The Shadow is a family of cruiser-type motorcycles made by Honda since 1983. The line features motorcycles with liquid-cooled 45 or 52-degree V-twin engines, and the 250 cc Honda Rebel is associated with the Shadow line in some markets.
Honda Shadow at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Built since | 1983 |
| Engine | liquid-cooled 45 or 52-degree V-twin |
| First models | VT500C and VT750C |
| 1984 change | VT750C reduced to 700 cc as the VT700C |
| Tariff lifted | 1985 |
| VT1100C | added after the tariff was lifted |
| VT600C | 1988, entry-level Shadow above the Rebel |
| Shadow Ace | 1997, 750 cc |
| Shadow Sabre | 2000–2007, replacing the VT1100 |
| Since 2011 | a single 750 cc line in Spirit, Aero, Phantom and RS trims |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Shadow.
History of the Honda Shadow
Entering the American cruiser market
In 1983 Honda introduced the VT500C and VT750C Shadow series to enter the American cruiser market. Because of tariff restrictions in the United States on imported Japanese bikes over 701 cc, the VT750C was reduced to 700 cc and sold as the VT700C from 1984. The tariff was lifted in 1985 and the line soon expanded to the 1,100 cc VT1100C. The VT750C was replaced by an 800 cc version, the VT800C, in 1988.
Expansion
The VT600C was launched in 1988 as Honda’s new entry-level Shadow, still slotted above the Honda Rebel. The line changed little until the 750 cc Shadow Ace arrived in 1997. From 2000 to 2007 the Shadow Sabre replaced the VT1100 until the 1,100 cc class was dropped in favour of the new VTX line, specifically the 1,300 cc VTX1300.
Today’s line
As of 2011 the Shadow brand had been limited to a single 750 cc cruiser available in Spirit, Aero, Phantom and RS trims, with all other offers known under the VTX or Rebel names. The RS and Phantom were the two latest additions to the 750 cc line-up from 2010, both fuel injected. The Shadow RS recalls a flat-track racing bike with chain drive, a peanut-style tank, a slightly higher 29-inch seat and footpegs placed less far forward for a more standard riding position; the Phantom is a more conventional cruiser in ergonomics.
Design and features
- Liquid-cooled V-twin: 45 or 52 degrees depending on model.
- Long model history: from 500 and 750 cc to 1,100 cc and back to 750.
- Trim variety: Spirit, Aero, Phantom and RS in the modern range.
- Chain drive on the RS: a flat-track-inspired detail.
Honda Shadow versions
- VT500C and VT750C (1983): the first Shadows.
- VT700C (1984): the tariff-reduced 750.
- VT1100C: the larger cruiser of the late 1980s.
- VT600C (1988): the entry-level Shadow.
- Shadow Ace (1997) and Shadow Sabre (2000): later 750 and 1,100 models.
- Spirit, Aero, Phantom and RS: the modern 750 trims.
The Shadow is Honda’s cruiser line beside the VTX and the Rebel. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda Shadow, English Wikipedia: history, models, tariffs, trims
