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1997 Honda Cruiser reviews

4.4 (16 reviews)
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Reliability
4.4
Overall quality
4.4
Performance
4.3
Comfort
4.3

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16 ratings and reviews

Voted most helpful review

Craig

Nova Scotia

Reviewed on February 3, 2022

Motorcycle reviewed 1997 Honda Shadow Ace 1100 view listing

5.0
Bought this bike because I liked the look of it, mine is Pearl Ivory Cream and Black, named her Pearl, lots of tasteful aftermarket studded accessories, driving lights,saddle bags, etc. Lots of torque, almost as much as my 93 V65 Magna, which is saying something, factory exhaust does not need replacing, exce... read more
Bought this bike because I liked the look of it, mine is Pearl Ivory Cream and Black, named her Pearl, lots of tasteful aftermarket studded accessories, driving lights,saddle bags, etc. Lots of torque, almost as much as my 93 V65 Magna, which is saying something, factory exhaust does not need replacing, excellent exhaust note, turns easily in the 16', very nimble, vibrates a little due to the single crank pin but that's what makes it even greater. Can't believe these bikes go for so cheap. They're a hidden gem. 81,000kms on mine. Replaced all fluids voluntarily, oil and filter of course every year, brakes and tires recently and I'm good for a good while yet. Love the bike. It's on bikez.com it's way in in the pics but if you look you'll see the front of a tractor to the right in my garage. Don't hesitate, get one. Really fun to ride.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

paul caley

Massachusetts

Reviewed on October 16, 2019

Motorcycle reviewed 1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard view listing

5.0
i have always had a honda motorcycle. i have been riding sense the 60's. loved the valkyrie when it came out in 97 couldn't afford it then. 2007 bought a 97 still own it now has 65k on it. never let me down is still a thrill to ride even at 66 years old. when i can't hold it up on 2 wheels i will have it conv... read more
i have always had a honda motorcycle. i have been riding sense the 60's. loved the valkyrie when it came out in 97 couldn't afford it then. 2007 bought a 97 still own it now has 65k on it. never let me down is still a thrill to ride even at 66 years old. when i can't hold it up on 2 wheels i will have it converted to 3 wheels. lots of respect for this bike from many other brand owners. still gets lots of attention no matter where i go. will never get rid of it.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Aaron

Phoenix, Arizona

Reviewed on November 1, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 1997 Honda VT600CD Shadow VLX Deluxe view listing

5.0
I have owned two 97 600vlx's in the past several years. The first I bought new. It withstood daily HARD riding, rain or shine, for a total of 60,000 miles in just over two years. I was not easy on this thing at all. I rode it from Phoenix to New Orleans in under 50 hours and wrecked it on the way home. It was... read more
I have owned two 97 600vlx's in the past several years. The first I bought new. It withstood daily HARD riding, rain or shine, for a total of 60,000 miles in just over two years. I was not easy on this thing at all. I rode it from Phoenix to New Orleans in under 50 hours and wrecked it on the way home. It was fixed and ridden some more before general problems became too expensive. Example: Rear monoshock blew out; no rebuild kit, expensive new. Reliability is awesome, especially if you ride easy. Overhaul is expensive. I love the dressed-down Shadows, only I wish the VLX had a longer and more powerful version to suit me (not the Spirits or Ace editions, they aren't as good as VLX).
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Paulie

knox, Indiana

Reviewed on January 16, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 1997 Honda VT1100C2 A.C.E. view listing

5.0
I bought my '96 1100 ace from and old guy who hadn't ridden since the ark had been built! It had 6000 miles on it, covered in dust, and had gummed up carbs and a tank load of 2 year old gas. In a matter of a couple of days of cleaning, this bike looks like new. It now has over 17000 miles on it, which were pu... read more
I bought my '96 1100 ace from and old guy who hadn't ridden since the ark had been built! It had 6000 miles on it, covered in dust, and had gummed up carbs and a tank load of 2 year old gas. In a matter of a couple of days of cleaning, this bike looks like new. It now has over 17000 miles on it, which were put on in less than 5 months. It is a real nice smooth ride with plenty of power, it looks great. The only thing that lets it down is the underpowered front brake.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

D.

x, Michigan

Reviewed on December 7, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 1997 Honda VT600CD Shadow VLX Deluxe view listing

5.0
Bought my VLX new. Put 38,000 mi. on it in 4 yrs. Will never sell this bike. Has origial chain and battery. Went up one tooth on front sprocket. Will do 92 mph. With small shield will get 65 mpg. Will get 60 mpg with larger shield and heated clothing on. Put on highway pegs, bags, rack, thermostat for ... read more
Bought my VLX new. Put 38,000 mi. on it in 4 yrs. Will never sell this bike. Has origial chain and battery. Went up one tooth on front sprocket. Will do 92 mph. With small shield will get 65 mpg. Will get 60 mpg with larger shield and heated clothing on. Put on highway pegs, bags, rack, thermostat for clothing, and conversion kit for rear lights. I like the seat and the prongs underneath so I can carry a lot of cargo. Will never sell this bike.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Rob Froelich

Elkhart, Indiana

Reviewed on September 18, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 1997 Honda VT600CD Shadow VLX Deluxe view listing

4.0
I have a short 2 year or so history of riding offroad bikes (always a buddies bike). I have been dying to get my own "Road Bike" for the last 10 years. I was initially intending on purchasing a cafe style bike. After calling around for insurance ($1300 - which I am 28 years old & am marr... read more
I have a short 2 year or so history of riding offroad bikes (always a buddies bike). I have been dying to get my own "Road Bike" for the last 10 years. I was initially intending on purchasing a cafe style bike. After calling around for insurance ($1300 - which I am 28 years old & am married with a great driving record) I decided to change styles of bikes. I hated bikes other than cafe'. I knew I could not afford the insurance for the style bike I wanted, so I switched gears & started looking at cruiser style bikes. I saw the VT600 Deluxe, which was yellow & black & will fell in love. The insurance dropped to $158 per year, and the bike cost me only $3800 (1997, 6,800 miles) which included tax & other fees. I wanted to write this for the people that are in a situation close to what I was in. BUY ONE!!! I love this bike, and it is great for someone who has little to no experience on a cycle. The seat is low, the bike is light, and the feel of freedom is priceless. This bike has a low center of gravity, which is great for taking corners & curves. I highly recommend this bike for anyone with a small budget & a big sense of adventure. Rob-
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Marty Ley

Santa Fe, Texas

Reviewed on August 14, 2001

Motorcycle reviewed 1997 Honda VT1100C2 A.C.E. view listing

3.0
I just recently got back into motorcycling and bought my ACE. It is a beautiful motorcycle. However, for two up riding I'd prefer more power. Also, the previous owner put Cobra slashcuts and a jet kit in so now my gas mileage really sucks at 34mpg. The pipes sound great and I get tons of compliments on ... read more
I just recently got back into motorcycling and bought my ACE. It is a beautiful motorcycle. However, for two up riding I'd prefer more power. Also, the previous owner put Cobra slashcuts and a jet kit in so now my gas mileage really sucks at 34mpg. The pipes sound great and I get tons of compliments on its looks, but I want more power and better gas mileage. Also, the stock seat is way too uncomfortable for the wife, so we had to order a Mustang seat. All in all not a bad bike I would recommend it to anyone wanting a solo cruiser for around town or short country jaunts.
Reliability
3.0
Quality
3.0
Performance
3.0
Comfort
3.0
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Voted most helpful review

Allen Welsh

Stephens City, Virginia

Reviewed on June 28, 2001

Motorcycle reviewed 1997 Honda VT1100C2 A.C.E. view listing

5.0
I couldn't find a place to do a review of a 99 ACE, so I put it here. I've read all the reviews of the Honda Shadow A.C.E. VT 1100C2 in every article I could find. I've read that the ACE is a good beginners bike, a slow bike, a "no power", a "one up only" bike, and a good bike. I bou... read more
I couldn't find a place to do a review of a 99 ACE, so I put it here. I've read all the reviews of the Honda Shadow A.C.E. VT 1100C2 in every article I could find. I've read that the ACE is a good beginners bike, a slow bike, a "no power", a "one up only" bike, and a good bike. I bought my 99 ACE in June 99. This is my third season with it and I have around 9000 miles on it. I love this bike. I've ridden one 600-mile day, and rode it to Myrtle Beach in 2000. I have had no problems of any kind, none. I do my own maintenance because I don't trust the "average" motorcycle wrench. In the world of "bigger is better", the 1100cc may seem down on power to some. I think the power is where it should be for a 1100cc V-twin. If you need or want a lot of hp buy a sport bike. I don't think or feel that a 1100cc ACE is a beginner bike for anybody. I'm old enough to remember when any bike over a 1000cc was a "BIG BIKE". I've ridden two up on flat, hilly, curvy, twisty, and winding roads with no problems at all. I've ridden with Harleys, Victorys, and everything else. Nobody had to wait on me. The ACE has good ground clearance and if you down shift and twist the "thingy" on the right end of the bar it will go. Great bike, would not trade it for anything. I like the single crank pin engine of the ACE. I've added Mustang seat, Tach, Engine guard (crash bar), Cobra slip-ons, Leatherlyke bags, rear peg extensions, jet kit and K&N air cleaner.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Sung Chun

Alaska

Reviewed on June 20, 2001

Motorcycle reviewed 1997 Honda VT600CD Shadow VLX Deluxe view listing

3.0
I purchased used VLX recently. Pro- Fair sound and vibration. Gas mileage is pretty good.(45- 55mi/gallon) Low seat gives confidence to first riders, and it is an easier to control the motorcycle. Con- Engine makes much vibration on highway riding and it works really hard. It isn't good for long d... read more
I purchased used VLX recently. Pro- Fair sound and vibration. Gas mileage is pretty good.(45- 55mi/gallon) Low seat gives confidence to first riders, and it is an easier to control the motorcycle. Con- Engine makes much vibration on highway riding and it works really hard. It isn't good for long distance riding. Small gas tank (2.9gallon)
Reliability
3.0
Quality
3.0
Performance
3.0
Comfort
3.0
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Voted most helpful review

Rider

USA

Reviewed on June 18, 2001

Motorcycle reviewed 1997 Honda VT1100C2 A.C.E. view listing

5.0
Bought a used ACE about 4 weeks ago with just 16,ooo on dial. Have put about another 3,ooo on it since, up hill down hill and on the flats. Cold and hot weather, no problems, though about ready for a rear tire. Gas milage is execelent as well as all around great ride. Live in So Cal so have all the elem... read more
Bought a used ACE about 4 weeks ago with just 16,ooo on dial. Have put about another 3,ooo on it since, up hill down hill and on the flats. Cold and hot weather, no problems, though about ready for a rear tire. Gas milage is execelent as well as all around great ride. Live in So Cal so have all the elements within an easy ride to check this machine out. Keeper. Always great commments on the style of the bike also.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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