Honda Shadow RS VT750 (2010-2013) Maintenance Schedule

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 Honda Shadow RS or VT750RS is a cruiser, part of the VT750 line, but with an upright, standard position. It’s part of the Shadow line of mid-size cruiser motorcycles that Honda has been producing since 1983 in many guises, and most concretely

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.

2010 Honda Shadow RS Black diagonal rear

2011 Honda Shadow RS Tricolor beach side VT750RS

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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.

X: Intermediate. We recommend service by your Honda dealer, unless you have the necessary tools and are mechanically skilled. Procedures are provided in an official Honda Service Manual
XX: Technical. In the interest of safety, have your motorcycle serviced by your dealer.

Maintenance Procedures:

I: Inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate, or replace, if necessary
C: Clean
L: Lubricate
R: Replace

Notes (some correspond to numbers below in the table):

At higher odometer readings, repeat at the frequency interval established here.
(Air filter) Service more frequently if the motorcycle is ridden in unusually wet or dusty areas.
(Crankcase breather) Service more frequently if the motorcycle is ridden often at full throttle or in the rain.
(Coolant, brake fluid) Replace every 2 years, or at indicated odometer intervals, whichever comes first. Replacement requires mechanical skill.

The maintenance for the Honda Shadow RS is broken into two sections: Emission-Related Items and Non-Emission-Related Items.

Some recommended replacement items are linked below for convenience.

Items		x 1000 mi	0.6	4	8	12	16	20	24
Emission-Related Items		x 1000 km	1	6.4	12.8	19.2	25.6	32	38.4
Fuel Line	X				I		I		I
Throttle Operation	X				I		I		I
Air Cleaner (2) (K&N HA-7504)						R			R
Crankcase Breather (3)				C	C	C	C	C	C
Spark Plug (NGK DPR7EA-9, gapped to 0.8-0.9mm)				I	R	I	R	I	R
Valve Clearance	X		I		I		I		I
Engine Oil (Pro Honda GN4)		Replace every 12 months	R		R		R		R
Engine Oil Filter (HF204RC)			R		R		R		R
Engine Idle Speed	X		I	I	I	I	I	I	I
Radiator Coolant (4) (Use only ethylene glycol pre-mix)					I		I		R
Cooling System	X				I		I		I
Secondary Air Supply System	X				I		I		I
Evaporative Emission Control System (if fitted)	X					I			I
Non-Emission-Related Items
Drive Chain (Motul chain paste)			EVERY 500 mi (800 km) I L
Brake Fluid (4) (Pro Honda GN4)				I	I	R	I	I	R
Brake Shoes/Pads Wear				I	I	I	I	I	I
Brake System			I		I		I		I
Brake Light Switch	X				I		I		I
Headlight Aim	X				I		I		I
Clutch System			I	I	I	I	I	I	I
Side Stand					I		I		I
Suspension	X				I		I		I
Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners	X		I		I		I		I
Wheels/Tires	XX		I	I	I	I	I	I	I
Steering Head Bearings	XX		I		I		I		I

Honda Shadow RS/VT750RS maintenance schedule

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	Weight < 90 kg (200 lb): 29 psi (200 kPa) Weight > 90 kg (200 lb): 36 psi (250 kPa)

Tyres and tyre pressures

About the Honda Shadow RS

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 days.

The Honda Shadow RS’ higher footpegs relative to its stablemates give it more ground clearance, and its thoroughly modern liquid-cooled 745cc V-twin engine has fuel injection, meaning you never have to touch it, and that it’ll start up every time no matter what the air conditions outside.

The front fork is a simple 41mm large-diameter billet. The suspension setup gives the Honda shadow RS confident, neutral handling, and a plus 117mm (4.6 inches) of wheel travel.

Sturdy 41mm front fork features a large-diameter billet-aluminum triple-clamp for a distinctive look plus confident, neutral handling and a plush 117 mm (4.6 in.) 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 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.