Honda Shadow Specs & Parts

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Honda introduced the US market to the Shadow line in 1983 with the Shadow VT500 and Shadow VT700. The Japanese version of the 1984 Shadow was actually 750cc but heavy tariffs imposed to protect the sales of large American V-Twins forced Honda to reduce the bore to 699cc. The following year the US lifted the tariff and Honda was able to import the VT1100C and since then Honda has expanded the Shadow family to include bikes ranging from 500-1100cc.

Honda introduced the VT1100C Shadow in the US market in 1985. The big water-cooled V-twin cruiser's styling resembled the popular Harley Davidson Dyna and became an instant hit. The VT1100C had many refinements over the legendary US made cruisers which made the Shadow more comfortable, safe and reliable. To reduce the vibration Honda used a offset dual-crankpin design to help balance the large displacement pistons. The Big Shadow also had an electronic ignition that provided more precise spark and timing over the old Points style ignitions. To transfer all the torque to the ground Honda used a driveshaft instead of a chain drive which reduced maintenance and provided an extremely smooth ride. To help slow the beast Honda also installed Disc Brakes upfront. Honda dropped the Shadow 1100 from the line-up in 2007 after nearly 25 years in production. 

In 1988 Honda added the Shadow VLX a 600cc 52 degree V-twin to the Shadow Line-up. The VLX has one of the lowest seat heights available on a factory cruiser making it a popular choice for new riders. The VLX has a 4 speed manual trans which provides great power around town but limits the cross country tour abilities. The small peanut style tank and traditional american style cruiser lines the VLX enjoyed 20 years of production with very few changes until Honda pulled it from the line-up in 2008.

One of the biggest changes in the Shadow series came in 1995 when Honda went full blown USA while creating the new A.C.E. or American Classic Edition. Honda assembled the new Shadow A.C.E. in Marysville Ohio making it a true American made cruiser. The bike had classic cruiser styling, longer fenders, a big fat gas tank, wide pull back bars, staggered dual exhaust, and chromed covered everything. The bike definitely had the look but Honda wanted it to feel like an American Cruiser. To accomplish the feel portion Honda installed a single pin crank to achieve that distinct uneven lope similar to the American V-twins. The Standard Shadow VT1100C remained in production with the double pin crank and in 1997 Honda rebranded it the Shadow Spirit.

In 1998 Honda went full retro with the introduction of the Aero. With long low fenders and a 2 into 1 exhaust the Aero resembled Indian's from the forties. The Aero as such a timeless look the 750cc version remains in production to this day.

In 1998 Honda also introduced the 750 version to the Shadow line that has grown into 4 distinct versions with styling to fit almost any personality.

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Shadow Aero -

Long and low fenders, fat tank and front forks with classic retro styling

Shadow Spirit -

Narrow front wheel, smaller diameter front forks, gunfighter seat, short bobber style fender and sporty styling

Shadow RS -

Modeled after old-school flat trackers this sporty cruiser features a small"Peanut" style fuel tank, a taller and flatter seat, higher foot-pegs for improved ground clearance, and more upright aggressive handle bars.

Shadow Phantom -

Blacked out motor, wheels, forks and controls with bobber styling cues and some serious attitude.