1987 Honda Shadow VT700C Owner's Manual

The 1987 Honda Shadow VT700C is a 700cc V-twin cruiser motorcycle featuring liquid cooling, shaft drive, and a low-slung design. This manual covers operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting for proper ownership experience. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Pre-Ride Inspection 3. Operation Controls 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Basic Maintenance Procedures 7. Troubleshooting 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: 700cc V-twin engine, shaft drive system, liquid cooling, dual exhaust, cruiser styling with low seat height.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	700cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin
Drive System	Shaft final drive
Cooling System	Liquid-cooled with radiator
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Brake System	Front disc, rear drum brakes
Fuel System	Dual constant-velocity carburetors
Ignition System	Electronic CDI
Suspension	Telescopic front fork, dual rear shocks
Seat Height	Low-profile cruiser design
Fuel Capacity	3.7 gallons (14 liters)

Pre-Ride Inspection

Always perform pre-ride check before operating motorcycle.

Check fuel level: Ensure adequate fuel for intended ride.
Inspect tires: Check pressure and condition for wear/damage.
Test brakes: Verify front and rear brake operation.
Check lights: Headlight, brake light, turn signals functional.
Verify controls: Throttle, clutch, brake levers move freely.
Check oil level: Inspect engine oil through sight glass.

WARNING! Never operate motorcycle with mechanical issues. Address problems before riding.

Operation Controls

Familiarize yourself with all controls before riding.

Right Handlebar: Throttle control, front brake lever, engine stop switch, start button.

Left Handlebar: Clutch lever, turn signal switch, headlight dimmer, horn button.

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

Foot Controls: Gear shift lever (left), rear brake pedal (right).

Fuel Valve: Three positions - ON, RES, OFF. Use RES for reserve fuel supply.

Specifications

Engine: 700cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin
Bore x Stroke: 79.5mm x 70mm
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel System: Dual 34mm CV carburetors
Ignition: Electronic CDI
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork
Suspension Rear: Dual shocks adjustable preload
Brakes Front: Single disc
Brakes Rear: Drum
Tires Front: 100/90-19
Tires Rear: 140/90-15
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons (14L)
Oil Capacity: 3.7 quarts (3.5L)
Seat Height: 28.3 inches (720mm)
Wheelbase: 63.0 inches (1600mm)
Dry Weight: 507 lbs (230kg)

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Service Item	Every 600mi	Every 4000mi	Every 8000mi
Engine Oil	✓	✓	✓
Oil Filter		✓	✓
Air Filter		Inspect	Replace
Spark Plugs		Inspect	Replace
Valve Clearance			✓
Brake Fluid	Inspect	Replace	Replace
Drive Shaft Oil			✓
Tire Pressure	✓	✓	✓
Chain/Belt*	✓	✓	✓

*Note: VT700C uses shaft drive, no chain maintenance required.

Basic Maintenance Procedures

Essential maintenance tasks for proper motorcycle care.

Oil Change: Warm engine, drain oil, replace filter, refill with 3.7 quarts 10W-40 motorcycle oil.
Air Filter: Remove side cover, clean or replace foam element.
Tire Pressure: Check cold - Front: 28 psi, Rear: 32 psi (adjust for load).
Brake Inspection: Check pad wear, fluid level, brake operation.
Battery Maintenance: Check terminals, clean corrosion, maintain fluid level.
Drive Shaft Oil: Change every 8000 miles using hypoid gear oil.

CAUTION! Use only recommended fluids and follow torque specifications.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel valve off, kill switch, battery	Check fuel valve position, verify kill switch, test battery charge.
Poor idle	Carburetor sync, dirty air filter	Synchronize carburetors, clean/replace air filter.
Electrical issues	Battery, fuses, connections	Check battery voltage, inspect fuses, clean connections.
Brake problems	Worn pads, air in lines, fluid	Inspect pads, bleed brakes, check fluid level.
Vibration	Tire balance, wheel alignment	Balance tires, check wheel alignment, inspect bearings.
Overheating	Coolant level, radiator blockage	Check coolant level, clean radiator fins, verify fan operation.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage procedures for extended non-use periods.

Fuel System: Add fuel stabilizer, run engine to circulate, turn fuel valve to OFF.
Battery: Remove battery, store in cool dry place, maintain charge.
Tires: Inflate to proper pressure, elevate motorcycle if storing long-term.
Cleaning: Wash and dry thoroughly, apply wax to painted surfaces.
Cover: Use breathable motorcycle cover in dry storage area.

WARNING! Store in well-ventilated area away from open flames.

Safety Information

Essential safety practices for motorcycle operation.

Always wear DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing.
Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs.
Follow all traffic laws and speed limits.
Maintain safe following distance from other vehicles.
Use turn signals and hand signals appropriately.
Be aware of road conditions and weather.
Ride defensively and assume other drivers may not see you.
Complete motorcycle safety course for proper training.

CAUTION! Motorcycle operation requires skill and attention. Inexperienced riders should seek professional training.

Warranty & Support

Limited warranty coverage and support information.

Honda provides limited warranty coverage for defects in materials and workmanship. Contact authorized Honda dealer for warranty claims and service. For technical support and parts information, visit www.honda.com or contact Honda Customer Service at 1-866-784-1870.