1988 Honda Shadow VT800 Manual

The 1988 Honda Shadow VT800 is a 800cc V-twin cruiser motorcycle featuring a liquid-cooled engine, shaft drive system, dual carburetors, and classic cruiser styling. This manual covers safety information, specifications, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and operational guidelines for proper ownership and maintenance of your Honda Shadow VT800.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Instruments 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Engine Maintenance 7. Electrical System 8. Brake System 9. Troubleshooting 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 800cc V-twin engine, shaft final drive, dual carburetors, hydraulic disc brakes, electronic ignition, and classic cruiser styling.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	800cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke 52° V-twin
Bore x Stroke	79.5mm x 80.6mm
Compression Ratio	9.6:1
Carburetion	Dual 34mm constant velocity
Ignition	Fully transistorized electronic
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Shaft drive
Brakes Front	Hydraulic disc, dual piston
Brakes Rear	Mechanical drum
Fuel Capacity	3.7 gallons (14 liters)

Safety Information

Always perform pre-ride inspection and wear proper protective gear.

Check tire pressure and condition before each ride
Verify brake operation and fluid levels
Ensure all lights and signals are functional
Check engine oil level and coolant condition
Wear DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing

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

Specifications

Engine: 800cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke 52° V-twin
Power Output: 58 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 47 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Fuel System: Dual 34mm constant velocity carburetors
Ignition: Fully transistorized electronic
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork, 5.9 inches travel
Suspension Rear: Dual shocks, 3.9 inches travel
Brakes Front: Hydraulic disc, dual piston
Brakes Rear: Mechanical drum
Tires Front: 100/90-19
Tires Rear: 140/90-15
Wheelbase: 64.4 inches
Seat Height: 28.3 inches
Dry Weight: 507 lbs

Controls and Instruments

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

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

Operation: Start with transmission in neutral, pull clutch lever, press start button. Use choke for cold starts. Shift pattern: 1-down, 2-5 up.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Every 600 miles/1000 km: Check engine oil, tire pressure, chain adjustment, brake operation
Every 4,000 miles/6,400 km: Change engine oil and filter, check valve clearance
Every 8,000 miles/12,800 km: Replace spark plugs, air filter, check carburetor synchronization
Every 12,000 miles/19,200 km: Change final drive oil, check brake pads
Every 2 years: Replace brake fluid, check coolant

Tip: More frequent maintenance may be required for severe riding conditions.

Engine Maintenance

Regular engine maintenance is crucial for performance and reliability.

Oil Change: Use 10W-40 motorcycle oil, capacity 3.7 quarts with filter change
Valve Clearance: Intake: 0.004-0.005 in, Exhaust: 0.005-0.006 in
Spark Plugs: NGK DPR8EA-9, gap 0.031-0.035 in
Air Filter: Replace when dirty or every 8,000 miles
Coolant: Use ethylene glycol antifreeze, change every 2 years
Carburetor Sync: Balance carburetors every 8,000 miles

WARNING! Engine must be cool before performing maintenance. Use proper tools and safety equipment.

Electrical System

12-volt DC system with maintenance-free battery.

Battery: 12V 14Ah, keep terminals clean and tight
Charging System: Three-phase AC generator, output 350W
Fuses: Main fuse 30A, accessory fuses in fuse box
Bulbs: Headlight 60/55W, brake/tail 21/5W, turn signals 21W

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

Brake System

Front hydraulic disc brake and rear mechanical drum brake.

Front Brake: Single disc, dual piston caliper, pad wear limit 1mm
Rear Brake: Mechanical drum, adjust via lever at brake panel
Brake Fluid: DOT 4, change every 2 years
Brake Lines: Inspect for cracks or leaks regularly

WARNING! Brakes are critical for safety. Test brakes before each ride.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, fuel, spark	Check battery charge, fuel level, spark plugs, kill switch position
Poor idle	Carburetor, air filter	Clean carburetors, replace air filter, check for vacuum leaks
Electrical failure	Battery, fuses, connections	Test battery voltage, check fuses, inspect wiring connections
Brake fade	Fluid, pads, adjustment	Check brake fluid level, pad wear, adjust rear brake
Overheating	Coolant, thermostat	Check coolant level, radiator fins, thermostat operation

Note: Complex repairs should be performed by qualified technicians.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents damage during extended non-use.

Fill fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer
Change oil and filter
Remove battery and store on trickle charger
Inflate tires to maximum pressure
Cover motorcycle and store in dry location

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in carburetors to prevent gum formation.

Warranty Information

1988 Honda Shadow VT800 comes with 12-month unlimited mileage warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear items, improper maintenance, or accident damage. Keep maintenance records for warranty claims. Contact authorized Honda dealer for warranty service.