Why is the 600 VLX shadow a 4 speed? - Honda Shadow Forums : Shadow Motorcycle Forum

mattdesbarbieux · 05-11-2011, 10:32 PM

Not that I have any problems so far, but what possessed Honda to make it a four speed bike? Just doesn't seem smart. Anyone have any problems with extended riding at 100km/h-120km/h?

Kingshead · 05-11-2011, 10:41 PM

I think the final drive ratio is similar, just different spacing between. All the Shadows seem to need an extra gear in my opinion.

Martin

Menhir · 05-11-2011, 11:06 PM

I have had no problems at those speeds.
An extra gear would be nice, but not necessary.

PS: I'm not sure what you mean by extended. My commute is mostly highway, and like I said...no problems.
I had a concern when I first bought my VLX about the highway speeds, but other than the oft-mentioned "buzz", there were no bad reports.
Incidentally, I don't get any buzz...although I find it rides smoother after I hit 65mph.

93gc40 · 05-12-2011, 12:27 AM

Because it's a cruiser.. They only had to add gears in later models to satisfy former standard and rocket riders and cagers. Final gear ratio is basically the same on the newer 5 speeds. Means you don't have to shift so much. Performance wise, yes the 4 speeds could use a 5th and the 5 speeds need a 6th, but it's a cruiser.

Dunesgirl · 05-12-2011, 06:23 AM

Agreed with the others, when you compare the VLX with other bikes in its class (i.e. V Star 650, Shadow 750, Suzuki S40, Suzuki S50/C50, etc) the final gear ratio is pretty much the same. You're not missing much, except extra shifting.

VLX's are fine on the freeway for extended amounts of time. It's just getting over the buzzy feeling (at 70mph, they are only just over half way to redline from what I understand). I've done 70-75mph (about 112-120kph) on the freeway several times, traveling to my sister's house. Three hours of high speed riding in a day each time I go, and I've never seen any ill effects from it except increased fuel consumption. Keep an eye on your oil as well.

still_bluenoser · 05-12-2011, 08:26 AM

I've done extended riding on the 5+overdrive vt500 and the 4 speed VLX and have to say that the VT500 is by far more enjoyable in most riding situations.

Also, just because you have more gears doesn't mean you have to shift more on hills etc.

The VT500 will ride all day on the highway in overdrive. No need to downshift at all unless maybe passing.

Just have to rock your toe a couple more times when stopping and starting.

kacealraid · 05-12-2011, 09:57 AM

I enjoy the 4 gears in the VLX, I like having a larger range to play with when I'm city-riding.

still_bluenoser · 05-12-2011, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kacealraid

I enjoy the 4 gears in the VLX, I like having a larger range to play with when I'm city-riding.

Please explain this?

tazman9 · 05-12-2011, 12:57 PM

It is also cheaper for Honda to make a 4 speed than a 5 speed & they didn't make many changes in the 600 - 1100 engines in quite a while. I have a 5 speed & wish it was 6.

Sasquatch · 05-12-2011, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tazman9

It is also cheaper for Honda to make a 4 speed than a 5 speed & they didn't make many changes in the 600 - 1100 engines in quite a while. I have a 5 speed & wish it was 6.

Precisely, because Honda is CHEAP

05-11-2011, 10:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
mattdesbarbieux Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 34	Why is the 600 VLX shadow a 4 speed? Not that I have any problems so far, but what possessed Honda to make it a four speed bike? Just doesn't seem smart. Anyone have any problems with extended riding at 100km/h-120km/h?

05-11-2011, 11:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Menhir Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 642	I have had no problems at those speeds. An extra gear would be nice, but not necessary. PS: I'm not sure what you mean by extended. My commute is mostly highway, and like I said...no problems. I had a concern when I first bought my VLX about the highway speeds, but other than the oft-mentioned "buzz", there were no bad reports. Incidentally, I don't get any buzz...although I find it rides smoother after I hit 65mph. Last edited by Menhir; 05-11-2011 at 11:10 PM.

05-12-2011, 12:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
93gc40 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Visalia, CA Posts: 4,332	Because it's a cruiser.. They only had to add gears in later models to satisfy former standard and rocket riders and cagers. Final gear ratio is basically the same on the newer 5 speeds. Means you don't have to shift so much. Performance wise, yes the 4 speeds could use a 5th and the 5 speeds need a 6th, but it's a cruiser. __________________ 93 VT1100C Harley Killer (1150cc), VH Exhaust, 2mm sleeved and bored, Modified Heads and Valves, Adjustable Timing, Touring Seat, Baby Apes, Metzlers

05-12-2011, 06:23 AM	#5 (permalink)
Dunesgirl Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Weber County, Utah Posts: 1,078	Agreed with the others, when you compare the VLX with other bikes in its class (i.e. V Star 650, Shadow 750, Suzuki S40, Suzuki S50/C50, etc) the final gear ratio is pretty much the same. You're not missing much, except extra shifting. VLX's are fine on the freeway for extended amounts of time. It's just getting over the buzzy feeling (at 70mph, they are only just over half way to redline from what I understand). I've done 70-75mph (about 112-120kph) on the freeway several times, traveling to my sister's house. Three hours of high speed riding in a day each time I go, and I've never seen any ill effects from it except increased fuel consumption. Keep an eye on your oil as well. __________________ You're right. I could die riding my bike. I could also die while driving my cage. I could die while crossing the street. I could die from cancer. I don't live life worrying about what might kill me. I just enjoy life as I see fit. Angela "The Flying Purple People Eater" 2001 Honda Magna 750: ride bell from I-AM-TIM and Daunte's grip ends

05-12-2011, 08:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
still_bluenoser Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Nova Scotia Canada Posts: 3,476	I've done extended riding on the 5+overdrive vt500 and the 4 speed VLX and have to say that the VT500 is by far more enjoyable in most riding situations. Also, just because you have more gears doesn't mean you have to shift more on hills etc. The VT500 will ride all day on the highway in overdrive. No need to downshift at all unless maybe passing. Just have to rock your toe a couple more times when stopping and starting. __________________ 1981 cb750c with 900f forks, cams, oil cooler. 1983 vt500c 1979 cbx

05-11-2011, 10:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
Kingshead Banned Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 3,795	I think the final drive ratio is similar, just different spacing between. All the Shadows seem to need an extra gear in my opinion. Martin

05-12-2011, 12:57 PM	#9 (permalink)
tazman9 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Arlington, WA Posts: 269	It is also cheaper for Honda to make a 4 speed than a 5 speed & they didn't make many changes in the 600 - 1100 engines in quite a while. I have a 5 speed & wish it was 6.

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