Honda VT600C: history, specs, pictures
The Honda VT600C was a cruiser motorcycle produced by Honda from 1988 to 2007. It is more commonly known as the Shadow VLX although some people call it the Shadow 600. A deluxe model was produced from 1993-1998 (VT600CD). It could reach a top speed of 89 mph (143 km/h). Max torque was 38.36 ft/lbs (52.0 Nm) @ 3500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 42.11 HP (31.4 KW) @ 6500 RPM.
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| Honda VT600 | |
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Also called | VLX Shadow |
| Production | 1988 - 1994 |
| Class | Cruiser |
| Engine | v2, four-stroke |
| Bore / Stroke | 75.0mm x 66.0mm |
| Top Speed | 89 mph (143 km/h) |
| Horsepower | 42.11 HP (31.4 KW) @ 6500RPM |
| Torque | 38.36 ft/lbs (52.0 Nm) @ 3500RPM |
| Air Filter | K&N HA-6199 `99-07[1] |
| Spark Plug | NGK DPR8EA-9 '04-07 |
| Battery | YUASA YTZ10S '04-07 |
| Transmission | Gear box: 4-speed Final Drive: chain |
| Final Drive | Chain: 525x120 |
| Front Sprocket | 16T |
| Rear Sprocket | 44T |
| Brakes | Front: single disc Rear: expanding brake |
| Front Tire | 100/90-19 |
| Rear Tire | 170/80-15 |
| Seat Height | 26.38 inches (670 mm) |
| Weight | 407.86 pounds (185.0 Kg) (dry), 212.0 kg (wet) |
| Recommended Oil | Honda GN4 10W-40 |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.91 Gallon (11.00 Liters) |
| Manuals | Service Manual |
DescriptionEdit
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 ThemeEdit
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 CX500 Custom, followed by the 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 PartEdit
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 CB400T of 1978. It was the secret of the excellent torque of the engine, which meant that four speeds were sufficient.
EngineEdit
The engine was a liquid cooled v2, four-stroke. A 75.0mm bore x 66.0mm stroke result in a displacement of just 583.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a overhead cams (ohc).
DriveEdit
The bike has a 4-speed transmission.
ChassisEdit
It came with a 100/90-19 front tire and a 170/80-15 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via single disc in the front and a expanding brake in the rear. The VT600C was fitted with a 2.91 Gallon (11.00 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 407.86 pounds (185.0 Kg).
ModificationsEdit
1988Edit
The VT600C'88 Shadow VLX was sold in 1988 and was available in one of two colors: Candy Wave Blue or Candy Wineberry Red. The frame was color matched to the body work. It had a single shock rear suspension. The engine was a 583cc SOHC 3-valve liquid-cooled V-twin linked to a 4-speed transmission through a chain drive. The serial number began JH2PC210*JM000001
1989Edit
The VT600C'89 Shadow VLX was sold in 1989 and was available in one of two colors: Candy Wave Blue Or Candy Wineberry Red. The "Shadow VLX" logo on the tank was in script. the serial number began JH2PC210*KM100001
1991Edit
The VT600C'91 Shadow VLX was sold in 1991 and was available in one color: Black. The serial number began JH2PC210*MM200004
1992Edit
The VT600C'92 Shadow VLX was sold in 1992 and was available in one color: Candy Glory Red. The serial number began JH2PC210*NM300004.
1993Edit
The VT600C'93 Shadow VLX was sold in 1993 and was available in one color: Black. The serial number began JH2PC210*PM400001.
1994Edit
The VT600C'94 Shadow VLX was sold in 1994 and was available in one of two colors: Black or Candy Glory Red. The serial number began JH2PC210*RM100001.
1995Edit
The VT600C'95 Shadow VLX was sold in 1995 and was available in one of two colors: Black or Candy Glory Red. The gas tank was redesigned. The "SHADOW" tank logo was redesigned. The serial number began JH2PC210*SM600001.
1996Edit
The VT600C'96 Shadow VLX was sold in 1996 and was available in one color: Black. The serial number began JH2PC210*TM700001.
1997Edit
The VT600C'97 Shadow VLX was sold in 1997 and was available in one color: Black. The serial number began JH2PC210*VM800001.
1998Edit
2001Edit
The VT600C'01 Shadow VLX was sold in 2001
- Engine Type: Liquid cooled, 52° V-twin, single pin crank
- Displacement: 583cc
- Bore and Stoke: 75mm x 66mm
- Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
- Valve Train: SOHC, 3 valve per cylinder
- Carburetion: Twin 34mm, diaphragm-type CV
- Transmission: Wide-Ratio, 4-speed
- Final Drive: "O" ring chain
- Front Suspension: 39mm fork, 145mm travel
- Rear Suspension: Single shock with 7-way spring preload adjustment, 90mm travel
- Front Tire: 100/90H-19
- Rear Tire: 170/80H-15
- Front Brakes: Single 296mm disc with twin piston caliper
- Rear Brakes: Mechanical drum
- Seat Height: 650mm (25.6")
- Wheelbase: 1605mm (63.2")
- Dry Weight: 202 kg (445 lb)
- Fuel Capacity: 12.0 liters
- Color: Black
2003Edit
2003 VT600C'03 comes in one color: Black
- Engine: 583cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin
- Compression ratio: 9.2:1
- Transmission: Four-speed
- Driveline: O-ring-sealed chain
- Front tire 100/90-19
- Rear tire: 170/80-15
- Seat height: 650mm (25.6 in.)
- Wheelbase: 1600mm (63.0 in.)
- Dry weight: 205 kg (452 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 11 liters
2004Edit
2004 Shadow VLX 600
- Engine Type: 583cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin
- Bore and Stroke: 75.0mm x 66.0mm
- Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
- Valve Train: SOHC; three valves per cylinder
- Carburetion: Single 34mm diaphragm-type CV
- Ignition: CD with electronic advance, two spark plugs per cylinder
- Transmission: Wide-ratio four-speed
- Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain
- Front Suspension: 39mm fork; 5.7-inch travel
- Rear Suspension: Single-shock with seven-position spring-preload adjustability; 3.5-inch travel
- Front Brake: Single-disc with twin-piston caliper
- Rear Brake: Drum
- Front Tire: 100/90-19
- Rear Tire: 170/80-15
- Wheelbase: 63.0 inches
- Seat Height: 25.6 inches
- Dry Weight: 452.0 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
- Emissions: California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.
- Available Colors: Black
- Model ID: VT600C
- Warranty: 1 year
2005 Shadow VLX 600Edit
- Engine Type: 583cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin
- Bore and Stroke: 75.0mm x 66.0mm
- Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
- Valve Train: SOHC; three valves per cylinder
- Carburetion: Single 34mm diaphragm-type CV
- Ignition: CD with electronic advance, two spark plugs per cylinder
- Transmission: Wide-ratio four-speed
- Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain
- Front Suspension: 39mm fork; 5.7-inch travel
- Rear Suspension: Single-shock with seven-position spring-preload adjustability; 3.5-inch travel
- Front Brake: Single-disc with twin-piston caliper
- Rear Brake: Drum
- Front Tire: 100/90-19
- Rear Tire: 170/80-15
- Wheelbase: 63.0 inches
- Seat Height: 25.6 inches
- Dry Weight: 452.0 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
- Emissions: California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.
- Available Colors: Black
- Model ID: VT600C
- Warranty: 1 year
2006Edit
2007Edit
In MediaEdit
ReferencesEdit
- ↑ 2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog. K&L Supply Co. 2019.
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