This bike is in great condition, no registration as it ran out, new battery and goes really well,
saddle bags and screen

Details
With the advent of the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme, in some Australia states, learners now have a much broader choice of machine to welcome them into the wonderful world of motorcycling.

Honda offers the most choice to newcomers with no fewer than six LAMS machines in its armoury without even taking into account scooters or dirtbikes.

The elegant CB400 Super Four impressed us no end here at Drive. This time around we tried out the slightly more laid back approach to learner motorcycles, the VT400 Shadow.

Styled along classic cruiser lines the VT400 can easily be mistaken for a much larger machine. Particularly when fitted out with the optional windscreen and saddlebag combination t.

The Honda VT400 is a Japanese domestic market model that Honda Australia has decided to import in order to strengthen its learne3r-approved line-up.

It scores the normal Honda niceties such as the HISS security system and an excellent quality of finish throughout.

The rims, forks, triple clamps and chrome work all appears to be fairly good quality with only a dull finish on the finned cylinders and somewhat tacky switchgear letting the show down.

ABS is a notable absentee on the feature list of the Honda, but with only a single disc up front and a drum at the rear it takes a seriously slippery surface or some Herculean strength to lock a wheel on the VT400. Poor man's ABS then - as in weak brakes.

Obviously I was not expecting the 398cc V-twin to pull my arms out of their sockets due to its learner rider status, but even taking that into account I was certainly underwhelmed with the power on offer.

The Honda VT400 is water cooled and boasts fuel injection but still struggles to maintain 110km/h on the highway.

Any moderate incline requires at least one down-change to have any chance of maintaining 100km/h. If climbing anything resembling a hill prepare to knock it down two cogs.

It is quiet, smooth and at 5 litres per 100km very fuel efficient but gee it could do with some balls, actually even just one would probably suffice...

Around town the VT400 struggles much less than on the open road, as you would expect.

The Honda VT400 pulls away from the lights reasonably well and can match the speed of most traffic.

A light clutch, slick gearbox and a low 675mm seat height makes the Honda VT a great urban commuter.

It's certainly comfortable enough for the long haul. The optional screen is large and works very well, a lot better than plenty of large cruisers in fact.

The seat is posterior friendly and the dual-shock rear suspension does a reasonable job of suspending the VT400's considerable 248kg mass, unless asked to deal with any large bumps.

A solid whack in the rump reminds you to choose a smoother line. I never rode the machine with a pillion but even with maximum preload dialled into the shocks I can't imagine it would be a pleasant passenger perch for any sort of distance.

Overall, the chassis is quite competent and ground clearance reasonable enough to have a little fun through a nice set of corners.

The VT400 proves a handsome and economical introduction to motorcycling. It could just do with a little more grunt.

Honda VT400

Engine - 398cc, liquid cooled, OHC, v-twin

Transmission - 5 speed

Seat Height - 675mm

Kerb Weight - 248kg

Fuel Capacity - 14 litres

Average Consumption on test - 4.7 litres per 100km

Range - 275km

Honda Shadow Motor Bike

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