, and covers everything. Every issue has riding tips and tech articles. It's oriented towards sportier bikes, but has loads of bike and gear reviews. The current (November 2005) issue has part 2 of a big article about helments. Great stuff. When I started riding, I discovered many small things that bikers all know, but don't much talk about. Every bike I've owned requires the face shield down about 35 mph, and certainly at 45 mph and above. My BMW has a fairly tall windscreen, but riding around town I had to flip down my face shield (before I added a Laminar Lip). I've got a nice helmet so that's not a problem, but riding around town I'm constantly flipping it up and down. My BMW windscreen plus the Laminar Lip gives good protection. I can usually ride around town with my face shield up. That said, safety people recommend flipping down the face shield so you don't take a bug to the eye/face. Some companies make tall, touring style windscreens. Some of these products are kind of pricey. I've had a couple of bikes where I was either only toes down, or couldn't really get both feet flat. However, that was after I'd been riding for a couple of years! Of course, it only matters when stopped or in parking lots, but toe-down-only makes life interesting. The VLX is about as low as they come. I think it is 28 inches. There might be one bike that's 27 or 26 inches. I'm trying to remember. It may have been one of the larger Harley Dynas. Expensive. Here's an idea: custom seat. This might get you an inch lower. Some saddle makers can make a thiner, narrower saddle. This is a common change on bikes, especially the taller dual-sport bikes. Price is kind of high:$200 to $400. Makers I've heard of are: Russell (excellent), Corbin (excellent), and Sargeant (pretty good). The VLX is a beginner bike, so the aftermarket support is weak. Still, phone calls and email to the saddle people are free, so it's worth checking into. The VLX is a great value, and I am supportive of you not wanting to sink a load of money into it. Most aftermarket parts are fine. Some are better tha original equipment. All the windscreens I've seen are good quality. I'm talking about Givi, Zero Gravity, National Cycles. Better brands of saddle are good. The questionable parts are mostly quasi-racing parts for sport bikes. This FAQ might be interesting: Noemi's Short Bike List FAQ matching terms: 8 |
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question:I'm looking into getting a new 2002 Shadow VLX for around $5000. Overall is the Shadow VLX worth the money and is it a good bike to start out on for a first time rider? Also, any pro's/con's of the bike? Thanks |
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answer: The 600cc Shadow VLX is a great bike. It also tops my list for beginner bikes - it was my first bike. I've confirmed this with more experienced riders too. A 250cc bike is probably too small for most people. After riding my VLX, riding a Rebel at the MSF course felt kinda dinky. My height is 5 feet, 8 inches. Pros: Post 1999 carb improvements, good solid front disk, very predictable, not top heavy (which is nice when parking), reliable, good resale value, big enough to tour, average after market parts availability (the newer bikes like the 2000 you are look at have more stuff available), water cooled engine, offset crank pin gives traditional Harley engine note with less vibration, starts and runs great even at 32 degrees F, fuel valve can stay on all the time - turn it off only for long term storage. Cons: The seat position can feel cramped after just an hour, mirrors vibrate at nearly all speeds due to the imitation Harley engine design, I could wish for more aftermarket parts, especially hard cases, magazine reviews say the front disk is weak (feels fine to me), red line rpms are pretty low, there's no tach, no fuel gauge either - the trip odometer does the trick, fuel capacity is low (2.9 gallons - although this keeps the bike from being top heavy, and I need to get off the bike after an hour anyway), when you drop the bike the handlebar puts a little ding in the tank, like most bikes the turn signals aren't self canceling, manual choke is ok but it is in an odd location. Not that we care what other people think, but the VLX (especially the Deluxe) is a great looking bike. I get compliments all the time. Mine had a windshield when I got it, and that makes a >huge< improvement at highway speeds. I added locking hard bags and I really like them. matching terms: 7 |
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| question:Can you give more details and/or examples of the handling and power of the Honda Shadow VLX? What about two up riding? How it is climbing long hills? | ||
answer: Paul from Tennessee wrote me this great note: "I enjoyed your review of the VLX Shadow 600. I would say you hit it right on the nose with everything. From being a little high geared on takeoff, but adequate. From being buzzy above about 65mph, but capable of running at that speed. From being reliable and it fits like a glove at least for a medium size rider. I am 5 foot 9 inch but short legged (28 inch inseam) and relatively same length arms. It fits me better than most any bike I have sat on. It is a good beginner bike, but not restricted to beginners. It will do anything including long cruises, but not ideal for long cruises as buzzy at over 65MPH. By the way, I am 66 years old, started ridng again in 2001 after 35 years of not riding. I took the safety course and bought a new 2001 VLX 600 in May of 2001. I have put 50450 miles on it as of today, Jan 10, 2005. I ride mostly back roads in east TN, west NC, and north GA, south KY. Live in Sevierville near Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, etc. We have some beautiful backroad riding, including the Dragon which I am sure you have heard of (318 curves in 11 miles). But, there are many roads that equal that. We haul the MC in a pickup pulled behind our Motorhome and it has been ridden in many places from Canada to FL, Co, UT, VA, NC etc. I have ridden nearly all of the Blueridge Parkway, one of my favorite roads, 469 miles of no commercial traffic with 45 mph speed limit and view after view. It runs along ridge of the Appalchian Mountains from Cherokee, NC to VA. When in CO, we rode double up to top of Rocky Mt National Park pass, 12200 feet elevation. No problem, it is a third gear road at mostly 35 to 40 mph, but the 600 went up no problems. It has not been in the shop except for normal maintenance,like valve adjustments. I do oil changes, and other routine maintenace myself (like change radiator fluid, brake fluid, chain adjust and lube). I replaced the chain at 37000 miles with a non-Honda chain. I get a regular 63 to 65 mpg fuel consumption. I am very happy with the bike for my use, but wish they made the same style in a 750 or 800 cc model. Or, even with a 5 speed. It is a bit weak with two up on Interstate at 65 mph. But, I only get on the Interstate for brief times. " He also comments on two up riding and the power: "It does ok two up, but as I said a little weak at Interstate speeds above 65mph. In Colorado, on way to friends in Durango we were camped outside of town (west of town). There is a steep hill which I let myself get into at about 50MPH and was wide open throttle to maintain. But, dropped to 3rd gear (the VLX only has 4 speeds) and it will run 55 or 60 in 3rd (wound up a bit). So, it has its limits. But elevation out there if I remeber was in the 6000 foot range. We rode up to top of Rocky Mt National park (12200 feet double but it is basically a 35 to 40 mph trip, so I just stayed in 3rd). I weigh about 195 stripped and probably over 205 with all the gear I wear. My wife is around 124 stripped and probably close to 135 with all the gear. It is not a hot performing bike but a heck of a nice reliable machine for practically anyone's needs. The VLX can't brag about being 2000cc or doing 130 mph, or doing 5 seconds in quarter mile, but good for riding most of us do. " Thanks Paul! matching terms: 7 |
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| question:Will the Vance & Hines Cruzers pipes fit early (pre-1998) VLX's? | ||
answer: Herbert researched this and kindly replies: "I have received confirmation from a few shadow rider who use Vance & Hines pipe, the Cruzers, on their 1988, 1992 & 1997 VLX. Although V&H stated that the pipes only for 98 and above, in fact it fit nicely to all shadow VLX 600 model frm 1988, without any modification to mount it. V&H has revised their advertisement in CruiserCustomizing.com. As for jetting, usually they use 118-125 main jet with Cruzers pipe. Regards Herbert" Great! Thanks, Herbert!
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| question:Can the VLX be customized? What kind of options are available for building my personalized Shadow VT600? | ||
answer: Richard from the Shadow Shack writes: "Good write up, although I have to disagree about the lacking aftermarket accessories and support (although you may have written that earlier on, Y2K brought on lots of goods). Greater stuff can be had from overseas. Anyways check out my homepage at http://shadow-shack.20m.com/ for my VLXes." Richard has a cool collection of bikes, including some beautiful VLX customs. It's time for me to update my VLX review. matching terms: 4 |
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| question:What motorcycle can I get if I'm not very tall, or I just want something with a low seat height? | ||
answer: Geraldine (another VLX owner) writes: "As for "vertically challenged" riders, the Yamaha 650 custom and 650 Classic (V-Stars) have low seats, the Custom (I believe) being a bit lower than the Classic. The Classic is 50 pounds heavier and looks "beefier". I personally don't care for the tank-mounted speedos on them, but I like the idea of the shaft-drive. I'm 5' 7", 140 pounds and the VLX fit me perfectly, and my feet were flat on the ground with my knees bent." My additional comments: Short riders aren't limited to cruiser style bikes. The BMW F650 and Honda CBR600 have factory lowering kits available. The Honda CBR is probably not an ideal beginner bike. There may be lower seat options or a lowering kit for the Suzuki SV650. Remember that seat height isn't the whole picture. Weight is important when you pull up at a stop, or are trying to park the bike. Your standard cruiser is heavier than the F650 or SV650. Another factor is the test ride. You can sign up for demo rides at many of the larger summer motorcycle shows. The only dealers I know of that allow test rides are BMW dealers. matching terms: 3 |
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| question:FAQ 124 Where can I get an inexpensive lift for my cruiser. I've got a Honda Shadow VLX, but a generic motorcycle lift would be fine. | ||
answer: There is a lift for the Shadow, and it may work for other cruisers too: http://sa750.com/toolman/toolman.htm |
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| question:FAQ 125: What can I do for a more comfortable seat on the Honda Shadow VLX (VT600CD)? I haven't bought a Shadow yet, and I'm trying to decide if the Shadow 600 will have enough power for me. | ||
answer: Brad from Indiana kindly answers: I got my Mustang seat from my local Honda dealer after reading a lot of reviews and talking to a couple of other riders. The Honda stock seat is in my opinion the weak point for this bike. You can buy the seat on line from Mustang. Web site is mustangseats.com. I bought the wide regal touring seat for $370.model 75172. I like the way they extended the passenger Pillion to give extra back support to the driver. I also ordered it because of the enlarged passenger pillion to help encourage my wife to ride with me. I looked also at the Corbin seats, but didnt like the style, also saw more positive comments on mustang seats in the reviews. I am happy with the power on the 600 for my type of riding. I live in central Indiana and ride rural roads to work (30 miles). I enjoy cruising country roads at around 50 mph. I think it may need a bit more power if I was to do much interstate riding. Although it will cruise ok at 70MPH there is not enough power to accelerate out of danger if someone starts to move over on you. It really feels like it could use a 5th gear. I am considering buying a used Kawasaki Nomad or a Honda Shadow 1100 in the next year or so. Harleys are just to rich for my blood. I could never understand why you would pay $18000 for a motorcycle and then begin to rip it apart and buy another $5000 in parts for it. Brad |
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| question:FAQ 123 Where can I get a Honda sissy bar like the one pictured on your Honda Shadow VLX? | ||
answer: Nanci kindly writes: I paid $125 + shipping ($145 total) for the sissy bar/backrest which I purchased on eBay. But, I also received part numbers from the local Honda dealer here (Al's Honda - Bellingham, WA 360-733-1000) and was quoted a fairly reasonable price of $156 - not bad for a dealer. Here are the part numbers: 08111-MR100 & 08111-MR150. Unfortunately, I have know idea who the manufacturer might be but possibly you could coerce that information out of them. Thanks Nanci! |
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| question:I'm going to trailer my bike for the first time. My trailer has a chock (stop) for the front wheel, and I bought some nice ratchet straps. However, my friends are giving me somewhat different advice from the diagram on the strap package. Any thoughts? | ||
answer: I've trailered a few times, and I always used at least 4 straps. I'm not an expert, but I can share my experiences. First off, while 4 straps is probably fine, I'd use at least 6. Next, I like to pull over every so often and check the strap tension (and the trailer tires and even the hubs to make sure the trailer wheel bearings are ok, and the hitch, etc.) Clearly you want two in front and two rear pulling out towards the side to keep the bike upright. My next requirement is that one set of straps keeps the bike from rolling forward, and one set keeps it from rolling back. It you have a wheel chock or stop in front, you can probably make the straps pull forward. I have a little utility trailer without a chock, so I have to make sure the bike can't roll. I try to get the front straps around the bars hear the top triple-tree clamp since that is both central and solid. I usually add one extra strap on each side, just as a backup, so I have at least 6 straps. Once everything is ready to go I rock the bike in all directions to make sure it can't shift, and that if it moves a little, the straps won't come unhooked. Ratchet straps are good. I've had cam-lock straps come loose and I never use them on the bike. By the way, I also had a long end of a strap go under the trailer tire. I was lucky, and I was watching for just that kind of problem in the rear view mirror, so I caught it quick. It frayed the end of the strap. I pulled over and tied up the strap. matching terms: 1 |
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