This Haynes repair and service manual covers 1988-2009 Honda Shadow cruisers, including:
Honda VT600C Shadow VLX, 1988-1989
Honda VT600C Shadow VLX, 1991-2007
Honda VT600CD Shadow VLX Deluxe, 1993-2007
Honda VT750C, VT750CD A.C.E. American Classic Edition, 1998-2003
Honda VT750C Shadow Aero, 2004-2009
Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit, 2007-2009
Note: This manual covers the Shadow Aero with shaft-drive, including output gear and related parts, and the final drive unit.
THE ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The engine/transmission unit is a water-cooled V-twin. Valves are operated by chain-driven overhead camshafts. All models have three-valve heads (two intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder). The engine/transmission unit is constructed from aluminum alloy and the crankcase is divided vertically.
The VT600 transmission is a four-speed, constant-mesh unit, while the VT750 tranny is a five-speed constant-mesh unit. Power from the crankshaft is routed to the tranmission via a coil-spring, wet multi-plate clutch, driven off the crank.
Once you have found all the identification numbers, record them for reference when buying parts. Since the manufacturers change specifications, parts and vendors (companies that manufacture various components on the machine), providing the ID numbers is the only way to be reasonably sure that you are buying the correct parts.
Whenever possible, take the worn part to the dealer so direct comparison with the new component can be made. Along the trail from the manufacturer to the parts shelf, there are numerous places that the part can end up with the wrong number or be listed incorrectly.
The two places to purchase new parts for your motorcycle - the accessory store and the franchised dealer - differ in the type of parts they carry.
While dealers can obtain virtually every part for your motorcycle, the accessory dealer is usually limited to normal high wear items such as shock absorbers, tune-up parts, various engine gaskets, cables, chains, brake parts, etc.
Rarely will an accessory outlet have major suspension componenets, cylinders, transmission gears, or cases.
Used parts can be obtained for roughly half the price of new ones, but you can't always be sure of what you're getting. Once again, take your worn part to the salvage yard for direct comparison.
Whether buying new, used or rebuilt parts, the best course is to deal directly with someone who specializes in parts for your particular make.
