Biggest Mistake Honda Owners Make

Hey nerds! Don't be a lame and try to make your Honda Shadow 600 or Honda Shadow 750 sound like a Harley! Are you tired of struggling with idle adjustment issues? In our latest video, we delve into the biggest mistake commonly made by Honda Shadow enthusiasts when adjusting their idle. Whether you ride a Honda Bobber, a Honda Chopper, or run her bone stock, this vital adjustment can greatly impact your riding experience.
Join us as we uncover the essential tips and tricks to ensure your Honda Shadow purrs like a dream. Follow TJ as he guides us through this crazy easy process to make your bike idle like it should, this video is a must-watch for all Shadow owners.
But that's not all! Get ready to mark your calendars because our new web series "The Shop" is dropping on July 19th, exclusively on our channel. Stay tuned for silliness, adventures, and all around FUN $H!t!
Watch it here: • THE SHOP - A Motorcycl...
Don't miss out on unlocking the full potential of your ride. Subscribe now and hit the notification bell to be the first to watch our upcoming video and catch our exciting new series debut on July 19th!"
00:00 DR. Dingus
00:23 Al Gore invented the Internets
01:53 Watch the trailer!!!
02:10 First Things First
04:19 Don't forget
04:30 Back to it
11:05 Final thoughts

[@StinktotheE-jk2sv]

Thanks for actually cranking that bad boy and not just saying what is supposed to be. I'm always questioning if I'm idle too low but I think I'm good phew

[@ztopz7508]

Bro, you don´t know me, but you did this video for me. I do/did this to my shadow, my mechanic told me to not to, and i listen to him. Now I know why; you explanation with your hands, and the oil not going up. You are the man!.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Hell yeah YOU'RE the man! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@crptdyth]

Just dug my 87 VT700c out of the shed. One carb rebuild later and a good old tank cleaning and she runs great. Master/slave cylinder rebuild next and some tires, since I haven't driven it in over 20 years. 34k original miles.

[@anthonyroe5246]

I’m a rider but not a motorcycle mechanic. I’m learning quite a bit from your videos. Thank you very much!

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Great to hear dude! Thank you for watching and for the comment!! Cheers!

[@RokasSondaras]

My grandpa told me that my bike idles at low rpm. I thought he was talking nonsense. But I increased RPM because he was mechanic when he was young. Glad I did, Thanks for a vid. Great sense of humor you got there. :D

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

The old timers know what's up! Thanks for watching man!!

[@aaronpoe120]

I bought an 800 dollar for a hobby build 07 shadow 750 spirit and didn't know any of this and have been racking my brain as this is my first bike I was wondering why it wouldn't stay running thank you sir keep posting these videos and don't change a thing

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thanks so much dude! Thanks for commenting and saying some nice stuff! I really appreciate that!!

[@donbourbon]

Dope advice and groovy sense of humor all the way! ;)

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thanks so much Don!!!

[@bikerbobcat]

Daydreaming of getting another Shadow 750 to customize and this was really, really informative. And entertaining. Good job TJ!

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thanks so much for watching!!!

[@meteor-je7ux]

So glad I watched this the algorithm worked.

[@dionshort8442]

I’m glad you brought up the exceptions, because the whole time I was thinking my ‘00 ACE was a single pin crank.

[@user-yo1pk4ky4k]

The same lack of oil to the "top" [heads at the same elevation as the crank] end happens with the old BMW airheads. There used to be a strange fetish among airhead owners to get the idle as low as possible. Because of the opposed cylinders and a heavy flywheel they would still run pretty smoothly at 800 rpm. At that slow rate, oil pressure was low and the big oil users like bearings used all the pressure before any oil could get to the "top" end or the timing chain. Mysterious valve train and timing chain damage happened. So the low idle problem is more about crank and cam bearings using all the oil rather than, as in the case of the Shadow, the heads being way above the oil pump. [Elevation seems to really make no difference; it's all about oil volume]. Nice video, Hoss!

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thanks for sharing that man! I did not know that!!! And thanks for watching dude! Have a great day!

[@codyoquinn1454]

Thank you. Hearing what it should sound like vs what it should not was very helpful. Great video.

[@weston4237]

Really enjoyed this video. The lesson on single and double pin cranks!

[@HardupRC]

I’m glad I watched this video. I just bought my first Honda shadow 750 yesterday.

[@sammycm21]

Thanks for this video, I love my 2002 Honda Shadow Ace!

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thanks for watching and commenting!!!

[@patrat1273]

Thanks for your time🤘🏻

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thank you fir watching and commenting!!! 🍻🍻

[@Rue187]

Thanks for this dude. Always useful information your putting out there. Ride on. 👍🤘

[@patrickstriegel8787]

Just figured out my issue in 12 mins. Thanks again

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

You are very welcome!!

[@markmimervini5794]

Great info I can’t wait to get my 2001 running and chopped, I have gotten your carb kit. Keep up the great work you do.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thanks man!

[@2faAllday]

Enjoyed the Dr. Octagon intro.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Fuck yeah!!!!! Someone got it!!!!you're awesome!

[@andreasvogt8785]

Thank you for this important Information 👍

[@willwillis6184]

Good advice, I just bought an old one and thought it might be idled down to low. Now I know

[@881qyk]

Just an FYI - the ACE 750 idle speed (according to Hondas shop manual) is 1,000 + or - 100

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

👍

[@kolbeybowen2511]

The 1995 ace 1100 is the same 1,000 rpm +/- 100

[@chatarra8079]

Duuuuude! This is a great help. The only time I sent my shadow 600, my first motorcycle, to a "professional" mechanic for a fork seals change and a carburetor cleaning, when I picked it up (after almost 3 months) he said "how do you like it to sound ?kinda HD" and he lowered down the idle to a "pop po po pop", a bit more and the bike stops.

[@KALINGANJA007]

Always useful information

[@mattkayem1554]

Great video and advice TJ, huge fan here, looking forward to grabbing some parts for my Honda Steed 600 from your website

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thank you so much Matt!

[@anthonylangley8032]

Awesome work dude. You are brilliant with Honda's. As soon as you get stuff in stock for the Aero line I will definitely be ordering more stuff. Velocity stack set up and carburetor stuff.

[@grj512]

Great video! Always love your stuff and your entertainment. Now I just need to find the one on how to put on straight pipes and tune the dual carbs on the VT1100C2 Saber. 😎

[@RestlessMule]

Great video! Informative and to the point while also entertaining.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thank you so much!

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@truckertwotimes7189]

i appreciate this video, i know now that my 600 is ideling too low, I'll fix that today!

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

🍻🍻

[@davidmcguinness9187]

Thanks for the video

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thanks for watching man!

[@tyronepower5062]

Awesome video Thanks

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

you're so welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@izzpurp301]

Great video 💯💯💯

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Thank you so much!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jcb355]

Dude, that's the best description of the difference between a dual and single pin crank I've seen. 👍 My Fury 1300 and my wife's 2002 Spirit 750 are single pin cranks but Honda is smart enough to balance them. They sound good, but they don't shake-rattle-and... fall the fk apart.

[@skinheadvn800]

Very helpful video

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching man!

[@aladinfox4098]

I recently aquired a virago 750, does the same apply i wonder.? Great video by the way, you saved me many times , thanks.👍

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

I'm not certain but the method of setting the idle should work the same!! Check the service manual for idle speed!

[@MackLife87]

Def good clean my garages shadow up and rebuild her soon

[@danbrannigan5334]

Thanks me82 and still learning

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Glad to hear it

[@eloyanzaldua7433]

Great video n entertaining

[@user-cb8cz3cr9e]

Good advise.👍

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

You are most welcome!

[@MadManny83]

Thanks for the video I’m a new shadow 750 aero owner. It has a tach and I’m guilty of dropping the idle for the sound. That will no longer be the case. Bringing it up to proper idle speed asap.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

This is the way my friend!

[@ShodanViper]

great video as always. i have been trying to find a way of doing this as need a rev counter for the reason. when is "how to add a fuel light to your shadow" video coming ????? as you never miss a little light till you don't have one

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Sight gauges!!!

[@biffalousmaximus]

perfect explanation ,and i love the innuendo's ,got a shadow 750 2007/8 would defo put your stack on instead of the ebay 'cone' spike air filter but cannae afford it yet,ill send a couple of pics when i can figure out where to send them lol

[@JimmyTrigger]

Excellent 👏

[@mattdonna9677]

I bought an immaculate 2002 VTX 1800R last year, I wanted a sabre 1100 but the VTX was a bargain. The build quality of the Honda is excellent. Former 3-time big twin shovelhead owner and never going back to H-D.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Congrats on the vtx dude!!! They're awesome bikes!!!

[@rickmartin2154]

Thank you sir.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

You're totally welcome dude!

[@333gassman]

Thank you

[@brb__bathroom]

never had a heath ignition analyzer, but had a dial up modem ... that sound is hard to forget

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Haha! I'm that old too!

[@Donny.C.wlWilliams]

Cool beans thanks

[@ItsDaJax]

That's one reason I want a Shadow is for the crank setup. I thought they stopped making them like that in like the 90s.

[@kennethsimmons250]

Can't patent a sound But Harley got a patent on there firing order early mid 80's to stop the Japanese bikes from matching their sound

[@dontheplumber9338]

Thanks for your videos ,I have a 95 Honda Shadow Ace 1100 , is it a single pin crank or a double? Thanks.👍

[@Goldwing1]

I have been collecting 1975-87 Honda GoldWings for last several years. One of them has Weber 40’s which I should have gotten a pair of Dellorto 36”…. I bought Shadow Seat from Crazylist I think it looks good on my GW.

[@eirinaiosvorkas5939]

you safe me bro i watch you from Cyprus you are master

[@Joseph-td1xw]

Hey Brother I love your videos. My favorite bike videos by far and possibly my favorite KZbinr of all time. Just got my 1st real bike. It's a 99 Honda Shadow ACE. Im just beginning to go over it piece by piece and learning as much as I can about it as I go... I'd love to know as much about it as possible. Can you point me in the right direction, or give me sum tips? I'm sure I'll have more specific questions once I'm underway. Any other channels or creators u might recommend? Thank u in advance and keep being awesome and doin fun shit!!!!

[@MjS-zb6jr]

There are a few people who turn the idle down around 800-900 rpm safely on a dual pin crank, BUT they are running a electric oil pump.

[@dennisschell5543]

Agree 100 % 😎

[@samuelhan1893]

How'd you make those side covers? Just sheet steel cut roughly to plastic cover and tacs? It's really cool!

[@bub1683]

God video and content. My ACE 1100 1997, a good rpm for my lovely Shadow shuld be? Anyone knows?

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Check the service manual. I believe it's 1,000

[@d.a.8581]

I have 03 shadow vt600 can it be lowered? Also it's a bobber can shocks still be installed on the bike. Thank you

[@charlesboston1]

is there a way to mod the oil pump for more volume ?

[@coryfrancis1173]

You guys any closer to a jockey shifter for the vt750dc? I'm so ready to make mine more sketch.

[@PaulsMotoZen]

TJ BRUTAL CUSTOMS - Do Fun Sh*t 101 I would watch it... Just for the comedic sarcastic TJ... hehe I have never used a tachometer on my bike, but I do use the neutral light to adjust the idle speed. When I rev, and the light gets brighter, I adjust the idle speed up until the light stays bright, even at idle.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Fascinating! I don't have any dummy lights on my bikes or I'd try this!

[@jameserickson1330]

Is there any way you could pretty pretty please do an electronics tutorial on a frame-up 600 build?

[@nefreshwaters3089]

How do the air/fuel mixture screws correlate to this? Specifically on a dual carb 750? Should I be adjusting my idle speed or my air/fuel mixture first?

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Can't tune at all if your idle is too low.

[@robertsebastian787]

I have the Dynojet Powercommander VI on my Shadow

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Good choice for efi!

[@SevenPTSixTwo]

Id always used the factory suggestion of idle in 1st gear on a flat surface = 6+mph, and err on the side of a faster idle for engine health

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

ok. whatever tickles your pickle!

[@danielsoto1187]

Im curious, do uou have a fuel filter? Or is straight line to the carb

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

In this video I ran straight to the carb just because I was in the middle of the build, but usually I run a fuel filter.

[@pastagaz4241]

Very helpful video thanks. I need some advices if someone there. I buy short straight pipes with db killers. It sounds great on iddle, but When decelerating, it makes a horrible sound like a wet pan, a leaking toilet sound.. 😅 I watched a lot of videos with these style of exhausts, I recognize the same sound that resonates, and each video never shows the 600 Shadow while driving.. If someone can help, it would be so nice, else, back to the original exhausts.. A French fan. Thanks Tjbc!

[@RedRedSun95]

Is there any way we can get a video for maintenance for the shadow? Idk what the mechanics do that they can charge what they charge.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

You're not paying them for what they do. You're paying them for all their experience and the ability to do the job correctly and their ability to address anything that comes up along the way. You're paying them for having the correct tools to do a job and the knowledge how to use those tools. But a maintenance video might be a good idea!

[@RedRedSun95]

@@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS I 100% agree. Didn’t mean to sound like a dick face. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara and I had my go to shop. I moved to Las Vegas a year ago and it’s like a crazy difference in pricing from local shops. I started doing my own maintenance but I know here’s more things that mechanics do that I don’t know about and I would appreciate the hell out of a maintenance video. Thank you guys!

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

@@RedRedSun95 we do have a bunch of videos peppered with tips n tricks too so if you got the time cruise through the library!

[@clinteastwood457]

I need a set of those wide Magnus exhaust

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

YES you do! we got em on the site!!! 🔥

[@clinteastwood457]

Retired on fixed income saving up for those bad boys

[@chrisgoossens463]

❤so my 2000 shadow 750 ace single pin crank

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Correct

[@justinvanstory3965]

As a Phantom owner, I got nothing out of this video! 😂

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

That's OK! Phantom is still a dope bike!

[@beardoallin657]

Dame with harleys,i built a chopper with a harley motor not tach,wanted to know how many rpms it was running found these,they work awsome,i got mine like 3 years ago,know your hearing alot about themonky thing is you cant turn them off but they last a long time.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Imines kinda beat up but it works!!! Finally got around to making a video!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@jackmyers5302]

I have 1997 Honda shadow 1100 replace coil packs, spark park, wires and spark plug now not getting spark plugs to the front right of the motor and it’s backfiring right at first start multiple times after idles when it’s warming up giving it gas it doesn’t backfire when I use the choke after it warms up and idles down it backfires multiple times then once to try to cut off, but if I put it back on choke it will run need help please

[@bloodreighn]

heh... I didnt realise my 98 was a single pin crank.... noic

[@gcanaday1]

Good to know! Probably not just Hondas....

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Well I can't speak for other bikes, but I know on Hondas this is a big deal

[@christophjohnson3777]

Im proud of my aelf now cause that low idle just sounded wrong to me.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

👌👌

[@derekgamache6294]

Is this mostly a problem in California heat? Ive built many engines, car and bike and I get oil to the top of the engine cranking over with the starter which is obviously a much lower rpm than any idle speed.

[@its_reckoning6667]

I’m about to buy a Honda shadow 750 ACE 2001, is the single pin and dual carbs a bad thing?

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Not at all. The ace is a dope bike! One carb per cylinder is race shit.

[@its_reckoning6667]

@@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS Thanks for the assurance :) I will buy it next week!

[@kevohobbs9711]

What is the recommended idle for a 93 shadow

[@kevohobbs9711]

Never mind should have watched more of the video

[@45calGunslinger]

Completely unrelated, did you fab up those custom side covers yourself?

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Yes i did! Thank you for noticing! 🍻

[@angelusmortis3256]

alot of people say the VTX 1300 should run at 900 + - 100 should they be at 1200 too?

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Off the top of my head I don't recall but the service manual is where you'll want to look

[@davidrochow9382]

I own an 82 VF 750 Magna and my questions is does having double the cylinders make it doubly as good?

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

If that thought makes you happy, sure. Lol

[@davidrochow9382]

@@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS 😆

[@joshuaskywalker3182]

You say not to wrap the exhaust is that just to the ones you make it is that your opinion on all exhaust and wraps

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Here ya go. Not an opinion. Metallurgy and thermodynamics i think. support.shoptjbc.com/article/54-header-wrap-good-or-bad

[@joshuaskywalker3182]

@@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS really just liked the “mesh” look on the exhaust. Better to just let the chrome show.

[@chrissteepy7195]

What do you recommend a good idle speed for 2000 Shadow 1100 ?

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

1100 idle RPM's after warmed up to operating temps.

[@chrissteepy7195]

@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS I'm also trying to locate an oil leak looks like it's coming from the upper part of the head and straight down onto the kickstand

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

@@chrissteepy7195 sounds fun! Lol

[@chrissteepy7195]

It is I love my bike.

[@craigkilling9021]

Got my idle right at the same area. That little piece definitely comes in handy.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

This is the way!

[@craigkilling9021]

@@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS well, you’ve been a major help in “the way”. Still have a long ways to go before I’m where I want to be with the bike but, I’m learning that patience is the best way to approach building this vlx600

[@user-fk2mp5xh4s]

2:04 is that a Topo-Chico Lime?

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Damn straight it is!! I love topo chico lime!😍

[@CIarkNova]

dude, i actully saw Kool Keith live!!

[@scowlsmcjowls2626]

Holy shit man alot of fellas try get it as low as possible! My old girls need good idle for the old no konk at the trafic lights cus she will not start again for 5 mins😅

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ivosusen6004]

dobar video

[@rickemery7186]

So my bike can live for 89 years?! Hell yeah. RIP GMA

[@davidhagmund4175]

Bring back Brass Slide Covers ;o)

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Aha! Noted!

[@diegoezzdeen3252]

Great vid and great tip to not fuck my bike .. does this apply on a steed 400 Honda plz

[@dw4lubu]

Wait I've read everywhere that the 600 750 ace are single pin...

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Not a true single pin crank. A true single pin crank does not have a lobe between the con rods.

[@krisjackson1254]

Only 750? What about 1100?

[@chatarra8079]

Were you drinking Valentina? hahahahaha

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Maybe. Lol

[@chatarra8079]

@@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS 🤣

[@logansirrom6533]

Does anybody know what you would set the idle speed at for a 1998 shadow ace 1100? my dumbass is definitely guilty of running it at the potato potato timing, but that’s because I own Harleys as well and I thought that they were very similar

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

1000 RPM +- 100

[@robertbranch1667]

One shadow owner and one harley dyna about to become a Harleyless 2nd shadow owner here. The sound? How about just not wanting to have a piece of machinery that is antiquated design, and sounds like it? The entire world of machinery has learned, vibration is not healthy for equipment. Rough doesn't mean better, it means higher maintenance cost and earlier failure. Tired of both. Getting better engineered equipment. Whats wrong with that? Just cause Harley owners want to say its better doesn't mean its so.

[@guyrivera3100]

👍🏾