1997Honda VT750C2 Shadow

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The 1997 Honda VT 750 C2 Shadow is a lightweight cruiser perfectly suited for riders seeking an accessible, manageable machine with authentic cruiser styling. Its 745cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, user-friendly power and is renowned for reliability and low maintenance. Best known for combining classic custom aesthetics with everyday practicality, it remains popular among beginner and intermediate cruiser enthusiasts.

Capacity: 745.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 229.0 kg
Seat height: 700 mm
Power: Not on record
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Other years 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2011 2012 2013

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring45%

Two-up50%

Track10%

Best for: Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and short scenic rides rather than outright performance.
Built for: A classic V-twin cruiser with soft torque delivery, relaxed styling, and an easygoing, unhurried riding feel.
Not ideal for: Not ideal for riders wanting sharp cornering performance, high-speed touring, 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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 700mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Honda VT750C2 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: 745.0 ccm
Torque: 66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m) @ 3000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Bore x stroke: 79.0 x 76.0 mm
Compression: 9.6:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 3
Power: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1615 mm
Overall length: 2455 mm
Overall width: 980 mm
Overall height: 1110 mm
Seat height: 700 mm
Dry weight: 229.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 14.00 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 116 mm
Rear wheel travel: 90 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 296 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 180 mm
Front tyre: 120/90-17
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	1997	1999	2002	2011	2013
Capacity	745 cc	745 cc	745 cc	745 cc	745 cc
Dry weight	229 kg	230 kg	229 kg	249 kg	249 kg
Seat height	700 mm	700 mm	700 mm	673 mm	652 mm
Fuel capacity	14 L	14 L	14 L	14 L	14 L