2002 Honda VT 125C Shadow

Make Model	Honda VT 125C Shadow
Year	2003 - 06
Engine	Four stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Capacity	124 cc / 7.6 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	42 x 45 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio	11.8:1
Induction	2x 22mm VP-type
Ignition	Digital transistorised with electronic advance
Starting	Electric
Max Power	15 hp / 10.9 kW @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque	11 Nm / 8.1 ft.lb @ 9000 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	35mm Telescopic forks
Front Wheel Travel	110 mm / 4.3 in
Rear Suspension	Dual shocks with adjustable preload
Rear Wheel Travel	80 mm / 3.1 in
Front Brakes	Single 240mm disc
Rear Brakes	130mm drum
Front Tyre	100/90-17
Rear Tyre	130/90-15
Dimensions	Length 2300mm / 90.5 in
Wheelbase	1524 mm / 60.0 in
Seat Height	680 mm / 26.8 in
Ground Clearance	145 mm / 5.7 in
Dry Weight	145 kg / 319.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity	14 Litres / 3.8 US gal

Honda VT125C Shadow has a liquid-cooled, 90° V-twin. It pumps out more power than other 125s (think Honda’s CG with its meagre 10bhp) but it carries a hell of a lot more weight (add about 45kg) so, while it works wonders, the Honda VT125C Shadow is underpowered for such a heavy motorcycle. Smooth and torquey down low, the Honda VT125C Shadow's shortcomings only really show up out on the open road, ie: precisely where

Wide, plush seat, forward footrests and high bars make for laidback riding, California style on the Honda VT125C Shadow. Brakes and suspension are ample; nothing’s too extreme. The Honda VT125C Shadow is heavy for slow-speed work and ground clearance is a problem if you get too excited in corners. The Honda VT125C Shadow does burble along beautifully, though.

Chrome, chrome everywhere… The Honda VT125C Shadow has a tank-mounted “instrument pod”, including electronic speedo and rev counter; good mirrors and lovely, spoked wheels topped off with stylish mudguards. Honda VT125C Shadow extras are plentiful and include a pillion back rest, a screen, luggage and masses of chrome

Road Test

You've got to stare hard at the Shadow before you realise that what you're looking at is just a 125cc motorcycle that you can ride on L-plates.

Designed with classic American styling, the Shadow VT125 has the presence of a much larger machine, thanks partly to the heavily finned motor.

But don't let the fins fool you - this is no basic air-cooled unit. The smallest Shadow is a liquid-cooled, four-valve, single-overhead cam 90-degree V-twin with an 11.8:1 compression ratio.

Its beautifully executed details include a teardrop petrol tank topped by a glittering, chrome finish speedometer, wide handlebars and deeply styled 'fenders' draped over wide, wire-spoked wheels, all underlined by a chromed two-into-one exhaust.

Power output is 15bhp at 11000rpm, substantially more than that other popular Honda lightweight, the CG125. That pumps out just 10.5bhp at 7500rpm.

The five-speed VT125 needs the extra poke because, at 145Kg, it tips the scales a whopping 38Kg more than the CG. But the weight gives the VT a solid, dependable feel - just what you'd expect of a cruiser.

Seat height is a lowly 680mm (27in) so planting both feet firmly on the ground when you stop shouldn't be a problem for anyone.

With Honda reliability and 8000 miles between services, the Shadow VT125 is a very attractive package.