Honda Shadow RS (2010-2013) VT750S/VT750RS Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Honda Shadow RS, also known as the VT750S in Australia and VT750RS in the US. The “RS” stands for “Retro Standard”, referring to the upright seating position.
Here are all the models of Honda Shadow VT750 for which we have maintenance schedules:
- Honda Shadow ACE & Deluxe (1998-2003) – first with the 52-degree 745cc V-twin. Twin carburettor fed, chain drive
- Honda Shadow Aero VT750C (2004-2007) — Higher compression ratio, better mid-range torque, single CV carburettor
- Honda Shadow Spirit 750 (2001-2007) — Twin carburettor-fed, chain drive.
- Honda Shadow RS VT750RS / VT750S (2010-2013) — mid controls, fuel-injected, chain drive
- Honda Shadow Phantom / Black Spirit (2010+)
The Honda Shadow RS or VT750RS is a cruiser, part of the VT750 line, but with an upright, almost standard position. It’s part of the Shadow line of mid-size cruiser motorcycles that Honda has been producing since 1983 in many guises.
The Shadow RS uses the same liquid-cooled, 745cc V-twin that produces an amount of power that’s just “fine” — not slow, but not hair-raising by a long shot. The Honda Shadow RS was different to other cruisers in the Shadow line in that it has:
- Different geometry — mid-mounted foot controls and handlebars that put the rider into an upright posture, and slightly higher seating (750mm/29.5 inches)
- Fuel injection (some others in the same era had it, like the Phantom, but the Shadow line is old)
- Spoked wheels with tube-type tyres
- A chain drive (most of the Shadow line were shaft drive)
The Honda VT750RS is sometimes compared to an entry-level Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Iron.
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Honda Shadow RS/VT750RS Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Honda Shadow RS, a.k.a. the Honda VT750RS.
Notes (some correspond to numbers below in the table):
- At higher odometer readings, repeat at the frequency interval established here.
- The break in service is omitted (that time has passed)
- Honda recommends you get the steering and wheels serviced by a qualified mechanic. Other stuff you can do with the right tools, skills, and a service manual.
Some recommended replacement items are linked below for convenience.
Maintenance Procedures:
- I: Inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate, or replace, if necessary
- C: Clean
- L: Lubricate
- R: Replace
| x 1000 mi | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| x 1000 km | 6.4 | 12.8 | 19.2 | 25.6 | 32 | 38.4 | Every |
| Fuel Line | I | I | I | ||||
| Throttle Operation | I | I | I | ||||
| Air Cleaner (K&N HA-7504) | R | R | More often if riding in wet/dusty areas | ||||
| Crankcase Breather | C | C | C | C | C | C | More often if riding at full throttle or in rain |
| Spark Plug (NGK DPR7EA-9, gapped to 0.8-0.9mm) | I | R | I | R | I | R | |
| Valve Clearance | I | I | I | ||||
| Engine Oil (Pro Honda GN4) | R | R | R | Year: R | |||
| Engine Oil Filter (HF204RC) | R | R | R | ||||
| Engine Idle Speed | I | I | I | I | I | I | |
| Radiator Coolant (Honda coolant) | I | I | R | 2 years | |||
| Cooling System | I | I | I | ||||
| Secondary Air Supply System | I | I | I | ||||
| Evaporative Emission Control System (if fitted) | I | I | |||||
| Drive Chain (Motul chain paste) | 500 mi (800 km): I L | ||||||
| Brake Fluid (4) (Pro Honda GN4) | I | I | R | I | I | R | 2 years |
| Brake Shoes/Pads Wear | I | I | I | I | I | I | |
| Brake System | I | I | I | ||||
| Brake Light Switch | I | I | I | ||||
| Headlight Aim | I | I | I | ||||
| Clutch System | I | I | I | I | I | I | |
| Side Stand | I | I | I | ||||
| Suspension | I | I | I | ||||
| Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners | I | I | I | ||||
| Wheels/Tires | I | I | I | I | I | I | |
| Steering Head Bearings | I | I | I |
Tyre size and tyre pressure for the Honda Shadow RS/VT750RS
The Honda Shadow RS has the following tyres and tyre sizes standard, as well as the following recommended tyre pressures.
Note that the Shadow RS has tubed tyres.
| Tyre | Size | Brand(s) | Tyre pressure (when cold) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | 100/90-19M/C (57H) | DUNLOP D404F METZELER ME 880 Marathon | 29 psi (200 kPa) |
| Rear | 150/80B-16M/C (71H) | DUNLOP D404 G METZELER ME 880 Marathon | 29-36 psi (200-250 kPa) depending on load |
About the Honda Shadow RS/VT750RS
The Honda Shadow RS serves as rolling proof that classic ideas never go out of style. In this case, people will always want an approachable, easy to ride cruiser that’s as good as it is in the city as it is for short stints on the highway.
Not too powerful, but not too weak; not a bad handler, not overweight… the Honda Shadow RS manages to add up to a perfect package for many riders. It handles well, has a decent rumble, and is comfortable enough to accidentally ride for very long periods.
The Honda Shadow RS’ higher footpegs relative to its stablemates give it more ground clearance, and its liquid-cooled 745cc V-twin engine has fuel injection, meaning you never have to touch the twin 36mm Keihin carburettors (nor the choke), and that it’ll start up every time no matter what the air conditions outside.
The front fork is a simple 41mm large-diameter unit. The suspension setup gives the Honda shadow RS confident, neutral handling, and a plush 117mm (4.6 inches) of wheel travel.
The classic roadster tank shape and seat are inspired by the world of flat-track racing. Finally, the brilliant 60-/55-watt halogen headlight means riding in the dark won’t stress you out.
Maybe the only unconventional choice for the Honda Shadow RS is tubed rather than tubeless tyres. This means a flat will have you pulling out your patch kit rather than your plugging tools. Not for everyone, but the Shadow RS definitely has many homes.
Manual for the Honda Shadow RS/VT750RS/VT750S
The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the 2012 Honda Shadow RS. It’s the same as in other years.
You can download it from here.
