One BIG 125 cruiser! (Honda Shadow VT125C)

Member Name: 99jc29

Product:	Honda Shadow VT125C
Date:	29/08/09 (325 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Size, reliability, build quality, exceptional tourer (solo), classic lines

Disadvantages: A bit slow for comfort, too slow two-up, rather spartan base equipment

I was actually looking for a mid-sized cruiser when I saw an ad for a very clean 1999 VT125C. It seemed a better deal than some old warhorse for the same asking price, so I went and bought it. That was in May 2005.

The VT isn`t well equipped. Shadow owners are expected to customise theirs to their liking, and Honda offered a long list of accessories. As with all popular models, a huge number of aftermarket parts are available (if you don`t find what you`re looking for expand your search to France or Germany). I`ve added a fair number of extras over the years. A sissy bar with a luggage rack is a necessity unless you want to scratch the VT`s paint with your stuff. I also got Hondaline`s own saddle bags (buy ones that are easier to detach and lockable, instead), a plexi fairing and a center stand (another necessity if you want to just adjust it`s drivechain when it is fully loaded). All these will increase it`s weight and drag, and 11kW is barely enough for such a lead sled. Oh yes, for a 125, the VT is a big mutha: even knowledgeable people mistake it for a 600-750cc.

The engine pulls bravely, does not vibrate, and there never seems to be much wrong with it. Mine still runs just about like new at 40K kms, which is simply astonishing for a 125. Double pressure rings on the pistons, water cooling and minuscule tolerances on all parts seem to make it last longer than many a mid-size air-cooled vee-twin. As for power, or the lack of it: that V2 is probably the strongest and most powerful in it`s class of japanese 125cc cruisers, but a bit overburdened as speeds rise. It has a nice power plateau between 9K (max torque) and 11K (max output) rpm so you may pack some extra stuff without compromising its performance. Hills and headwinds, however, as on all small-displacement motorcycles being run at almost top speed, take their toll and drop the V2 from it`s power range in 5th. Fuel consumption rises dramatically, too, as on any fourstroke, if you must run the engine at full throttle. To sum it up: you will prefer byways to highways.

The VT125 is exceptionally capable on very long solo cruises. No fatigue, no breakdowns, a very long range on a tankful. It will not run much faster than 60 mph but will do that all day (and night) in good comfort. A fair average speed turns into respectable distance figures as the hours go by: it is the tortoise that will beat many a big hare. You`ll want to avoid inner city traffic: the VT has just about the same wheelbase as a mid-size cruiser, a similarly large turning radius, it is wide... ah, and it is a bit slow ;) It isn`t really happy in the twisties, either, with a somewhat restricted lean angle (OK if you have the hard plastic last-forever OEM Bridgestone tyres on it you would`t want to try out the limits, especially not in the wet) and a rather archaic rear suspension (Honda seemed to run out of budget there, whilst all the rest is very well done), so beyond 8/10-speeds it seems to say "must you?". I`ve found the little Shadow very amusing on gravel roads: if you don`t mind a bit of float it is fairly easy and safe to run at much higher speeds (low CG, long wheelbase, wide handlebar, relaxed driving position) than e.g. sports 125s.

Suggestions: keep it in tune (spark plugs), mix a drop of anti-ice into the fuel if the V2 develops a "stumble" (carb ice, water-contaminated fuel), do not choose cheap drivechains (will need adjusting every 200mls, and you`ll hate that), and don`t try to service it yourself. It keeps it`s adjustments well but everything needs to be spot-on for the V2 to have the full 11kW... and you`ll desperately need each and every one for the VT to be any fun. When buying a pre-owned one check that it still attains just about the factory performance figures (unsuccessful attempts to increase it`s power, or an engine in need of an expensive rebuild). Shop for condition rather than low mileage or year model. If kept well, it will run seemingly forever and not need much more than an odd lightbulb or replacing worn-out parts. If you want this gem of an engine in a better chassis, have a look at the XL125V Varadero.

Lows: ridiculously inaccurate speedo (can be adjusted with a Speedo Healer), rear brake is rubbish, chrome needs quite a bit of polishing, a bit slow for comfort (too slow 2 up), rather spartan base equipment

Highs: size, reliability, classic lines, exceptional (solo) tourer for a 125, very easy on the owner if well maintained, good humour, Honda quality, a gem of an engine, okay solo performance for just 11kW

Summary: Hardly ever breaks down, costs just pennies to run: you`ll love one of these!

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