Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Going to check out a nice looking shadow 500 in the next couple of weeks and would like to know what everyone thinks of this bike for a first time rider.

The seller is looking for $2000 CDN including saddle bags and windshield. I have not seen this bike in person and do not know the mileage but this seems like a reasonable price.

Tx Much
Waylander

I'm not extremely familiar with the used market in Canada, but south of the border, $2,000 (which is about $2K US) would be an obscenely high amount to pay for a 25 yr. old 500cc street bike.

Im with flynrider, unless the bike is 100% perfect with only 50 miles on the clock, new tires etc. Otherwise $1000 is about the most I'd pay for one.

It should be fine as a starter bike, light maneuverable, and enough power to make it interesting. I used to have one.

Kelly's blue book


February 5, 2008
1983 Honda VT500C Shadow
2-Cylinder
4-Stroke
500cc

Suggested Retail Value $1265

If it has low mileage, it is probably worth LESS than higher mileage... means it has been SITTING and SITTING. Probably will need most of the rubber bits (gaskets, belts, hoses) replaced, due to dry rot. Look closely at the tires.

From personal experience, most shops won't touch a bike that old, which means you'll have to do any maintenance yourself. Are you up for that? And parts are gonna be tough to come by. Now, if you're good at improvising, you may have a gem on your hands, but it can just as easily become a money pit.

P

Thanks all.

Maybe it's just the time of year but there seems to be very few bikes up for sale here and those that are seem to be VERY pricey.

83 shadow 750 $$2700
81 Kawasaki 440 ltd $1800
2000 Honda 750 ACE $6500


Street bikes from any time in the 90's are non existent and bikes 2000 or newer are beyond what I want to pay for my first ride.

Does availability get better the closer we get to riding season??



Still haven't seen the 83 shadow I'll let you know more details when I get out to view it in person.

waylander

As soon as april/may gets around you will see the classfied ads fill up!

I have the same make and model. $2kCAD is way too much. More realistically $1,200, maybe $1,500 for a low mileage bike with new tires and new battery. Worse condition, lower price.

Pros
-for me more than ample power: 0-100kph in 5.3secs, 1/4 mile 13.64 seconds at 93.65 MPH
-gas mileage: 25kmpl/60mpg
-very reliable engine: V-twin, 52 degree. Design still used in the Honda Shadow line. Nice sounding engine. Mechanic told me with regular oil changes should be able to easily exceed 100,000kms.
-Will easily start at 0C/32F
-inexpensive to purchase, insure, maintain
-shaft drive: little/no maintenance
-6 gears, including overdrive
-400lbs, so not too heavy
-nice forum
-great commuter/second bike
-easy maintenance. Clymer's manual available
-mid controls, so more upright riding position
-charging system is really strong, so can add accessory lighting, heated equipment, etc

Cons
-probably need to replace both tires ($200), battery ($100), and all fluids. Factor these into the purchase price and discount the cost.
-for long distance touring not as comfy as a larger bike. At 100kph the bike is at 4,100rpms. Redline is 9,500RPMs. Add a windshield for less wind buffeting
-only sold between 1982-'86. The Honda Ascot VT500F uses the same engine and frame sold from '82-'83. Not a hugely long production run, but sufficient replacement parts one eBay.
-a mild mannered bike, maybe a little boring, if you ride at legal speed limits. Can easily exceed all speed limits.
-small gas tank: only 12L
-stepped seat does not allow many variable seating postions
-side covers difficult to find, expensive to replace
-few bolt-on chrome accessories

I have one. I like it. It's reliable and rides nicely. It was also cheap to buy, maintain and insure.