The Honda Shadow is a cruiser series of motorcycles that deserves much more attention and appreciation than it currently gets. Honda released the first Shadow in 1983, and it has since spawned several variants from that time. Normally when one thinks of cruisers, Harley-Davidson comes to mind, Indian, or perhaps some vintage British bikes like Norton or Triumph, but these Japanese cruisers are hidden gems. Sporting classic V-twins, Shadows have been packing plenty of muscle for a long time, not to mention innovating all at a reasonably low price. The Shadow may not be on most people’s radar, but this line of classy cruisers definitely should be.
The Beginnings Of A Long Shadow
Even though some riders might not be particularly familiar with the Shadow line, it has been cruising around since the early 80s. Honda launched the series in 1983 with the VT750C and VT500C which are named for their engine displacements. The VT500C Shadow was a worldwide version of a cruiser with the VT500 engine while some regions received similar bikes (the Euro & Ascot) with the same engine and drivetrain. The VT500C put out 54 Horsepower from its liquid-cooled V-Twin and 31 ft-lb of torque @ 7,000 RPM, with a six-speed transmission. The VT750C Shadow had a 750cc liquid-cooled 45-degree angle V-Twin engine with a dual carburetor. In 83’ the engine was considered quite advanced with three-valve two-plug combustion chambers and hydraulic valve adjusters, it also had a vibration-canceling crankshaft.
In the following years, the VT750c was downgraded to a 700cc engine due to tariffs on engines over 701cc and called a VT700C. The performance to value was so good on the VT750C it was encroaching on the American cruiser market, so the tariff was imposed, but Honda quickly responded with the slightly lower engine displacement to get around this, some referred to it as a “tariff buster.” Even today on the used market the 80s Shadows do not cost very much and can be had for next to nothing if someone is looking for a reliable vintage cruiser.
More Evolution From The Honda Shadow
The 90s continued to bring growth to Honda’s Shadow line with stellar bikes. In 1997, they launched the VT 750C Shadow ACE (American Classic Edition). The Shadow ACE was most definitely a beautiful motorcycle, drawing unashamed inspiration from classic Harley cruisers of the past. There was even a deluxe version, the VT750CD, with a classic style two-tone paint scheme on the fenders and tank with extra chrome all over the metal parts, not to mention black leather-covered seats and side bags. The ACE had a 750cc, liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin engine putting out a modest 43 horsepower @ 5500rpm.
In 2001 a new Shadow variant came into being, the VT750C Shadow Spirit. This version had more of a chopper-style look which was very popular in the early 00s. While the frame and bodywork were updated most of the mechanics of the bike remained the same. In 2004, there would be a cut in the Shadow line leaving only the VT750C Shadow Aero which was launched in 97’ alongside the ACE. In 04’ the Aero featured Honda’s updated RC50E engine which was a 52-degree, liquid-cooled 745cc V-Twin and a final chain drive (most Shadows up till that point were final shaft drive). The Aero put out 43hp @ 5,500 rpm and 44 ft-lb of torque @ 3,000 rpm. As the 00s rolled along there would be one more new variant to the esteemed Shadow line.
The Emergence Of The Shadow Phantom
Late in the year 2009, Honda released the Shadow Phantom. It was similar to the Aero but had stylistic changes making it darker, most of the parts became black inspiring its sinister name. Currently, in 2023 Shadow line that still survives is the Shadow Phantom & Aero. Both the Phantom and Aero have the same performance stats while the Aero harkens back to the classic American cruiser era the Phantom adds a bit more of today's edge in terms of looks. Today’s Phantom still maintains plenty of its characteristic black but has chromed exhaust piping and a color choice of Adventure Green for the tank or one can go more Phantom traditional with Matte Black Metallic.
Today’s Shadow Phantom still has plenty of classic American cruiser DNA as one can see but less chrome and more black give it more of a modern appeal. The engine is of course a V-twin keeping with the classic cruiser styling at 745cc at a 52-degree angle. The V-Twin pumps out a solid 44.6hp. Featuring a single overhead camshaft design with three valves per cylinder. The Shadow Phantom is shaft driven like most the earlier Shadows were with a five-speed transmission. As cruisers are often used for commuting, Honda has made sure the seat is nice and low to make it particularly comfortable for the rider when the bike is stationary. The Shadow Phantom is another feather in Honda’s cap, starting at only $7,999 it’s hard to find a better deal as it casts its long shadow over other cruisers.