1987 Honda Shadow VT700 Manual

The 1987 Honda Shadow VT700 is a 700cc V-twin cruiser motorcycle featuring shaft drive, hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, electronic ignition, 5-speed transmission, and a low-slung design for comfortable cruising. Below are key sections covering specifications, maintenance, operation, troubleshooting, and safety information.

1. Specifications 2. Controls and Instruments 3. Pre-Ride Inspection 4. Basic Operation 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Fluid Specifications 7. Tire Information 8. Electrical System 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Specifications

Technical specifications for the 1987 Honda Shadow VT700.

Feature	Specification
Engine Type	699cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin
Bore x Stroke	76mm x 77mm
Compression Ratio	9.6:1
Fuel System	Two 34mm constant-velocity carburetors
Ignition	Electronic (CDI)
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Shaft
Front Suspension	Telescopic fork, 5.9 inches travel
Rear Suspension	Dual shocks, 3.9 inches travel
Front Brake	Single hydraulic disc
Rear Brake	Single hydraulic disc
Seat Height	28.3 inches
Wheelbase	63.0 inches
Fuel Capacity	3.7 gallons
Dry Weight	487 lbs

Controls and Instruments

Overview of motorcycle controls and instrument panel functions.

Control	Function
Ignition Switch	Main power control with steering lock
Speedometer	Displays vehicle speed in mph
Tachometer	Shows engine RPM
Fuel Gauge	Indicates fuel level
Turn Signal Indicators	Shows active turn signals
High Beam Indicator	Lights when high beams are on
Neutral Indicator	Lights when transmission is in neutral
Engine Stop Switch	Emergency engine cutoff
Choke Lever	Enriches fuel mixture for cold starts
Clutch Lever	Left handlebar control for clutch operation

Pre-Ride Inspection

Essential safety checks before each ride.

Check fuel level and add fuel if necessary
Inspect tires for proper pressure and damage
Test front and rear brake operation
Check engine oil level
Verify all lights and signals function properly
Check chain tension and lubrication (if applicable)
Ensure throttle moves freely and returns automatically
Verify clutch and brake lever operation
Check steering for smooth operation
Look for fluid leaks under the motorcycle

WARNING! Never ride with inadequate tire pressure or brake problems. Always perform pre-ride inspection.

Basic Operation

Starting, riding, and stopping procedures.

Starting Procedure: Turn fuel valve to ON, set choke for cold engine, turn ignition ON, pull clutch lever, press starter button.
Shifting: Use toe/heel shifter; 1st gear down, neutral between 1st and 2nd, up for higher gears.
Braking: Apply both front and rear brakes progressively; front brake provides 70% of stopping power.
Turning: Look through turns, countersteer for directional changes.
Parking: Place transmission in 1st gear, turn handlebars fully left, engage steering lock.

CAUTION! Allow engine to warm up before riding. Avoid rapid throttle openings when engine is cold.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Service Item	Every 600 mi	Every 4000 mi	Every 8000 mi
Engine Oil Change	✓	✓	✓
Oil Filter Replacement		✓	✓
Air Filter Cleaning		✓	✓
Spark Plug Replacement			✓
Brake Fluid Change			✓
Drive Shaft Lubrication		✓	✓
Valve Clearance Check			✓
Carburetor Synchronization			✓

Fluid Specifications

Recommended fluids and capacities.

Engine Oil: 10W-40 motorcycle oil, 3.7 quarts with filter change
Coolant: Ethylene glycol antifreeze, 1.8 quarts
Brake Fluid: DOT 4 hydraulic fluid
Front Fork Oil: 10W fork oil, 7.4 oz per leg
Fuel: 87 octane or higher unleaded gasoline

WARNING! Use only recommended fluids. Incorrect fluids can damage engine and components.

Tire Information

Tire specifications and maintenance.

Tire Position	Size	Pressure (cold)
Front	100/90-19	28 psi
Rear	140/90-15	32 psi

Check tire pressure weekly and before long trips. Inspect for wear, damage, and embedded objects. Replace tires when tread depth reaches 1/32 inch.

Electrical System

Battery and electrical component information.

Battery: 12V 14Ah maintenance-free
Charging System: Three-phase alternator
Spark Plugs: NGK DPR8EA-9, gap 0.035 inch
Headlight: 60/55W halogen
Fuse Box: Located under seat, contains main and circuit fuses

CAUTION! Disconnect battery negative terminal before electrical work. Avoid short circuits.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage procedures for extended periods.

Fill fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer
Change engine oil and filter
Remove battery and store with periodic charging
Clean entire motorcycle thoroughly
Inflate tires to recommended pressure
Place on center stand to relieve tire pressure
Cover with breathable motorcycle cover
Store in cool, dry location

Safety Information

Important safety reminders for motorcycle operation.

Always wear DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Maintain safe following distance from other vehicles
Use turn signals for all lane changes and turns
Ride defensively and assume other drivers don't see you
Avoid riding in adverse weather conditions when possible
Take a motorcycle safety course for proper training

WARNING! Motorcycle riding involves risk. Proper training and protective gear are essential for safety.

Troubleshooting

Common problems and solutions.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel valve off, kill switch engaged	Check battery charge, verify fuel valve ON position, confirm kill switch RUN position
Poor idle	Dirty carburetors, incorrect idle speed	Clean carburetors, adjust idle speed to 1000 ± 100 RPM
Electrical failure	Blown fuse, loose connection	Check main and circuit fuses, inspect wiring connections
Brake drag	Contaminated fluid, stuck caliper	Flush brake system, clean and lubricate caliper pins
Overheating	Low coolant, clogged radiator	Check coolant level, clean radiator fins
Poor shifting	Low oil level, worn clutch	Check oil level, inspect clutch cable adjustment

Service: For technical assistance, contact authorized Honda dealer or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.