1986 Honda VT700CG Manual Official

The 1986 Honda VT700CG is a 700cc V-twin cruiser motorcycle featuring shaft drive, hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, electronic ignition, and a five-speed transmission. This official manual covers safety precautions, maintenance procedures, specifications, troubleshooting, and repair instructions for proper operation and service of your Honda motorcycle.

1. Features and Specifications 2. Safety Precautions 3. Maintenance Schedule 4. Engine System 5. Fuel System 6. Electrical System 7. Brake System 8. Suspension and Steering 9. Wheels and Tires 10. Troubleshooting Guide 11. Warranty Information

Features and Specifications

The Honda VT700CG Shadow features a liquid-cooled 52° V-twin engine with three-valve technology for improved combustion efficiency.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 52° V-twin
Displacement	700cc
Bore x Stroke	79.5mm x 70mm
Compression Ratio	9.6:1
Fuel System	Two constant-velocity carburetors
Ignition System	Fully transistorized electronic
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Shaft drive
Front Brake	Hydraulic disc, twin piston
Rear Brake	Hydraulic disc

Safety Precautions

Always follow these safety guidelines when operating or servicing your Honda VT700CG.

Wear appropriate protective gear: helmet, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing.
Never operate motorcycle under influence of alcohol or drugs.
Perform pre-ride inspection: tires, brakes, lights, and controls.
Allow engine to warm up before riding, especially in cold weather.

WARNING! Motorcycle operation requires skill and attention. Inexperienced riders should take a motorcycle safety course. Always ride defensively.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends motorcycle life.

Every 600 miles/1000 km: Check/adjust chain, check tire pressure, inspect brakes.
Every 4,000 miles/6,000 km: Change engine oil and filter, inspect spark plugs.
Every 8,000 miles/12,000 km: Clean air filter, check valve clearance.
Every 16,000 miles/24,000 km: Replace spark plugs, inspect fuel system.

CAUTION! Use only Honda Genuine parts or equivalents meeting Honda specifications.

Engine System

Engine Oil: SAE 10W-40, API classification SE or SF
Oil Capacity: 3.7 US qt (3.5 liters) with filter change
Cylinder Arrangement: 52° V-twin, 3 valves per cylinder
Cooling System: Liquid cooled with radiator and thermostat
Valve Clearance: IN: 0.004 in (0.10 mm), EX: 0.005 in (0.12 mm)
Spark Plugs: NGK DPR8EA-9 or equivalent
Compression Pressure: 171 psi (12.0 kg/cm²) at 600 rpm

Fuel System

Two constant-velocity carburetors, 34mm bore. Fuel tank capacity: 3.4 US gal (12.8 liters).

Carburetor Specifications: Main jet #122, Slow jet #38, Float level: 0.59 in (15.0mm).

Fuel type: Unleaded gasoline, 86 octane or higher. Use fuel stabilizer if storing motorcycle for extended periods.

Electrical System

Battery: 12V 14AH, Charging system: Three-phase AC generator, Regulated voltage: 14.0-15.0V.

Battery maintenance: Check electrolyte level monthly, keep terminals clean.
Fuse box location: Under left side cover, main fuse 30A, sub fuses 10A/15A.
Bulb specifications: Headlight 60/55W, Brake light 21/5W, Turn signal 21W.

Tip: Disconnect battery negative terminal first when performing electrical work.

Brake System

Front: Hydraulic disc brake, 276mm rotor, twin piston caliper. Rear: Hydraulic disc brake, 220mm rotor.

Brake fluid: DOT 4, replace every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Brake pad wear limit: 0.04 in (1.0mm) remaining thickness.
Brake disc thickness: Front min 0.20 in (5.0mm), Rear min 0.16 in (4.0mm).
Bleed brakes if spongy feel or after component replacement.

WARNING! Never reuse brake fluid. Contaminated fluid reduces braking performance.

Suspension and Steering

Front: Telescopic fork, 5.5 inches travel. Rear: Dual shocks, preload adjustable, 3.5 inches travel.

Steering head bearing adjustment: Properly adjusted bearings prevent wobble and ensure smooth steering.

Fork oil: SAE 10W, Capacity: 7.4 US oz (220ml) per fork leg.

Wheels and Tires

Front tire: 100/90-19, Rear tire: 140/90-15. Recommended tire pressure: Front 28 psi (1.9 kg/cm²), Rear 32 psi (2.2 kg/cm²).

Tire wear limits: Replace when tread depth reaches 1/32 in (0.8mm) or wear indicators appear.

Wheel alignment: Check periodically, misalignment causes uneven tire wear and handling issues.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression issue	Check fuel level, spark plugs, battery charge, and kill switch position.
Poor idle	Dirty carburetor or incorrect adjustment	Clean carburetors, adjust idle speed to 1000±100 rpm.
Electrical failure	Battery or charging system	Test battery voltage, check fuse connections, inspect stator output.
Brake drag	Sticking caliper or contaminated fluid	Clean caliper pistons, replace brake fluid, check master cylinder.
Transmission slipping	Worn clutch or incorrect adjustment	Adjust clutch free play, inspect clutch plates for wear.

Note: Complex repairs should be performed by qualified Honda technician.

Warranty Information

Limited warranty: 12 months unlimited mileage from date of purchase. Coverage includes repair or replacement of defective parts. Normal maintenance items, tires, and cosmetic damage excluded. Keep purchase receipt and complete warranty registration.

For warranty service: Contact authorized Honda dealer with proof of purchase. For technical assistance: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., 1919 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501.