"Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the VLX..."

There are a few subtle changes that were made over the years, this page will explain the differences.

The VLX rolled off the same assembly line that once belted out the CMX-450 Rebels. The 1980s were plagued with various lawsuits in the motorcycle industry, one of which involved accusations that certain Japanese manufacturers were "stealing" domestic styling designs. Long story made short, the courts decided that two different manufacturers could offer the same body style (re: two different automitve manufacturers could offer V-8 powered four door sedans). Soichiro had previously denied an American styled V2 powered bike that resembled the domestic Softails out of respect, but having been shot down for playing nice in said lawsuit, once the courts made the decision he gave the VLX a green light. The 450 Rebel, one subject of many on that styling dispute, was nixxed and the line was retooled and opened for the all new VT600 Shadow VLX.

And what a thing of beauty it was. All the pieces were symmetric with each other, each piece flowed into the next, right down to the motor itself. It became the styling standard that all cruisers, foreign and domestic alike, would stack up to in the future.

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" has a VLS model sporting a springer front end, and the Steed is also available in a "reduced effect" 400cc versions as well.

Everything detailed on this page is applicable to the North American market.

Pictured above is a 1989 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". 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. 88-89 models have color matched frames in blue and burgandy for both years, 1991 was black on black, and 92 had candy red bodywork on a burgandy frame. All future models would have black frames regardless of body color.

A noteworthy topic: a few late '93 Deluxe test market bikes were released, see the 93-94 section for details.

Historical Note: October 1987 saw the first VT-600 Shadows roll off the assembly lines for delivery to the USA.

Pictured above is a stunning example of a 93 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, with dealerships being allocated two each. Since the VLX Riders Forum opened May 25, 2001, only a handful of members have reported owning a 93 Deluxe. 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. Well, to a lucky buyer it is...

The 94 model year saw two VLX offerings: the VT600C (standard) and VT600CD (deluxe). The standard model came in black with aluminum engine covers every year from 94 on, the deluxe came in alternate colors every year from 94 on and also had chromed engine covers, all for a $300 price increase over the standard. The 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. EPA standards forced motorcycle manufacturers to jet the carbs leaner, resulting in the power loss for this model year on.

Pictured above is a Honda file photo of a 98 VLX Deluxe

The 1995 model year 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 the button tucked seat from the prior Deluxes.

Also noteworthy: the '95 Deluxe was released alongside the then new 1100 ACE.

Photo above depicts aftermarket exhaust, the 99+ VLX retains the same classic tapered style pipes that have been in use since 1988.

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 from the 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. With the single carb mounted starboard, there was now room for a gravity/vacuum fed fuel line...hence no more fuel pump under the seat.

A third designation came to be for 99-01 models, the VT600CD2. Two tone paint was offered on the CD2 models...the stadard C was still black with aluminum engine covers but the CD became black with the deluxe engine covers. By 2002 The CD2 disappeared and the CD was a deluxe offered in single pearl tones. All 99-07 models sport a chromed (plastic) air cleaner. 2001 brought another 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 in 2008 although since they only made 1100cc and larger cruisers there, this had no impact on the VLX line which shipped from Japan.

YOURS!

 At least once you join the forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/vlxriders/start

Whether it's bone stock, mild, or wild...you'll fit in nicely and discover a wealth of information to better enjoy your VLX-perience.

A little history...

The VLX's 583cc V-Twin derived from the 83-87 VT-500 motors, our bullet-proof reliability dates back that far! Much of the original design was retained for the VT600, right down to the heart-shaped combustion chamber. 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.

A comprehensive VLX-istory can be found on the forum: see threads 1324.1 and 23498.1

General Specifications

Overall length: 120.0"
Fanbase: 83.2"
Seat Height: 22.5" parked, 31.5" in hover mode
Hovering Ground Clearance: 9", 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: 4.5"
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: 4.9 gallons (inc. 0.8 reserve)
Style: Classic late-20th century chopper styling cues matched with modern 22nd century performance and handling.