20 Most Recent 1984 Honda VT 500 C Shadow - Page 4 Questions & Answers

Sounds like the return orifice in your master cylinder is plugged up. You should rebuild the master cylinder paying close attention to the small return hole in the master cylinder.

Do you notice your cooling fan running? if not most likely the thermo switch is defective.

I don't recomend the expensive synthetic oils, stick with motorcycle oil only engine component failure i have ever seen was with synthetic, camshaft and rocker arm failure.

Change the flasher unit.

I've got 1985 VT 750C and I believe design is similar to 500.
If ti is ni you don't need to remove engine cover. Starter is placed below carbs between cylinders. Disconnect battery, disconnect cable at the starter, remove to bolts at the back of the stater, slide starter back(towards right side of the bike), lift back end of the starter and remove. It is very tight fit, be persistant but don't break anythink.
What are the symptoms? You sure you need to remove starter?

If it has been sitting for a while, the clutch plates are rusted to the friction plates. Get ready to remove the exhaust, drain the oil, side frame, brake pedal and clutch cable. When you remove all the hex bolts use the bottom corners that stick out a bit to tap "softly" to get the cover loose. 4 bolts hold the springs, and after that one more nut and you can get to the plates. put the brake pedal back on to stop it from turning to break the nut loose. replace them or use some fine sandpaper to clean. ENJOY!!!

If the plugs are fuel fouled then you should look at the carbs.sounds like running ritch. If carbs are OK then Check spark if it is orange it is week(should be whiteish blue). If the coils are producing spark but week the bike will run but eventualy foul the plugs because it can't burn all the fuel.

You need to take off the tops and check the slights if they are moving freely as well as the condition of their membranes.It is part 12 here [img]http://partstream.arinet.com/Image?arik=s4v92978S7HV4vH84i3c&arib=HOM&arim=PlvRPT97U4oQrvKJ304_9A2&aria=c5zpNrwMU6EBLpCPt-rB5A2&ariz=3&ariv=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.babbittsonline.com%2Fhonda-motorcycle-parts[/img]Also need to take out the number 13 part which is the cold start valve and clean it so it moves freely too. And check that cold start valve's airway to the idle jet is not clogged. Use some carburator cleaning aerosol and compressed air.

Try herehttp://www.carlsalter.com/download.asp?p=952

The plastic ages & cracks enough for high voltage sparks to jump out to earthRide Safe Bike-Doc

Either insulate the CDI completely by wrapping in plastic or similaror replace / repair the CDIRide Safe Bike-Doc

How many miles are on it? You can try adjusting the clutch cable, there is a thumbwheel and adjuster bolt on the clutch lever perch where the cable goes into it. Simply loosen the thumbwheel, then turn the bolt outwards untill the excess cable slack is taken up. ONLY TAKE UP THE SLACK!! If this does not aleviate the problem, you likely have transmission problems- the slots and dogs in the transmission gears become worn with use/abuse- the most common ****** problem is clattering when putting into first gear, and difficult/missed 1-2 upshift. If your bike sometimes doesn't want to go into 2nd gear (requires double shifting, or seems to want to go into neutral before going into second) it's a sure sign of transmission wear. This can sometimes be repaired by replacing/ re-cutting and grinding the 1-2 gearsets, but in most cases it requires major disassembly of bottom end of the engine. This is a several hundred dollar repair, easy, and not one that many shops will be willing to take on with an older bike.

Check your battery as they don't like getting cold and will be less likely to start as you have noticed.
See if the CCA rating is on it and put in a heavier duty battery with a higher CCA rating. CCA is Cold Cranking Amps. The higher the rating the better the cold cranking power.
Also check your starter motor for general wear and tear. If your mechanically minded you could take it apart and give it a general clean up, if not best leave it alone.

Remove battery terminals, one at a time, and clean well with fine sand paper. As you do each one, also clean the cable. The corrosion causes high resistance connection (low current flow connection). The connection improves gets better or worse based on current low and humidity conditions when the white oxide corrosion is present. Clean it up, charge if needed and enjoy your ride.

Replace the rear brake pads. The thicker pad will require less pedal movement. The other option is to tighten up the rear brake actuator at the rear hub. Put it up on the center stand and adjust away until you figure it out. Make sure it is in neutral and the rear tire spins freely when the brake is not applied. Push the brake pedal to see how it all works, you'll figure it out.

you may have water in the bottom of the carbs or corrosion you need to try some starting fluid in the back of carbs when your problem is happening if it starts up you know you need to clean the carbs

at about 180%

The fuse at the solenoide is also ok ?. Do you have 12 volts going to the fuse box 1side of the fuse, at the rectifier plug that conects it to the harnes, you should have 2 reds12 volt live

Your oil filter is underneath the motor in the back , between the wheel and the transmission. It is a spin on filter. You can purchase a filter from Honda. Honda also sells a filter with the wrench for a little bit more or for about $10 you can get a K&L filter wrench. Your motorcycle comes from Honda usually with 10w-40 mineral base motorcycle oil. You can use any oil that is JASO MA certified motorcycle oil. 10w-40 for cold climate. 20w-50 for warm climate/touring. Car oils use different additives and may cause scoring in certain types of cam bearings. Do not use any oil that says " Energy Conserving " on the label . It will shorten the life of your wet clutch and transmission gears. If you choose Synthetic oils, they will help your bike run cooler and shift easier. Shell Rotella T and Rotella T Synthetic 15w-40 are inexpensive JASO MA oils. You will need 4 quarts of oil, an aluminum drain plug washer, and a filter. Pour in 3.4 quarts , run the motor, and check the oil level . Top up as needed.

castrol 20/50 this is the oil to use for all motocycles, atvs, and vw 4 cyl.