Can you install new aftermarket exhaust made for 1999- up Honda Shadow 600's to a 1989 Shadow if not why almost all of the aftermarket pipes say 1999 and upwards like Arlen Ness?

Answer 1

There are several companies that produce aftermarket exhausts for the Honda Shadow 600 models. At least one company produces what they call "Cobra Streetrod Exhaust Slashdown" that fits Honda VLX600 Shadow VLX from and including the 1988-2007 models. It is especially stated by this company, which sells on E-Bay, that this exhaust set will fit a 1989 Honda Shadow 600 VLX. So you have no problem there. What Arlen Ness says will fit or not I cannot comment on. His company provides many specialty things for motorcycles including the 1989 model of the Honda 600's. What he states is without doubt true for his own products. What confuses this issue is that the Honda Shadow 600 has been fitted with many different aftermarket types of exhaust pipes. Different styles and designs. There are the slip-on pipes for example which are easy to install. Then there is the fully made exhaust in one piece going from the cylinder head in one piece. These are more expensive. You can potentially install several different types of exhaust pipes for your bike if you are willing to go that extra mile which is to have someone with basic welding and metalworking skills change the fasteners for the exhaust you want to use. This is a very small and inexpensive job and takes less than an hour for a skiiled person to do.