Cruisers

1997Honda VT 600 C Shadow

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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: 4-speed
Dry weight: 200.0 kg
Seat height: 690 mm
Power: 39.0 HP (28.7 kW)

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

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
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

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

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 (dry)
Bore x stroke: 75.0 x 66.0 mm
Cooling system: Liquid
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 3

Transmission

Gearbox: 4-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

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	1997	1999	2002	2006	2011
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