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"Everything you ever wanted to know about the VLX..."
...but were too shy to ask!
There are a few subtle changes that were made over the years, this page will explain the differences.
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General Specifications
Overall length: 90.0"
Wheelbase: 63.2"
Seat Height: 25.6" Ground Clearance: 5.5"
Frame: Steel Double Cradle
Tires: 100/90 -19" Front, 170/80-15" Rear
Rake: 35 degrees
Trail: 6.5"
Engine: Liquid Cooled SOHC 52 degree V-Twin, 583cc (35.5ci), 3 valves/cylinder, 9.2:1 compression ratio
Transmission: 4 speed
Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gallons (inc. 0.9 reserve)
Style: Cool, and plenty of it! The current rendition of the bike has been modeled after the early 'frisco styled choppers.
*There are several variations to the VLX around the world. European models have a 5 speed tranny that simply splits the 3rd gear (from the 4 speed tranny) into two separate gears, 1st and top gears still retain the same ratios and the 2nd gear ratio is very close between the two. The Asian model "Steed" now has a springer front end, and the Steed is also available in a smaller 400cc version.
More info available at http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/cruiser_standard/model.asp?ModelName=Shadow+VLX+Deluxe&ModelYear=2004&ModelId=VT600CD4 |
88-89/91-93 VLX
The first generation VLX sports dual 34mm carbs, a one piece handlebar, and a 2.4 gallon tank (inc. 0.5 gallon reserve). The engine produces 43HP measured at the crank, dyno readings off the rear tire come in at 37.7HP. Dry weight is 432 pounds, curb weight is 456. Seat height is 27.2" and overall width is 29.9" and the engine covers were cast aluminum. 1990 was a skip year for the model as there was an over-production of 89 models, throughout 1990 dealers were offering the surplus 89 models.
A noteworthy topic: a few late '93 Deluxe test market bikes were released, see the 93-94 section for details. Historical Note: November 1987 saw the first VT-600 Shadows roll off the assembly lines for delivery to the USA. Pictured to the right is a 1989 VLX >>>
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93-94 VLX/VLX Deluxe
In 1993 Honda released a few "test market mules' with two tone paint and chrome engine covers. These bikes saw a very limited production for 1993, in fact the entire state of New York only recieved two of them. Since the VLX Riders Forum opened May 25, 2001, only two members have reported owning a 93 Deluxe and a third member popped in to offer one for sale. Kelley Blue Book doesn't list much of a difference between it and the 93 standard, but try finding one and then tell me that the search was only worth that mediocre difference. <<< Pictured to the left is a stunning example of a 93 Deluxe. The Deluxe versions saw different color patterns along with valve covers, engine casings, and air cleaner that recieved chrome plating. The 93-94 Deluxes also had a button tucked seat (the standard models still retained the aluminum covers and air cleaner along with the smooth seat). A larger 2.9 gallon fuel (inc. 0.9 gallon reserve) tank was also added in 1994 to both versions, and dry weight went up to 445 pounds (439 for the unchromed Standard). Horsepower dropped to 39 ponies at the crank, of which 34.2 make it to the ground. We speculate that EPA standards forced Honda to "de-tune" the engine.
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95-98 VLX/VLX Deluxe
In 1995 we saw another minor alteration, this time the one piece handlebar was swapped out for separate risers and a wider handlebar. The overall width increased to 35" (from the previous 29.9"). The Deluxe models recieved two tone paint on the tank, and in 1997 the two tone extended to the rear fender as well. In 1998 the stainless steel footpegs were replaced with cast aluminum w/O-ring grips, and both the Deluxe and Standard came with a smooth seat versus teh button tucked seat from the prior Deluxes.
Also noteworthy: the '95 Deluxe was released alongside the then new 1100 ACE. Pictured to the right is a Honda file photo of a 98 VLX Deluxe >>>
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1999 to current VLX/VLX Deluxe
1999 saw some minor cosmetic changes, along with a mod to the powerplant as well. Visually, you can see the new duck-tail styled rear fender is now separate from the side covers, unlike the previous 88-98 one piece rear fender/seat cowl. External chrome side rails for mounting a saddlebag and/or backrest are added to the fender.
The frame is slightly modified, lowering seat height to 25.6" bringing the rider about 1 1/2" closer to terra-firma fromthe prior models' 27.2" saddle. This frame mod created a very narrow space between the seat and battery, so the fuel pump was eliminated in favor of a "gravity fed" fuel line. A wider lower handlebar is also featured on the latest rendition of the VLX. The engine now sports a single 34mm carburetor, and this results in 35HP at the crank, of which 30.7 ponies reach the pavement. Two tone paint was initially offered on the 1999 Deluxe models but now the Deluxe has pearl tones. The Standard model now sports a chromed (plastic) air cleaner shared with the Deluxes, but the valve covers and lower casings are still cast aluminum. 2001 brought a minor change, the side stand LED indicator was removed from the speedo.
The VLX disappeared from Honda's line up in 2008, for reasons unknown. Honda never made any official press releases concerning this, the only official releases were recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Shadow name in 08 followed by an announcement that discontinued the 1100 Shadow line. Also noteworthy, Honda closed their Marysville Ohio plant although since they only made 1100cc and larger cruisers there, this had no impact on the VLX line which shipped from Japan. It's possible that there was an over-production of 07 models, resulting in a skip year similar to what transpired in 1990 for the model. <<< Note: the photo at the left depicts aftermarket exhaust, the 99+ VLX retains the same classic tapered style pipes that have been in use since 1988.
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The Next Generation VLX (?)
In southeast Asia, the VLX is called a "Steed" rather than a Shadow. It is also offered in a smaller 30HP/400cc version alongside the 600cc model. As of 2001, the Asian Steed is sporting a factory stock OEM Springer front end, perhaps hinting at the future of yankee models to be.
Perhaps we'll see some other changes as well, no doubt a few cosmetic differences will be the first. Maybe we'll see a dual pin crank and/or 4 valves per cylinder, or an FI model as well. Although all that could essentialy drive up the price. No doubt Honda will stick with the proven design that made it the best selling motorcycle model on a worldwide basis for 1999.
VLX of the Future???
General Specifications
Overall length: 120.0"
Fanbase: 83.2"
Seat Height: 22.5" parked, 28.5" in hover mode
Hovering Ground Clearance: 6", automatic preload compensators
Frame: Titanium Double Cradle w/hydraulic assist monocoque swingarm and mechanical assist brake tilt fan
Hoverfans: 21x3" Front, twin 15x5" Rear
Rake: 50 degrees
Trail: 7.5"
Engine: Liquid Cooled DOHC 52 degree V-Twin, 853cc (50.9ci), single pin crankshaft, 4 valves/cylinder, 12.5:1 compression ratio
Transmission: 4 speed w/electronic counterspin shaft drives
Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gallons (inc. 0.8 reserve)
Style: Classic late-20th century chopper styling cues matched with modern 22nd century performance and handling.
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Custom Accessory Suppliers
Here are some companies that our members have good experience with: Vance&Hines, DG Performance, Cobra, Thunder Manufacturing, JCWhitney catalogs, Dennis Kirk Catalogs, Waynesville Cycle parts, Kellyboards, and everyone loves Bikercom!
The next few items are also good sources for great stuff! |
If you can't find anything unique stateside...
Try your luck with overseas companies. The VLX is MEGA-popular in Europe and many custom accessories can be found from "across the pond." Bikercom carries Highway Hawk and GZM products along with several other Euro-companies, Seeger Cycle Accessories imports AME goodies, and Planet Cruiser imports DPM from France just to name a few.
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A little history...
Our 583cc V-Twin derived from the 83-86 VT-500 motors, our bullet-proof reliability dates back twenty years!
Aside from Harley Davidson engines, you won't find another current production V2 motorcycle engine with as rich of a history as the VT-600 motor. |
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