- This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 1 month ago by Jeff in Kentucky.
A good, cheap second bike, not for beginners
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March 21, 2010 at 1:08 pm #3774Jeff in KentuckyParticipant
My 2002 Honda Shadow VLX 600cc is not a good beginner’s bike- the clutch is a little tricky and abrupt, the feet forward cruiser pegs are more difficult than standard pegs below the seat, and the single carb 1999 to 2007 version badly needs rejetting, an oiled foam air filter, and a freer flowing exhaust to take off better. The 1988 to 1998 VLX had two carbs, and the 1999 to 2007 VLX only has one carb, for better gas mileage and a cleaner exhaust, but less horsepower. The two biggest problems are the auto fuel valve on the 1999 to 2007 version often fails and needs to be bypassed, and the gas tank mounts often need to be made thicker so the gas tank does not rattle.
The very low seat height is best for someone less than 5 feet 8 inches tall. I added both a Dynojet kit and a Dial-a-Jet to increase the fuel to the engine with a freer flowing intake and exhaust. I only know of one person that has had to rebuild their VLX engine, after 300,000 miles on it. It takes a long time to warm up the engine, even with rejetting- I always pull out the choke knob all the way to start it, and after it starts I put the choke knob in except the last quarter inch, let the engine warm up while parked for about three minutes while I put on my helmet and gloves, and rev the engine a little while pulling the clutch lever in and out a few times to better oil the clutch plates, then ride it about half a mile before putting the choke knob in all the way, after getting past several stop signs. Adding four NGK iridium spark plugs make it start better, especially at 40 degrees F, and these spark plugs last a lot longer than the stock steel plugs, which should be replaced every 4,000 miles according to the owner’s manual.
This professional customizer for Cobra can afford to ride a $50,000 custom Harley, but he chooses to ride a bike like mine as his daily driver, with a small amount of customization:
http://www.metricthunder.com/mt/2005/08/from_average_to.html
March 22, 2010 at 1:04 am #25044ScikoticParticipantMarch 24, 2010 at 10:49 pm #25148Jeff in KentuckyParticipantMine is also red but with no custom paint added, and it needs a new front fender because I ride in the winter when it is at least 40 degrees F and it gets covered with salt and is rusty. The single-pin crankshaft gives it more vibration and less power, but a better sound. My favorite modifications are thicker fork oil and a gel seat pad, along with rejetting and more airflow for a little more power when taking off from a stoplight. I also added a 110 width front tire on the stock rim, for a little better cornering, and raised up the front fender a little so the tire fits. The VLX is styled like a Harley Softail, but with half the engine size and one third the price.
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