1995 Honda Shadow VT600C VLX

Pros: Great starter with reasonable power and quick response, Price!
Cons: Perhaps underpowered for seasoned riders, Not passenger appropriate!

I bought this bike (my first!) about 2 months ago. Since then, I've traveled about 4,500 miles, including temperatures ranging from about 20F to 90F and weather from sunny and clear to dark and dank to rain and hail! I took the motorcycle safety ...

Pros: Decent predictable power, fair two up comfort, beginners to veterans alike should enjoy this bike.
Cons: buzzy at sustained 75mph riding, cheaply & easily fixed with alternate sized sprockets.

I acquired mine as a trade in late 1998, I had a 1500 Vulcan that was a constant source of rind peeling exercises which I traded "down" for a 95 Shadow VLX. Considering the VLX hasn't shed any parts or liquids like the Vulcan once did so frequently, ...

Pros: Stable, great styling, cheap, makes a good first bike.
Cons: Not so reliable, cramped for tall people, very very weak.

I acquired my vlx as a repair project. After putting around $1100 into it (including the cost of the bike) I have been riding it for 4 years. It was my first bike and overall I am very satisfied with it. However, I do have some small annoyances. First, I ...

Pros: Reliable, easy get on and off, easy maintenence, easy on tires and chains.
Cons: Acceleration limited!  Passenger accomodations limited, long distance comfort limited.  Horn poor.  Lights poor.

The Honda VLX 600 is a good, reliable piece of machinery.  Perhaps the most reliable motorcycle I have owned, it justs goes and goes with minimal maintenence.  MPG is from 59 to 65!!!  Tire wear is minimal and tires (ME 880's) regularly go about 15,000 miles or more.  This is more tire life than any other bike I have owned!.   It does need a change of sprockets which is easily done at the first chain replacement.  This will lower the rpm on the interstate.  Don't expect to pass a lot of vehicles on the highway.  I always considered 80 mph about top speed although it will do 87 mph in a pinch!

Pros: Low center of gravity makes it perfect for those who are vertically challenged.
Cons: After about 2 hours, your butt needs a break!

I am a 5'4" female and I have ridden this bike for 2 full seasons now and I LOVE IT!
Last summer my hubby and I rode through the Cascade Mountains in Washington State and I had no trouble keeping up with him. The bike handles great in the "twisties" and has enough power to make you feel at home on the highway. I can go 200 kilometers before I have to worry about fueling up, which is a whopping 7 litres!

Pros: great bike for city and short trips
Cons: none

Riding motorcycles for 45 years from 125 cc to 1500 cc range. Different terrain and different road and wether conditions. currently own 3 Hondas: Rebel - 250 cc, Shadow VT 600, and Gold Wing. from all 3 prefer The Shadow the most as all around bike. Excellent to ride in the city. Easy to move among the cars, parking, and has enough power for hills climbing. Great for short trips as well. Do all my own maintenance which is very easy on all 3 bikes. Shadow requires very little - front brakes pads, oil changes. Additional equipment are windshield, storage rack, passenger back support.