Honda Shadow
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The Honda Shadow refers to a family of cruiser-type motorcycles made by Honda since 1983. The Shadow line features motorcycles with a liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin ranging from 125cc to 1800cc engine displacement. The 250cc Honda Rebel is associated with the Shadow line in certain markets.
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[edit] History
In 1983, Honda introduced the Shadow series of motorcycles in an attempt to address the needs of the American cruiser market with the "VT500c" and "VT750c". However, due to tariff restrictions in the United States on imported Japanese bikes over 750 cc, the VT750c was reduced to 699cc in 1984 and was sold as the Vt700c. In 1985, the tariff was lifted and the line soon expanded to an 1100cc bike the "VT1100c". The VT750c was replaced by an 800cc version the VT800c in 1988.
The "VT600c" was launched in 1989 as Honda's new entry level Shadow though still slotted above the Honda Rebel. The line changed little until the introduction of the 750cc Honda Shadow Ace in 1997. From 2000 to 2007, the Honda Shadow Sabre replaced the VT1100cc until the 1100cc class was discontinued in favor of a new 1300cc offering known as the VTX1300. As of 2011, the Shadow brand has been limited to a single 750cc cruiser available in Spirit, Aero, Phantom, and RS trims. All other offers are known under the VTX or Rebel brands.
[edit] Models
[edit] 125cc Class
The Honda 125 is mainly for the UK and Europe market, as it fits within the restrictions placed on learner drivers in the UK and the light motorcycle license in Europe.
[edit] 500cc VT Class
The 500cc "VT500C" introduced in 1983 was available in Candy Wineberry Red or Black. The identifying features of this model are the painting of both the fuel tank and rear fenders. The side covers are chrome and engine covers are black. The Black and Red "Shadow 500" decal was on the side cover with a gold outline from 1983 to 1986. The headlight was chrome and rectangular and had a single horn. The engine was the Honda VT500, a 491 cc OHC 3-valve, liquid cooled V-Twin with a six-speed, shaft drive transmission.
In 1984, The "VT500C' was available in Candy Scorpio Red or Black. The identifying features include the fuel tank and rear fenders painted the same. The front fender is chrome and this year the side covers and engine covers were painted black. The black and red "Shadow 500" decal was on the side cover with a gold outline. The headlight was chrome and rectangular and there was a single horn. The engine is virtually the same as the 1983 model.
The 1985 "VT500C" model was available in either Black or Candy Glory Red. The head lamps are now round and chromed. This model continued with the dual horns. A two piece seat with an integrated backrest was incorporated. Starting this year, the engine covers were polished chrome and the fins enlarged. The "Honda" tank decal was curved instead of straight.
For the 1986 model year, the "VT500C" model was available in either Black or a new Candy Scorpio Red while everything else was virtually the same for the 1985 model.
[edit] 600cc VT Class
The "VLX" "Shadow 600" (aka "VT600C") was introduced as a new model in 1988. The color options were Candy Wave Blue and Candy Wineberry Red. The new double-cradle steel frame is color matched to the body work. It has a single shock rear suspension, a low 27.1-inch (690 mm) seat height and a long 63.2-inch (1,610 mm) wheelbase with a 2.4 gallon fuel tank. The engine is a 583cc SOHC 3-Valve liquid cooled 52-degree V-Twin with a 4-speed transmission and chain drive. The wheels are spoked.
In 1989, The "VLX" "VT600C" remained largely the same though offered in Candy Wave Blue or Candy Wineberry Red. The "Shadow" tank logo was also changed to a script style. "VT600C" was not made in 1990 but did make a come back in 1991 offered only in black. In 1992, the VT600c came in a bright Candy Glory Red paint. The engine and body style was retained from the '91 model year.
A new deluxe version "VT600CD" introduced in 1993 added more chrome on the engine cases and valve covers. This model is available in a two-tone Coral Reef Blue with black inserts. The seat on the deluxe version is soft and tucked. It should be noted that the '93 Deluxe was a test market model, dealerships were typically allocated two each to gauge customer response for the new chrome and paint package. By 1994 the Deluxe model was a standard offering for every year the VLX was made.
[edit] 700-800cc VT Class
The "VT750C" also introduced in 1983 with the VT500c was also available in either Black or Candy Wineberry Red. Special identifying features of this model are the round head lamp, instrument casings and the chromed front fender. The backrest was standard equipment. The painted side covers had the "Shadow 750" decal. The engine is a 749 cc SOHC 3-valve Liquid Cooled V-Twin with a six-speed shaft drive transmission.
The "VT700C" was introduced in 1984 as a direct result of increased tariffs placed on Japan's imports. The U.S. raised the import tariffs on engine sizes above 701cc's. So the engine size was reduced from a 750 cc to 700 cc to get the bikes into the U.S. This years model was available in either Black or Candy Scorpio Red on the tank, side covers and rear fender. Special identifying features of this model are the round head lamp and instrument casings with a chromed front fender. The front wheel bore a dual disk brake system and dual horns mounted on the front. The painted side covers had the "Shadow 700" decal. The engine is a 694 cc SOHC 3-Valve Liquid Cooled V-Twin with a six-speed, shaft drive transmission from 1984 to 1987. New hydraulic valve adjusters and twin plug cylinder heads were used. The "VT750C" was available outside of the USA (Canada and Europe) in the identical colors, but with just a larger engine displacement.
In 1985, The "VT700C" model was available in either Black or Candy Glory Red. Special identifying features of this model year included the polished chrome engine side covers. The painted side covers had either the "700" or "Shadow" decal. The engine is the same as the 1984 model year. The "VT750C" was available outside of the USA (Canada and Europe) in the identical colors, but with just a larger engine displacement.
In 1986, The "VT700C" model was available in either Black or Candy Brilliant Red. On this year's model, the front and rear fenders and tank were all painted the same color and the side covers were chrome instead of painted. The rear fender took on a flair look over the rounded style. The "Honda Wing" and "Shadow" decals were speckled gold and orange. The engine is the same as the 1984 model except polished instead of black with the right engine cover graphic painted black. The mufflers were a little lower and changed from the flair look to a more straight style. The front pegs and controls were moved forward, the rear foot peg support bracket became solid and the back rest was optional this year. The cast wheels changed from a 10-spoke to a 5-spoke design and the access covers were chromed. The "VT750C" was available outside of the USA (Canada and Europe) in the identical colors, but with just a larger engine displacement.
The 1987 "VT700C" model was available in either Black or Candy Glory Red on a black frame. This year's model changed the "Honda" tank decal to black with a gold outline. The "Honda Wing" decal was changed to brown, orange and yellow. The engine is the same as the 1986 model but with the right engine cover graphic not painted. The side covers are chrome, 5 spoke cast wheels with a single front disk brake. The "VT750C" was available outside of the USA (Canada and Europe) in the identical colors, but with just a larger engine displacement.
[edit] 1100cc VT Class
The "VT1100C" model was introduced in 1985 and available in either a two-tone Black and Red or Black and Silver tank with black fenders. The side cover is black with an aluminum insert. The "Shadow" side cover decal is gold. The dual horns are still located on the front and turning indicators are square shaped. Fuel and temperature gauges are located on the tank. The new engine is a 1099cc SOHC Liquid Cooled V-Twin with a 5-speed, shaft drive transmission for 1985 and 1986. "VT1100C" 1986 model was available in either Black or a two-toned Black and Silver tank. The side cover is black with an aluminum insert. The "Shadow" side cover decal was changed to silver. The engine is the same as the 1985 model.
The "VT1100C" model took on a brand-new look for 1987 with a lower 26-inch-high (660 mm) seat, a longer 65-inch (1,700 mm) wheelbase, a large 3.44-gallon fuel tank and a 41 mm extended front fork design. Both mufflers were run along the right side and a small back rest was brought back. It was available in either Black or Candy Wineberry Red. The tank is striped in silver. The frame color is black and the spark plug wires are yellow through 1988. The engine is a 1099 cc SOHC 4-stroke, liquid cooled V-twin with a 4-speed, shaft drive transmission. Visually, the VT1100C matched most of the styling cues of the Harley-Davidson FXDWG Wide Glide. The "VT1100C" model changed colors for 1989 as was available Candy Wineberry Red and a new Indian Lake Blue Metallic. The seat was improvement was softer and tucked. The "Shadow" tank logo was changed to a script style.
The "VT1100C" model was not manufactured in 1991. Seems inventories were still high enough for the '90 models to suspend manufacturing of 91's. Dealerships heard about it and huge orders were placed to buy up all existing stock.
The "VT1100C" returned in 1992 with a grand entrance boasting some new custom two-tone paint options on either a black or silver frame; Spectra Red with black or silver inserts on the tank and fenders, Teal with silver inserts, Cascade Silver Metallic with either teal, red or black inserts, Black with either silver, red or teal inserts. There were two different tank decals also available and the seat began to bear a "Made in the USA" stamp. This year all bikes had the California option of an emissions control device mounted below the radiator.
[edit] VLX1800
[edit] American Edition
In 1995, the V-Twin market really got going, the market expanded and all the manufacturers were coming out with new, larger and expanded model lines. The American Classic Edition was introduced this year. It featured more retro styling than the standard with a full rear fender and induced vibrations and 'Harley-Davidson-like' sound from a single pin crank engine. The model also lost about 10 hp, much to the dismay of some owners.
[edit] 1997
1997 saw the Standard replaced with the Spirit with more chrome on the engine ala the ACE but the same basic engine as the standard. An ACE Tourer was also introduced based on the 1100 Spirit engine but the ACE styling. The ACE Tourer came with a two-into-one-into-two exhaust system and hard, color-matched saddlebags. The last of the 6,000+ Tourer models was produced in January 2001.
[edit] 1998
In the U.S., the Shadow 750 ACE (VT750C - sold in only black), and ACE Deluxe (VT750CD) was also introduced, in three color combinations: Black, Black with Pearl Canyon Copper, and Pearl Sedona Red with Pearl Ivory Cream.
Honda also rolled out the Aero, based on the ACE engine with the single pin crank, but a larger two into one exhaust and more retro styling.
Throughout these years the VLX remained essentially unchanged mechanically but the models and the options were changed yearly, as they were on all models. While many of the manufacturers began to expand 1500 cc class model lines, Honda opted to replace the basic Gold Wing Interstate with a basic Valkyrie with six carbs and boosted engine performance. In 1999 a dressed up Tourer model was added as the Interstate. The Shadow line remains the smaller V-Twins at Honda, one of the most complete lines of V-twin Cruisers on the market, and arguably the best engineered.
[edit] 2000
Honda Shadow Sabre was introduced, based on the Honda VT1100 engine. The most notable feature was the front cast aluminum wheel.
Some models used chain drive, but the shaft drive returned in 2004. 2007 was the final year Honda made the Shadow Sabre.
[edit] External links
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