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Honda VT600 Shadow motorcycle review - Riding

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Honda VT600 Shadow (1992-2002)

Detail	Value
Used price range	View Honda VT600 SHADOW bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	583cc
Power	54bhp
Top speed	111mph
Insurance group	11

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

The Honda VT600 Shadow is pretty much the antithesis of the original chopper credo. If the first true chops were all about bad boy, bristly individuality, the 600 Shadow is about as soft, unthreatening and unoriginal as it gets. It’s bland, novice-friendly and safe and predictable, but you’;ve really got to ask yourself if you want that sort of thing. Neither is it anywhere near as versatile as Yamaha’s XV535 Virago.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Honda VT600 Shadow's engine is soft, soft, soft. Detuned, three-valve, liquid-cooled shaft drive V-twin is about as unthreatening as a 600cc motorcycle engine gets. That said it’s smooth, effective in a commutery sort of way and rock solid reliable. Just don’t expect adrenalin overload.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

More softness, but not to universal success. The Honda VT600 Shadow’s riding position is more laid-back than rivals such as the Yamaha Virago putting more weight on your backside and making it less comfortable over distance. Nor is it a handler with that short travel rear suspension, kicked out forks, skinny front tyre and weedy brakes. Good for shorties, though…

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Honda VT600 Shadow is fairly run of the mill. The Shadow’s been given what you’d expect from a middleweight, budget-priced cruiser, no more and no less, and being a custom, that doesn’t add up to much so don’t plan on taking pillions often or going far.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Being a Honda is a plus in terms of build quality. Being a budget one, knocks it down a peg or two (the suspension and brakes are strictly bargain bin, for example). Overall, however, the Honda VT600 Shadow, holds no fears under it’s metalflake paint and as its engineering is massively understressed, you shouldn’t fear any thrashed examples, either…

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Honda VT600 Shadow is one of the pricier bikes in the class (compared to rivals such as the Yamaha XV535) when launched and rarity keeps its value up, too. But unless you’re completely sold on the style, you’d be much better off with the better (and more plentiful) Yamaha XV535. Find a Honda VT600 for sale.

Insurance group: 11

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1992: Honda VT600 Shadow launched.
1993: New graphics, larger fuel tank, indicators now mounted on bottom yoke.
1997: New direct air injection system, new single carburettor.
2002: Honda VT600 Shadow discontinued.

None

Specifications

Top speed	111mph
1/4-mile acceleration	13.7 secs
Power	54bhp
Torque	38ftlb
Weight	196kg
Seat height	690mm
Fuel capacity	11 litres
Average fuel consumption	43mpg
Tank range	110 miles
Insurance group	11

Engine size	583cc
Engine specification	52-degree 6v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame	Steel tube double cradle
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	Single 296m disc
Rear brake	160mm drum
Front tyre size	100/90 x 19
Rear tyre size	170/80 x 15

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Owners' Overall Rating (1 review)

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Good to be back!

steveh46

Average rating

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Ride and Handling
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Quality and Reliabilty
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Perfect 'starter' cruiser for born again biker. Will cruise happily at 80-90, very reliable, good fun and still turns a few heads. Just returned from 500 mile one day trip, no problems at all!

06 August 2007