Expert: Jeff Gammon - 10/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: i have a 1986 honda shadow vt700 that needs a tune-up. is there a web site that i can go to to show me step-by-step on how to tune-up this bike?

ANSWER: Hi Richard,

I'm not sure of any website that shows this. However, the manual is your friend and is a must for preforming any work on your bike. If you don't have a manual, I'd pick one up asap.
It will outline everything that needs to be checked, adjusted, changed, etc and when it needs to be done and how to do it.

You might be able to find general tune up procedures on line, but the manual will be very specific for your Shadow VT700.

P.S. Online forums can be helpful too. There is one for the Honda Shadow. It can be found at:
http://www.hondashadow.net/

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: on my shadow its hard to start and i have to push start it. can you give an idea on what the problem is?

Answer
My guess is that the carbs need cleaning. Since the bike does run, I would pour half a bottle of 'Sea Foam' fuel treatment into a full tank of gas and run it through the bike. Also make sure the other stuff is working good:
- new plugs
- new/clean air filter

-Jeff