1987 Honda VT600C

Lot details
Registration No: E952DTT
Frame No: JH2PC2101JM000316
Engine No: 000316
cc: 600
MOT Expiry Date: March 2012

Yamaha are generally credited with marketing the first Japanese factory custom in the form of the XS650 Special, a machine that was designed to compete head on with the US market Bonneville and the 883 Harley Davidson Sportster. The success of the Yamaha prompted the other Japanese manufacturers to produce customs of their own, the majority of which were derived from existing sports touring models. All followed a similar pattern with tear drop fuel tanks, stepped seats, abbreviated silencers, high handlebars and an abundance of brightwork characterising the breed. However as the eighties progressed a second generation of machines started to emerge. These no longer relied on siblings in the range for their engines or chassis but instead were powered by dedicated vee twin engines and featured low slung, long chassis clearly influenced, at least stylistically by the products of a certain firm in Milwaukee.
One of the best examples of the type was introduced by Honda in 1987 and would go on to enjoy a production life of twenty years with only detail changes occurring during that time. Typed the VT600C or Shadow VLX the Honda displayed all of the essential styling elements required of a custom combined with the reliability and quality for which Honda products are renowned.
The 52 degree vee twin four stroke engine displaced 583cc and featured single over head camshaft operation of the three valves per head. Off set cranks were employed in the interests of dynamic balance and although apparently air cooled with fins gracing both cylinders, engine cooling was in fact of the liquid type with a radiator being mounted discreetly between the front frame downtubes. A four speed gearbox was deemed sufficient, the engine being tuned for torque rather than outright horsepower and the final drive was by chain. The frame continued the concept of disguising the modern with the traditional. At first sight it appeared to be a rigid item, however closer examination revealed it to be a cantilever design. A small tear drop fuel tank, raked out front end a twin "shotgun" style exhausts all contributed to the machines style. In use the Shadow proved to be one of the best of the breed. Its low seat height made it easy to handle, the engine provided good performance at real road speeds, braking was good, the road holding secure and being a Honda the finish was excellent as was the reliability.
The early example offered was originally sold in the States during 1987 before being imported into the UK in 1996. It was restored during 2010 at which time it was fitted with a single seat. The standard indicators and tail light have been replaced by LED examples. Described as being in "first class" condition throughout it is offered with a Swansea V5C and a valid MOT certificate.