> Some comments on the VT750C (mine is a 2003 chain drive, bought new):
> I've put 37,000 km on this machine. Bought new in 2004 so I've had 6 years
> of driving. I drive year round in Vancouver BC, rain or shine, and have
> driven to Calgary return and Edmonton return with my dog (5.5 lb Toy Poodle
> in snuggly up front with Doggles).
> This is a good bike but has some nuances to be aware of.
> 1) I've cared for the chain and sprockets well. They are now ready to be
> replaced at 37,000 km (scheduled for next week). I believe this is normal.
I had to re[place the chain at around 17000 k >>I put a heavyy duty
chain on as the original equipment chain was too light. and I
religiously lubricate my chain after every ride with chain "wax"
> 2) Tires last 20,000 km to bald (first ones were Dunlop - came with the
> bike. Now I have Pirelli - they wear at the same rate). Everyone everywhere
> says this is normal.
I didnt like the original Dunlops . too slippery on tar snakes .I went
to Bridgestones and they are superior in all ways.
> 3) Do all my own maintenance. This bike is NOT user-friendly for
> maintenance. In my opinion this is a design flaw by Honda. I wasn't a
> mechanic when I bought it and I had no money to buy the regular $525 CDN
> tune-ups at the Honda shop. So I bought the Haynes and Clymer guides and
> tried to figure it out under the flourescent garage lights on long lonely
> weekends. The owner's manual says to 'Inspect the valves every 5,000 km and
> adjust as necessary'. This is retarded. No human being would be able to
> afford this bike if they spent $525 every 5,000 km at a Honda shop. So I did
> it myself. The first three tries I got so deep into this thing that I just
> cursed it and put it back together. Then on the 4th try I decided it's get
> the job done or push this stupid VT750C off a cliff. You basically have to
> strip the bike to the frame - all that's left is the radiator (which you
> have to empty), the cylinders, and the crankcase. But then, after removing
> the seats, speedometer, gas tank, the air filter, air filter subassembly,
> all tubes and hoses, both carb's choke, push thermostat out of the way,
> drain rad, remove fins, blah, blah, blah - finally, the inner sanctum. Valve
> covers removed, set clearances, torque down nuts, and put back together.
> Then curse Honda for saying you have to do it every 5,000km. SO HERE'S WHAT
> I'VE LEARNED FROM RIDING MY BIKE AND TALKING TO A KNOWLEDGABLE BIKE
> REBUILDER: Throw the Honda book in the garbage, then set the valve
> clearances every 18,000 km. Do it yourself - saves you a fortune. All you
> need are a bunch of sockets, flat wrenches, and two torque wrenches (inch
> lbs, and ft lbs). The basic idea is to set valves only when you feel the
> first signs of viration in riding the bike. This occurred at 18,000km. It is
> now occurring again at 37,000km. Surprise, surprise! I have friends with the
> Suzuki Volusia and Boulevard (800cc bikes, different model years) who claim
> it takes an hour and a half to set the valves. It took me 8 hours to do my
> bike, but now that it 's due again, I'm determined to do it in 5 hours. Keep
> in mind I'm not a mechanic, just a persistent weekend warrior.
I`m too old to do all my own maintenence .all I do is oil and filters
and lube cables
Valve adjust: I took it into a small independant and it cost me about
125$C but the adjust ment didnt last more than 5000 kI havent taken it
in since.
And bike still runs fine
> 4) There is a design flaw with the bike. Here's how I know: I paid the
> stupid $525 for the first tune-up / valve set because of the warranty on the
> bike. But when I went to set valve clearances at 18,000 km I noticed that
> the rubber intake to the left side carb was not on properly. It has a
> circular metal clamp with a screw to tighten it on to the top of the carb,
> but whenever you try to put it on it slips off. The problem is that they
> made the intake tube a tad too short, so it's not a good fit. I've cursed
> this thing so many times that I finally used my brain and came up with a
> permanent solution. I took two long zap-straps, joined them together, and
> wrapped them around the frame of the bike to hold the air filter subassembly
> tight to the frame. The rubber tube intake to the carb now 'wants' to stay
> in place. (If it doesn't stay in place your bike is breathing dirty air,
> because the air filter is bypassed).
> 5) For sharp cornering at any speed you have to shift your weight properly
> or the bike goes straight. I haven't ridden a lot of bikes but suspect this
> is normal.
? I never had a problem this way ?
> 6) The manual says to use 90W gear oil on the chain. This makes a mess but
> lubes better than chain wax. Chain wax is greasy and therfore has built in
> friction. However, gear oil washes out in the rain, whereas chain wax
> doesn't. I used gear oil for four years, then gave up on it - because here
> in Vancouver I'm riding in the rain at least half the year. I commute 2 hrs
> per day for 110km (1 hr each way) and gear oil washes out of the chain in a
> single day of heavy rain. So for the past several years I've used chain wax
> and am happy with it.
I use chain wax or similar because invariably I get caught out in the
rain sometimes.And lubricate the chain after every ride
> 7) Just drove 2,000 km on my bike up to Calgary and back a few days ago.
> Haven't used the gas tank reserve in years. Ran out of gas about 20 minutes
> from home (just short of Abbotsford), went on reserve and the bike died.
> Hobbled to a gas station, first on one cylinder, then two. Discovered later
> than sediment had built up in the reserve tube, and this sediment dumped
> into my fuel filter plugging it almost completely. Solution: run on reserve
> every several months to keep the tube clear. Also, in an emergency if the
> tube is plugged, just turn off the fuel petcock, then turn the filter upside
> down and drain gunk out. Bike will then run until you get the filter
> replaced.
have only run on reserve two or three times ; judging by the comments
on here it would be wise to run it on reserve at least once a month~01
shadow 750 ,40,000k
> 8) My dog loves the ride.
> 9) By design this bike has heavy airflow from the highway up the footpegs
> and into your legs. This is a major problem in rain, as your legs get soaked
> and your boots fill with water. No motorcycle outfit will handle this (I
> have a good quality First Gear outfit). The solution - I went to Moutain
> Equipment CO-OP in Calgary and bought a pair of snowboard gators for $50.
> They go on with velcro and three snaps. They rip off. They work perfectly. I
> never have wet legs, ankles, or boots anymore, and they tend to keep your
> lower legs warm.
I agree
> 10) The bike runs impeccably all the time. It has just the right amount of
> power for me. I can cruise up the Coquihalla, Roger's Pass, Salmo Creston,
> or any other high mountain Canadian pass at 115 - 120 km/hr when alone.
> Fully loaded with full backpack, full saddle bags, dog on front, daughter on
> back, tent strapped over saddle bags on one side, and poles strapped on
> other side - I go no slower than 90 km/hr up these passes. On flat highway
> the bike cruised best at 110 - 120km/hr but is capable of much more if you
> want to be buffeted by the wind.
I have a memphis 21" shield andweigh about 240lbs; in a strong
headwind I have a problem going over 120kph...I find I need a larger
displace ment bike as when your doping 120-130kph theres not much left
for a quick pass.
> 11) Milage - the bike consistently gets betwen 5 l/100km and 5.6 l/100km,
> depending on how you drive and if it is highway driving. Best highway
> driving will yield just under 5 l/100km. I noticed you said that the bike is
> very economical for commuting. That's completely false. I bought this bike
> for two reasons - to enjoy riding, and to save money in commuting. It's
> enjoyable to ride. It doesn't save anything. In fact, it costs exactly the
> same to run as a car (except it has less depreciation). You have to consider
> that you will average 5.5 l/100 km, $2.50 per 100 km for rubber loss on the
> tires, $1.00 per 100 km for chain and sprocket wear, and say $0.50 per 100
> km for tune-up costs. If gas is $1.00 per liter, then the bike costs you
> $9.50 per 100 km to ride. My Pontiac Sunfire burns 7.9 l/100km, $0.40 per
> 100 km for rubber loss on the tires, $1.00 per 100 km for miscellaneous
> repairs, and say $0.50 per 100 km for tune-up costs. So the car costs $9.80
> per 100 km to operate. Therefore, if you ignore insurance (which is about
> the same for both) and depreciation, they cost the same to operate. The
> reason bikes are so expensive is that it costs $525 to get two new tires
> installed every 20,000 km, whereas the auto gets 4 tires installed for the
> same price and they last 125,000 km.
> Conclusion: Bikes do not save money. If you do the maintenance yourself they
> cost the same as a car to operate. If you pay the shop to look after your
> bike, you'll be bankrupt within 5 years.
> 12) No bad virbrations. In fact, I found the Suzuki 800cc Volusia vibrated a
> lot more than my bike. Vibration starts to occur when the valve clearances
> need setting, typically about 18,000 km. Set the valves and you're back in
> heaven.
> So ... having said all of this, why do I have a bike? Because it's fun to
> ride with my dog, and I learn about mechanics in the process. It's a very
> good quality waste of money. Other people waste money in fruitless ways, but
> I waste it on something enjoyable! As soon as I had some money I did what
> every intelligent human being should do - I bought a motorcycle. I've very
> happy with my machine.
> So that's what I know about the VT750C.
> Tom
> > Well, I just got back from my first road trip. I haven't been highway
> > riding (more than 10 miles) since the 80's. It felt really good to be back
> > on the road again. It was sunny and warm when I left Tuesday, just over
> > 20ºC, and the weather forcast promised 20ºC and above for the next week.
> > The first day was great! I decided to go visit my friend about 100 miles
> > North of me, then decide where to go while I was there. The next day, the
> > weather had cooled off quite a bit and the sky's threatening to rain. Rode
> > around in my friends truck. I used to hunt in this area, so I thought it
> > would be a good time to do some early scouting. We saw lots of deer and
> > runs. The sun never came back in the next few days. One evening, it
> > dropped down to -7ºC. Frost everywhere in the morning. Heavy rain on
> > Friday night. Weather forecast was still predicting 0% probability chance
> > of precipitation. (I didn't get any chance to ride the last 3 days) Sun
> > finally came out late Saturday Afternoon so I decided to make a run for
> > it, back to the city. The wind was really cold. I kept thinking about how
> > great my Rebel 250 was, with it's twice as big windshield and heated
> > handlebar grips. (Make Mental Note: Get VT750 into shop and add much
> > bigger windshield, with lowers right down to the front axle, and heated
> > grips
> ...
> read more »- Hide quoted text -
> - Show quoted text -
EXCELLENT POST I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH AS i HAVE AN `01 SHADOW 750
CHAIN DRIVE AS WELL.Iput a 38 tooth sprocket on the rear and that
helps with the vibration.I also put on lowers which helps the wind
blast from getting at me.
basiclly all I have done to this bike maintenece wise, is change the
oil &filter once a year ,lube what needs lubing , a set of
Bridgestones and a new chain....... a new battery this year after 8
years with the old original one (Yuasa)
Bike starts with less than half a revolutionof the starter.........
just a touch and it fires right up.
I also use Lucas fuel conditioner in fuel ,all the time (in all my
vehicles ) it DOES work.
By the way I`m 75 years old with two artificial hips and a knee and
lots of arthritis ..Dont ride as far as I used to as I tire out more
easily........200 k is about my limit now.
Been riding various bikes since I was 15.
Ed
I won on EBay, a 21" Memphis Shades Windshield to replace my 17" which
was too small for me. I got it for $60.00 including shipping. Guaranteed to
be
90-95% perfect. If I don't sell the 17", It looks like I could cut it up and
make
some pretty nice lowers. Cut right, and with some 1" Aluminum Angle and a
couple of hose clamps would make a really nice custom lowers tapering right
down to the front wheel axle. That would make for an excellent winter
project.
I will post some photos if I do this.
============================================
> Well, I just got back from my first road trip. I haven't been highway
> riding (more than 10 miles) since the 80's. It felt really good to be back
> on the road again. It was sunny and warm when I left Tuesday, just over
> 20ēC, and the weather forcast promised 20ēC and above for the next week.
> The first day was great! I decided to go visit my friend about 100 miles
> North of me, then decide where to go while I was there. The next day, the
> weather had cooled off quite a bit and the sky's threatening to rain. Rode
> around in my friends truck. I used to hunt in this area, so I thought it
> would be a good time to do some early scouting. We saw lots of deer and
> runs. The sun never came back in the next few days. One evening, it
> dropped down to -7ēC. Frost everywhere in the morning. Heavy rain on
> Friday night. Weather forecast was still predicting 0% probability chance
> of precipitation. (I didn't get any chance to ride the last 3 days) Sun
> finally came out late Saturday Afternoon so I decided to make a run for
> it, back to the city. The wind was really cold. I kept thinking about how
> great my Rebel 250 was, with it's twice as big windshield and heated
> handlebar grips. (Make Mental Note: Get VT750 into shop and add much
> bigger windshield, with lowers right down to the front axle, and heated
> grips ASAP! Look into electrically heated rainsuit!) I almost made it home
> clean and dry. 2/3rds of the way home, it started to rain, then sleet. I
> had ice particles building up on the front of my legs. The road didn't
> seem slippery, so I continued. Made it back OK into the city. Next Road
> trip where it promised to be hot and sunny, I'll bring my down-filled
> winter jacket, a rain suit and tall, rubber boots. I can fit a duffle bag
> full of any occasion, bad weather gear between the backrests.
> But I did see some nice deer and took some good photos. Where I was
> staying, the deer are as thick as flies. One nice doe came within 50' of
> where I had parked my bike. Anyone here want to see some of the photos,
> I'll send 2 to anyone who replies. One of my bike, dressed up, and another
> of the deer near my bike. This offer is good until midnight June 10, 2009
> only.
> Cheers
> Roger
Also ...
Forgot to mention that my Shadow 750 hums on the cold night air! Driving
across Alberta at midnight when it's stinkin cold, roads dry, sky is clear -
this motor gives an incredible buzz. It's ultra smooth and begs to fly.
However, in Vancouver, driving through the winter monsoons - it loves to
make big backfires when decelerating in cold morning air which contains
moisture so thick you can cut it with a knife.
Tom
>I won on EBay, a 21" Memphis Shades Windshield to replace my 17" which
> was too small for me. I got it for $60.00 including shipping. Guaranteed
> to be
> 90-95% perfect. If I don't sell the 17", It looks like I could cut it up
> and make
> some pretty nice lowers. Cut right, and with some 1" Aluminum Angle and a
> couple of hose clamps would make a really nice custom lowers tapering
> right
> down to the front wheel axle. That would make for an excellent winter
> project.
> I will post some photos if I do this.
> ============================================
>> Well, I just got back from my first road trip. I haven't been highway
>> riding (more than 10 miles) since the 80's. It felt really good to be
>> back on the road again. It was sunny and warm when I left Tuesday, just
>> over 20ēC, and the weather forcast promised 20ēC and above for the next
>> week. The first day was great! I decided to go visit my friend about 100
>> miles North of me, then decide where to go while I was there. The next
>> day, the weather had cooled off quite a bit and the sky's threatening to
>> rain. Rode around in my friends truck. I used to hunt in this area, so I
>> thought it would be a good time to do some early scouting. We saw lots of
>> deer and runs. The sun never came back in the next few days. One evening,
>> it dropped down to -7ēC. Frost everywhere in the morning. Heavy rain on
>> Friday night. Weather forecast was still predicting 0% probability chance
>> of precipitation. (I didn't get any chance to ride the last 3 days) Sun
>> finally came out late Saturday Afternoon so I decided to make a run for
>> it, back to the city. The wind was really cold. I kept thinking about how
>> great my Rebel 250 was, with it's twice as big windshield and heated
>> handlebar grips. (Make Mental Note: Get VT750 into shop and add much
>> bigger windshield, with lowers right down to the front axle, and heated
>> grips ASAP! Look into electrically heated rainsuit!) I almost made it
>> home clean and dry. 2/3rds of the way home, it started to rain, then
>> sleet. I had ice particles building up on the front of my legs. The road
>> didn't seem slippery, so I continued. Made it back OK into the city. Next
>> Road trip where it promised to be hot and sunny, I'll bring my
>> down-filled winter jacket, a rain suit and tall, rubber boots. I can fit
>> a duffle bag full of any occasion, bad weather gear between the
>> backrests.
>>
>> But I did see some nice deer and took some good photos. Where I was
>> staying, the deer are as thick as flies. One nice doe came within 50' of
>> where I had parked my bike. Anyone here want to see some of the photos,
>> I'll send 2 to anyone who replies. One of my bike, dressed up, and
>> another of the deer near my bike. This offer is good until midnight June
>> 10, 2009 only.
>>
>> Cheers
>> Roger
>
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> I've put 37,000 km on this machine. Bought new in 2004 so I've had 6 years
> of driving. I drive year round in Vancouver BC, rain or shine, and have
> driven to Calgary return and Edmonton return with my dog (5.5 lb Toy Poodle
> in snuggly up front with Doggles).
> This is a good bike but has some nuances to be aware of.
> 1) I've cared for the chain and sprockets well. They are now ready to be
> replaced at 37,000 km (scheduled for next week). I believe this is normal.