We've had a good time without any trouble (except replacing the electric Starter, the Battery, the Chain/Sprocket, Relay, Front-Brake-Rotor etc.)
She passed the MOT in June without any problem.
It was lovely to ride her as a first bike, and she served me well - but as I do longer distance by car now it's time to find a new loving owner, instead of her sitting in the garage all the time...
She's Customized and rid herself of some ugly original parts, as the Head Light, Handlebar, rear indicators and front Fender...
Her custom parts are:
- Drag Bar (horizontal Handle Bar - adjustable) - Bullet Headlamp, Harley Style (harley-davidson com/store/bullet-headlamp-kit) - Xenon HID Headlight (REAL High Intensity Discharge, not those blue cheap bulbs..the ballast/transformer lives in the Headlight-Enclosure) - smaller Front Fender - smaller Rear Indicators - Seat NEW covered, Custom made in Silver Carbon + black; fits the silver of the bike well - front suspension Covers - Exhaust Pipes wrapped in heatproof fabric (Retro-Bobber-Style) - Side Pocket for Stainless Steel Disc Lock (it's wise to disc-lock your bike when of the seat, so that's really handy) - TOP-Tyres: the epic Bridgestone MacMopus on the back, and a special Rain-Tyre in the front...one size up /wider than standard, which gives you better grip! - custom additional instrument cluster for water & oil temperature (oil not connected yet, needs a sensor first) - adjustable Mobile Holder The Extras you get with it: - Replacement XENON Bulb - Replacement Battery (I only noticed after buying a new one that the original was still good after recharge) - New Carburettor Kit to tune the VT125, imported from USA; makes it faster & even more responsive - New Custom, smaller Tail Light - the existing one is a bit big in my opinion - new White Indicator Covers for the front indicators (custom) - new electric Grip Warmers - new Honda rear drum Brake pads
I got her as I'm tall and heavy, so I looked for a Learner Cruiser which suites my size; three brands qualified, but the Honda Shadow VT 125 had the best owner reviews EVERYWHERE, and boy was that spot on - she's a big Beauty, but also up for everyday Workhorse-Tasks, no problems - she always started, even in Rain (keep the plugs covered that is).
A word about the Exhaust: I like the Single Pipe, so I left it silver, and wrapped only the front manifolds in Fabric...especially as these are very thin on any 125; with the wrapping they look like from a 750 - so any first impression to most (regular) people will be of a Big Bike, not a learner one ;) ...I was asked several times what type this nice looking bike is, and when I explained it's a Learner Bike with 17quid tax they couldn't believe it. You will experience the same if you buy it.
Of course the custom parts are just my personal taste; in case you prefer the original parts, I recommend looking for a different bike, as it was a lot of love and work required to customize her. Don't worry regarding the customization and insurance, there are some which have 10 standard customization included. Nor was I ever stopped & checked; it all looks neat...
Not so good bits are: - a dent in the tank (which I liked in the end) and a few repaint-marks - the stand is quite worn (but does its job totally fine) - some rust on the chromed back suspension springs and the frame - some black tape around the extra instruments (as I didn't find holders) - little chip in the back fender - gear lever has a bit play says MOT man (but fully works)
A bit more info about the VT125: in it's class (see other 125 Cruisers) it's the only one with - double frame in the front - Water AND Air cooling system (if I remember right)
Ok, if you like her looks and want her, please get in touch (phone or text 0759-483-9525) - viewing near Portsmouth/Cosham/Fareham/Havant etc very welcome...she's taxed & insured, and I don't mind riding her a few miles to meet you somewhere.
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Please no traders asking for half the price, or time.
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