Learn me, Shadow VLX 600

Looking around I am finding several later('07/08) low mile Shadow VLX 600's for around 3-3.5k. A quick search shows they had a 20 year run ending in '08. Otherwise not much is turning up about them. Ideas?

Edit-second look shows it only had a 4 speed transmission. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

I think in 04 they changed to a fatter tank and lower meaner look. Honda experts may know for sure. 07/08 would be the fatter tank, lower seat version.

IMO they look hideous with that stock rear fender. I mean completely unattractive. But, get rid of that and do a little bobber action and the things look really great.

Case in point.

And if you go that route I wouldn't be too concerned about the 4 speed for just cruising around town.

Looks are subjective...I'm not a fan of cruisers, but the stock bike looks much better than the chopped versions.

Bobbers definitely aren't my thing, and Japanese cruisers aren't either, but those last two pics are nice. I'd be willing to ride those two, at least for a few miles.

In all seriousness, those Hondas are pretty decent bikes, despite being completely uninspired (IMO). Even ones that have been riden hard and put away wet can be brought back to usefulness as long as the engine isn't trashed.

Best for under 6' tall people. Yes, uninspiring, not too much power, 4 speed is fine because of torque-didn't they have 5 speeds later? Basically, they are competent entry level cruisers.

The blue bobber is perfect. Although at this point a 500 ninja is my current front runner.

I would much prefer a 500 Ninja. I'm not a fan of bobbers either but that's the only way I would have a Shadow.

Wife bought a blurple '03 last year and is chicken, so I rode the balls off it commuting all summer.

Makes a good racket, rides decent, loves to rev to the moon, 48-50mpg for the year, decent brakes for a cheap bike. Could use stiffer clutch springs, gas tank will only get you 100 miles, and the single carb is fueled just a bit lean on the pilot. I wish it was a 5 speed, but if you're not taking any long highway jaunts it won't matter.

Really not a bad little rig at all. Definetly set up for beginners but it's been a hell of a country road runner for a porky cruiser.

Most miles will be commute, 22 each way of mostly running around 60, but I plan on racking up recreational miles on my days off.

They are buzzy, especially on the highway with that 4 speed transmission. Otherwise, generic Honda comments about reliability, and generic comments about Honda cruiser.

For a mid sized cruiser that will be used recreationally, they are probably fine. If you plan on touring or canyon carving, or riding two up, you'll probably end up selling it after a year or two and going on to something else.

Life happens, my new commute is 35 miles of rolling rural 55 two lane. This has helped with spousal approval of a motorcycle, a big step when she HATES them. The shadow is my cheapest bank friendly option at this point. This sounds like the perfect use for the bike.

Also, for an extra $1k, how much better is a 650 V star?

Not.

I'd have a Honda over a Yamaha any day.

I bought a VLX 600 for the wife to learn on. She loves it and that little bike impressed the heck out of me.

It's so easy to ride, no drama, has no bad habits other than the cruiser riding position absolutely kills my back in about an hour.

Shawn

Got my wife one to learn on. She loved it till we took a 500 mile trip on the bikes. She was ready to trade it in when we got there. Good for short trips and commuting but it is really buzzy at Interstate speeds for any distance. It was very reliable and easy to work on. She eventually traded it in towards a Kawasaki Vulcan S and loves it.

My wife is a banker. She will be looking up rates and such for me Tuesday. Of course newer will have better terms. Current top 4 is the shadow, a 650 V star, a 900 Vulcan, and the only non cruiser, an FZ8.

I was looking at the V Star for having a little more engine, a 5th gear, and a bigger aftermarket.

In reply to Brian :

Yo what's up Bri,

I'm an  absolute HONDA HEAD, 99si; 99dx, 06 Honda Shadow 600vlx that's chopped or bobbed out, however you wanna say it, but it Took me a little bit to get used to only having four gears, being an import guy, I still find myself trying to put my bike in fifth gear,  but if you look at the schematics for Honda's 4 speed,  it compares the gear ratio of having a fifth gear, and it shows it would really be pointless!!! 
 

                                                        Brian.B Friendly  Neighborhood  HONDA guy!!!!                

 I don’t know what they’re trading for now as far as price goes. Before Covid hit hard I bought an 05 CB 500 F with about 6K miles on it. Love it  it’s not super fast but it has good brakes and handling and a six speed. I’ve tried to cruiser thing before they’re fine around town. But for a little guy like me 5 foot six for shoes on and all of 140 pounds  The cruiser seating position turns me into a kite at highway speeds. I ended up spending $3200 and I’m quite pleased with my purchase. Oh I forgot to mention one of the great things about it, fuel injection!