Cruisers

2003Honda VT 600 C Shadow

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The 2003 Honda VT 600 C Shadow is an accessible cruiser designed for riders seeking an affordable entry into the cruiser category. Its lightweight 583cc V-twin engine delivers manageable power and torque, making it ideal for newcomers and smaller-framed riders. Known for its classic styling, reliability, and low seat height, the Shadow excels as a comfortable, practical everyday cruiser.

Capacity: 583.0 ccm
Engine: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 4-speed
Dry weight: 200.0 kg
Seat height: 690 mm
Power: 34.0 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2003 Honda VT 600 C Shadow

vs the 2002

Spec	2002	2003
Engine capacity	583.00 ccm (35.57 cubic inches)	583.0 ccm (35.58 cubic inches)
Power	34.00 HP	34.0 HP
Torque	50.00 Nm (5.1 kgf-m or 36.9 ft.lbs) @ 3500	48.0 Nm (4.9 kgf-m or 35.4 ft.lbs) @ 3250 RPM
Weight	199.0 kg (438.7 pounds)	200.0 kg (440.9 pounds)
Seat height	695 mm (27.4 inches)	690 mm (27.2 inches)
Fuel capacity	—	11.00 litres (2.91 US gallons)
Gearbox	5-speed	4-speed
Rear brakes	Expanding brake	Expanding brake (drum brake)
Cooling	—	Liquid

Other years 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2011

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering40%

City riding65%

Daily riding65%

Touring40%

Two-up45%

Track10%

Best for: It's built for relaxed, low-speed cruising and easy daily riding rather than outright performance.
Built for: A mellow V-twin cruiser with laid-back power delivery and classic Shadow styling that rewards a relaxed riding style.
Not ideal for: It's not a good match for riders wanting strong highway overtaking power, sporty cornering, or off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 690mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2003 Honda VT 600 C Shadow, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 583.0 ccm
Power: 34.0 HP
Torque: 48.0 Nm (4.9 kgf-m) @ 3250 RPM
Engine type: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1700 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 75.0 x 66.0 mm
Cooling system: Liquid
Starting: Electric

Transmission

Gearbox: 4-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Dimensions & weight

Overall length: 2355 mm
Overall width: 840 mm
Seat height: 690 mm
Dry weight: 200.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 11.00 litres

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Expanding brake (drum brake)
Front tyre: 100/90-19
Rear tyre: 170/80-15

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1995	1999	2002	2003	2006	2011
Capacity	583.00 ccm (35.57 cubic inches)	583.00 ccm (35.57 cubic inches)	583.00 ccm (35.57 cubic inches)	583.00 ccm (35.57 cubic inches)	583.00 ccm (35.57 cubic inches)	583.00 ccm (35.57 cubic inches)
Dry weight	185.0 kg (407.9 pounds)	199.0 kg (438.7 pounds)	199.0 kg (438.7 pounds)	200.0 kg (440.9 pounds)	200.0 kg (440.9 pounds)	185.0 kg (407.9 pounds)
Seat height	670 mm (26.4 inches)	—	695 mm (27.4 inches)	690 mm (27.2 inches)	690 mm (27.2 inches)	670 mm (26.4 inches)
Fuel capacity	—	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)	—	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)	11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)	—