1987 Honda Shadow VT700C Manual PDF

The 1987 Honda Shadow VT700C is a 700cc V-twin cruiser motorcycle featuring liquid cooling, shaft drive, and a five-speed transmission. This manual covers maintenance, specifications, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for the complete motorcycle system including engine, transmission, electrical, brakes, suspension, and fuel systems. Below are key sections for safety, features, maintenance, specifications, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Maintenance Schedule 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Instruments 6. Engine System 7. Fuel System 8. Electrical System 9. Brakes and Suspension 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 700cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, shaft drive, five-speed transmission, dual carburetors, front disc brake, rear drum brake.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	700cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin
Bore x Stroke	76mm x 77mm
Compression Ratio	9.6:1
Fuel System	Dual constant-velocity carburetors
Ignition System	CDI electronic ignition
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Shaft drive
Front Suspension	Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	Dual shocks adjustable for preload
Front Brake	Hydraulic disc

Safety Information

Always wear proper protective gear and follow safety procedures.

Pre-ride inspection: Check tires, brakes, lights, controls before each ride.
Protective gear: Always wear helmet, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing.
Riding skills: Take motorcycle safety course; practice in safe area.
Maintenance: Follow maintenance schedule; use genuine Honda parts.

WARNING! Motorcycle operation requires skill and attention. Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Daily/Pre-ride: Check tire pressure, brake operation, lights, fuel level.
Every 600 miles: Change engine oil and filter, check/adjust chain, check brakes.
Every 4,000 miles: Clean air filter, check valve clearance, inspect spark plugs.
Every 8,000 miles: Change final drive oil, inspect brake pads, check wheel bearings.
Annual: Flush brake fluid, check battery condition, inspect suspension.

CAUTION! Use only recommended lubricants and follow torque specifications.

Specifications

Engine: 700cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin
Power: 61 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque: 43 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons
Fuel Type: Regular unleaded (87 octane)
Oil Capacity: 3.7 quarts with filter change
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: Shaft
Front Tire: 100/90-19
Rear Tire: 140/90-15
Wheelbase: 63.0 inches
Seat Height: 28.3 inches
Dry Weight: 487 pounds

Controls and Instruments

Handlebar controls: Right - engine stop switch, start button, front brake lever; Left - clutch lever, turn signals, horn, headlight dimmer.

Instrument Panel: Speedometer, odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators, oil pressure warning light.

Operation: Key switch (OFF/ON/PARK), choke lever, fuel petcock (ON/RES/PRIME), gear shift pattern (1-N-2-3-4-5).

Engine System

700cc liquid-cooled V-twin with overhead camshafts.

Valve clearance: Check every 4,000 miles - intake 0.004 in, exhaust 0.005 in.
Oil change: Every 600 miles or 6 months - use 10W-40 motorcycle oil.
Cooling system: Check coolant level monthly; replace every 2 years.
Spark plugs: NGK DPR8EA-9, gap 0.031-0.035 in.
Compression test: Should be 170-200 psi, within 10% cylinder-to-cylinder.

Tip: Always warm up engine before riding, especially in cold weather.

Fuel System

Dual constant-velocity carburetors with manual choke.

Fuel filter: Replace annually or every 4,000 miles.
Carburetor sync: Balance carburetors every 4,000 miles.
Fuel lines: Inspect for cracks or leaks regularly.
Air filter: Clean foam element every 4,000 miles; replace if damaged.
Idle speed: Adjust to 1,000 ± 100 rpm when engine is warm.

WARNING! Gasoline is highly flammable. No smoking during fuel system work.

Electrical System

12-volt system with CDI ignition and maintenance-free battery.

Component	Specification
Battery	12V 14Ah maintenance-free
Charging System	Three-phase alternator
Output	280W @ 5,000 rpm
Headlight	60/55W halogen
Fuse Box	Under left side cover
Spark Plug Gap	0.031-0.035 inches

CAUTION! Disconnect battery before electrical work to prevent shorts.

Brakes and Suspension

Front hydraulic disc brake and rear mechanical drum brake.

Front brake: Check pad thickness; replace if less than 1mm.
Brake fluid: DOT 4; replace every 2 years.
Rear brake: Adjust free play at pedal; check shoe wear.
Front suspension: Check fork oil level; replace every 2 years.
Rear suspension: Adjust preload for rider weight and load.
Tire pressure: Front 28 psi, rear 32 psi (cold).

WARNING! Brakes are critical safety components. Inspect regularly.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, fuel, spark	Check battery voltage; verify fuel flow; inspect spark plugs.
Poor idle	Carburetor, vacuum leak	Clean carburetors; check for vacuum leaks; adjust idle mixture.
Electrical failure	Battery, fuses, connections	Test battery; check fuses; clean connections; verify ground.
Brake problems	Pads, fluid, adjustment	Inspect pads/shoes; check fluid level; adjust rear brake.
Transmission issues	Oil level, clutch	Check oil level; adjust clutch cable; inspect shift mechanism.

Service: Contact authorized Honda dealer for complex repairs.

Parts: Use genuine Honda parts for optimal performance and safety.