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Difference between revisions of "Honda VT600C"
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Sometimes the big Japanese factories seem to work in concert. In fact, it's difficult to prevent leaks between neighboring design studios. Most products that come on the market are the result of detailed studies of customer preference; thus it's inevitable that they have similar themes and features. | |||
==Variations on the Same Theme== | |||
In 1988, the [[Yamaha XV535]] beat the Honda VT600 Shadow into the market. The former turned out to be more popular than the latter; it had less customer appeal Nevertheless, Honda was no stranger to the world of medium-capacity custom bikes. In 1979 it had launched the [[Honda CX500C|CX500 Custom]], followed by the [[Honda VT500C|VT500C]], which gave way in 1987 to the Shadow. This time, [[Honda]] didn't do things by halves, presenting a genuine Low Rider whose specification lacked for nothing. | |||
==Looking the Part== | |||
With its tiny (0.3 gallon) tear drop tank, sparkling bodywork, softly curving dual seat and a V-twin engine, the Shadow looked great. However, its all-American look concealed the latest Japanese technology. Though it appeared to have a rigid frame, in fact it possessed an effective cantilever suspension. The 52-degree v-twin had offset cranks rather than the more common forked connecting rods in the interest of the best possible balance, and a single overhead camshaft per cylinder controlled three valves, a favorite technology of Honda's since the [[Honda CB400T|CB400T]] of 1978. It was the secret of the excellent torque of the engine, which meant that four speeds were sufficient. | |||
==1988== | ==1988== | ||
[[Image:1988_honda_Vt600c.jpg|left|thumb|1988 Honda VLX]] | [[Image:1988_honda_Vt600c.jpg|left|thumb|1988 Honda VLX]] | ||