Cruisers
2005Honda VT125C Shadow
34 fields on record
The 2005 Honda VT125C Shadow is a small V-twin cruiser for learner riders. Its liquid-cooled 125cc V-twin makes 15 hp and 10.5 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and chain. A low 680 mm seat, 145 kg dry weight and 14.5-litre tank give it big-bike looks.
- Capacity
- 125.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 145.0 kg
- Seat height
- 680 mm
- Power
- 15.0 HP (11.0 kW)
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It's built for relaxed cruiser-style commuting and short leisurely rides rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- It has a classic small-capacity cruiser feel, with a laid-back V-twin character prioritizing style and easy handling over performance.
- Not ideal for
- This is not the bike for riders wanting highway touring speed, two-up comfort over distance, or any 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 →27
out of 100Below average
The Honda VT125C Shadow passed its annual roadworthiness test first time 76.3% of the time, 6.2 points below expected for bikes of the same age and mileage. That beats 27% of models.
Bikes first registered in 2005 have 41 tests, too few for their own score, so this covers every year.
76.3%Passed first time
14.7%Failed outright
9.0%Fixed during test
9,000Typical miles
2,744Tests
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 | Daelim VL 125 Daystar | 7 Poor | 248 |
| 6 | Kymco Zing 125 | 7 Poor | 322 |
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
- 125.0 ccm
- Power
- 15.0 HP (11.0 kW)
- Torque
- 10.5 Nm (1.1 kgf-m) @ 9000 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1034 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 42.0 x 45.0 mm
- Compression
- 11.8:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- Dual digital transistorised with electronic advance
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Wet, multiplate with coil springs
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1530 mm
- Overall length
- 2300 mm
- Overall width
- 890 mm
- Overall height
- 1110 mm
- Seat height
- 680 mm
- Dry weight
- 145.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 14.50 litres
- Ground clearance
- 145 mm
- Reserve fuel capacity
- 3.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front wheel travel
- 110 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 80 mm
- Trail
- 122 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 240 mm
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Rear brakes diameter
- 130 mm
- Front tyre
- 110/90-17 55P
- Rear tyre
- 130/90-15M/C 66P
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 2005 Honda VT125C Shadow has a Capacity of 125.0 ccm (7.63 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Honda VT125C Shadow have?
The 2005 Honda VT125C Shadow has a Power of 15.0 HP (11.0 kW).
How many gears does the Honda VT125C Shadow have?
The 2005 Honda VT125C Shadow has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Honda VT125C Shadow?
The 2005 Honda VT125C Shadow has a Torque of 10.5 Nm (1.1 kgf-m or 7.7 ft.lbs) @ 9000 RPM.
How much does the Honda VT125C Shadow weigh?
The 2005 Honda VT125C Shadow has a Dry weight of 145.0 kg (319.7 pounds).
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