43,434 bikes · 495 makes Add a bikeLog inRegister
Cruisers

1997Honda VT 600 C Shadow

Rate this bike
Click to vote

24 fields on record

The 1997 Honda VT 600 C Shadow is a lightweight cruiser perfectly suited for new riders and those seeking easy handling. Its accessible 39 horsepower V-twin engine and low 690mm seat height make it ideal for learning basics while enjoying classic cruiser styling. Known for reliability and affordability, it remains a popular entry-level custom motorcycle.

Capacity
583.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
200.0 kg
Seat height
690 mm
Power
39.0 HP (28.7 kW)

What’s new for the 1997 Honda VT 600 C Shadow

vs the 1996
Spec19961997
Torque 48.1 Nm (4.9 kgf-m or 35.5 ft.lbs) 49.0 Nm (5.0 kgf-m or 36.1 ft.lbs)
Top speed 160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
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
Speed 21Agility 41Comfort 60Off-road 10Touring 40Road manners 60
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
At 690mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 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
39.0 HP (28.7 kW)
Torque
49.0 Nm (5.0 kgf-m)
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.1950 HP/kg
Bore x stroke
75.0 x 66.0 mm
Cooling system
Liquid
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
3
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1600 mm
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
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 199519971999200220062011
Capacity 583 cc 583 cc 583 cc 583 cc 583 cc 583 cc
Dry weight 185 kg 200 kg 199 kg 199 kg 200 kg 185 kg
Seat height 670 mm 690 mm 693 mm 695 mm 690 mm 670 mm
Fuel capacity 11 L 11 L 11 L 11 L 11 L 11 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

☆☆☆☆☆
Be the first to rate

Common questions

What is the engine size of the Honda VT 600 C Shadow?

The 1997 Honda VT 600 C Shadow has a Capacity of 583.0 ccm (35.58 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Honda VT 600 C Shadow have?

The 1997 Honda VT 600 C Shadow has a Power of 39.0 HP (28.7 kW).

How many gears does the Honda VT 600 C Shadow have?

The 1997 Honda VT 600 C Shadow has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Honda VT 600 C Shadow?

The 1997 Honda VT 600 C Shadow has a Torque of 49.0 Nm (5.0 kgf-m or 36.1 ft.lbs).

How much does the Honda VT 600 C Shadow weigh?

The 1997 Honda VT 600 C Shadow has a Dry weight of 200.0 kg (440.9 pounds).

Shop this bike

Affiliate links

We may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Similar bikes

Same category, weighted similarity

More Honda Motorcycles