Cruisers
2003Honda VT125C Shadow
21 fields on record
The 2003 Honda VT125C Shadow is an entry-level cruiser designed for novice riders and commuters seeking an affordable, manageable motorcycle. Its lightweight 145kg frame, low 680mm seat height, and modest 124cc V-twin engine deliver approachable performance with authentic cruiser styling. Known for reliability and fuel efficiency, it remains popular as a starter bike or urban runabout.
- Capacity
- 124.5 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 145.0 kg
- Seat height
- 680 mm
- Power
- 15.0 HP (11.0 kW)
What’s new for the 2003 Honda VT125C Shadow
vs the 2002| Spec | 2002 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Torque | 11.0 Nm (1.1 kgf-m or 8.1 ft.lbs) | 10.5 Nm (1.1 kgf-m or 7.7 ft.lbs) |
| Top speed | 110.0 km/h (68.4 mph) | not listed |
| Fuel capacity | 14.50 litres (3.83 US gallons) | 14.00 litres (3.70 US gallons) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Best suited to relaxed cruiser-style commuting and short leisurely rides rather than outright performance.
- Built for
- A friendly, unintimidating small-capacity cruiser that prioritizes style and easy handling over speed.
- Not ideal for
- Not suitable for experienced riders seeking strong acceleration, highway touring comfort, 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 usReliability & safety
Bike Reliability score, safety recalls and owner complaintsBike Reliability
How the score works →13
out of 100Poor
The 2003 Honda VT125C Shadow passed its annual roadworthiness test first time 67.4% of the time, 14.7 points below expected for bikes of the same age and mileage. That beats 13% of models.
All years of this model: 27 / 100 (below average) from 2,744 tests.
67.4%Passed first time
21.6%Failed outright
11.0%Fixed during test
11,000Typical miles
616Tests
Pass rate by miles ridden
All years of this model.
Score by year first registered
13
18
34
33
2003200620072008
Against its rivals · ranks 1 of 6
| # | Model (all years) | Score | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda VT125C Shadow | 27 Below average | 2,744 |
| 2 | Suzuki GN 125 | 19 Poor | 15,158 |
| 3 | Kawasaki Eliminator 125 | 17 Poor | 184 |
| 4 | Suzuki GZ125 Marauder | 10 Poor | 10,545 |
| 5 | Kymco Zing 125 | 7 Poor | 322 |
| 6 | Daelim VL 125 Daystar | 7 Poor | 248 |
Rivals are the most-viewed bikes on MotorcycleDB in the same category and engine size, from within three years of this model.
From British annual roadworthiness tests, 2005-2025. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (DVSA MOT test data, Great Britain). How Bike Reliability works.
Engine
- Capacity
- 124.5 ccm
- Power
- 15.0 HP (11.0 kW)
- Torque
- 10.5 Nm (1.1 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- V-Twin
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1034 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 42.0 x 45.0 mm
- Cooling system
- Liquid
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1524 mm
- Overall length
- 2300 mm
- Overall width
- 888 mm
- Seat height
- 680 mm
- Dry weight
- 145.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 14.00 litres
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake (drum brake)
- Front tyre
- 100/90-17
- Rear tyre
- 130/90-15
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 | 1999 | 2001 | 2003 | 2005 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 125 cc | 125 cc | 125 cc | 125 cc | 125 cc |
| Dry weight | 145 kg | 145 kg | 145 kg | 145 kg | 145 kg |
| Seat height | 680 mm | 680 mm | 680 mm | 680 mm | 680 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14.5 L | 14.5 L | 14 L | 14.5 L | 14 L |
| Bike Reliability ⓘ | Too few tests | Too few tests | 13 Poor | Too few tests | 34 Below average |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Honda VT125C Shadow?
The 2003 Honda VT125C Shadow has a Capacity of 124.5 ccm (7.60 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Honda VT125C Shadow have?
The 2003 Honda VT125C Shadow has a Power of 15.0 HP (11.0 kW).
How many gears does the Honda VT125C Shadow have?
The 2003 Honda VT125C Shadow has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Honda VT125C Shadow?
The 2003 Honda VT125C Shadow has a Torque of 10.5 Nm (1.1 kgf-m or 7.7 ft.lbs).
How much does the Honda VT125C Shadow weigh?
The 2003 Honda VT125C Shadow has a Dry weight of 145.0 kg (319.7 pounds).
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Similar bikes
Same category, weighted similarity
2004 Honda VT125C Shadow
125 cc · 145 kg · 680 mm
2003 Hyosung GV 125 Aquila
124 cc · 145 kg · 690 mm
2004 Hyosung GV 125 Aquila
124 cc · 145 kg · 690 mm
2000 Aprilia Classic 125
125 cc · 145 kg · 830 mm
2002 Aprilia Classic 125
125 cc · 145 kg · 830 mm
2003 Suzuki VL 125 Intruder
124 cc · 140 kg · 685 mm
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