Review of HONDA Shadow 400 – photos and reviews, technical characteristics of modifications (Slasher, Classic, Ace)

Honda shadow 400 is the embodiment of power, reliability, comfort and grace. What is the difference between this chopper and similar models? How was this two-wheeled lord of the roads created? Read about this and much more below.

The key easily enters the ignition and turns slightly. The left hand has already squeezed the clutch, and the finger automatically reaches for the starter button... And so, the familiar rumble of the engine - a harbinger and constant companion of long journeys - filled the evening silence. Another minute, and you are already driving through the city streets on your Honda shadow slasher 400 to the rave reviews of others.

What is the history of these motorcycles?

For whom

Here are the main features of the model:

• classic cruiser design;
• 34 Nm and 33 hp;
• low fuel consumption per 100 km.

This motorcycle is a good choice for those who are not very tall and strong, but have some experience in riding two-wheeled vehicles. This leisurely cruiser, of course, can hardly be called a training bike, but it is quite suitable for a bike for beginners.

Features of HONDA Shadow 400

In terms of its parameters and appearance, the HONDA Shadow 400 is a typical classic cruiser.

Apart from interesting decisions regarding changing the chassis, the bike has few differences.

• Suspension with short travel , which cannot be adjusted.
• 2 springs on the rear shock absorber provide a soft ride, but they also make their way with a bang even with a small load (it’s better not for two burly men to sit on this bike together).
• A motorcycle for the city - it’s better not to meddle with the Moscow Ring Road with its flow speeds.
• The chopper seat allows you to change the position of your legs when driving, and the soft sofa allows you to cover significant distances in “one sitting.”

Users note a number of other characteristics, but all of them confirm the version of the motorcycle for the city.

Engine

The motorcycle has a four-stroke, two-cylinder and V-shaped engine. Its effective volume is 398 cm³. The fuel supply system here is carburetor, unlike subsequent modifications. At 5500 rpm the maximum torque is 34 Nm, and at 7500 rpm the maximum power reaches 33 hp. The highest speed of the motorcycle is 145 km/h.

Specifications

Engine – left view.

Engine – right side view.

Cooling system radiator.

Crankcase.

Although the engines of the bikes are similar, the younger version received its version directly from Steed.

No changes, same compression ratio, torque, power. And also the absence of hydraulic gap compensators (which were used by the older model of those years).

But on the other hand, the similarity of the bikes did not pass without a trace and the 400 gets a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine with a V-shaped pistons arrangement (the angle between the cylinders is 900 ).

It is also worth noting that in 2008, both models have fuel injection .

Transmission and clutch

The first generations of the motorcycle were produced with a classic chain drive.

The story with the chassis of the motorcycle became interesting.

It is equipped with a 5-speed gearbox. Traditionally, it works great for Honda and does not create any problems for the user.

The motorcycle receives a main drive - a chain and a hydraulic clutch .

But in 2008 , with the next restyling of the line (according to some publications, the closure/opening of the old model in a new guise), they changed their systems. The new 750 gets a chain , the new 400 gets a driveshaft . The clutch drive is also changed - on the 400 a cable is installed.

Brakes

Front disc brake.

Rear drum brake.

Even if we assume that the model was closed/opened in 2008, this did not affect the brakes.

A drum was still placed on the rear axle, and a disc was placed on the front hub.

Rotor diameter 296 mm , supported by 2 pistons . The only tribute to restyling was the placement of the brake disc on the other (right) side.

No additional systems such as ABS are provided.

Dimensions and weight

The length of the bike reaches 2310 mm. Its width is 795 mm, and its height is 1060 mm. These are average dimensions in the class; there are much larger models. The wheelbase of 1625 mm and seat height of 645 mm also fall within the average for the class.

Even with fuel, the Shadow Slasher weighs only 232 kg, and without it - only 217 kg. The volume of the tank cannot be called large, because it is only 13 liters. However, taking into account the insignificant fuel consumption per hundred kilometers of road, equal to approximately 4 liters, this volume is quite sufficient.

Modifications

Shadow 400 Slasher is a popular modification of the model.

Like the older version, the motorcycle is acquiring several modifications. The similarity of the “shadows” was evident even in the names of the variations.

• In 2000, the Shadow 400 Slasher appears (in the 750 Shadow Spirit or Shadow 750 Slasher for Japan).
• October 2008 is marked by a massive restyling of both lines. As a result, the Shadow 400 receives the Classic (the appearance becomes similar to the Shadow 750 Aero).
• The Slasher 400 becomes the Shadow 400 Custom (the 750 has a similar model, the VT750C2 Shadow Spirit).

and competitors

However, such a leapfrog of names did not prevent competitors from showing their answers to the 400.

• Kawasaki offered the VN 400 Vulcan.
• Yamaha one of its “shooting stars” XVS 400 Drag Star.

Suzuki has produced as many as 3 versions:

1. Intruder VS400;
2. Intruder VL400 Classic
3. Desperado 400.

Chassis and brakes

The frame of the bike is tubular, made of steel. It has a typical appearance for the class, and each color decorates the motorcycle in its own way. The wheels are spoked, which once again emphasizes the classic nature of the cruiser, and its steering wheel is typical for such cars.

Unlike many other representatives of the class, the Shadow Slasher has two shock absorbers on the rear pendulum suspension. At the front, this role is played by a telescopic fork. The rear brake of the motorcycle is a drum, and at the front there is a 296 mm disc and a two-piston caliper.

Release Features

Thus, in 1997, in parallel with the “American shadow” (Shadow 750 ACE), a domestic Japanese version was produced - a smaller engine, power, worse dynamics, but at a very affordable price. Users who saw the new creation were delighted: “ Yes, this is a real liter, only less voracious .”

Since the documentation of the bikes went through the factories at the same time, they copied many details from each other. But there is one small detail due to which the motorcycles had different fates.

The production of the older one continues, but the younger one has been discontinued.

This is a prototype model. The younger one was planned to replace the Steed 400, and therefore took many parts from it.

The model existed until 2016 , receiving restyling in the same years as the older one.

Prices

The Tuesday market price for it starts at $3,000 . The price must include the cost of delivery from Japan and customs clearance. Since the model remained Japanese and at the same time production was gradually reduced, versions with mileage in the Russian Federation are not worth considering (editor’s opinion, that is, mine).

Video

We bring to your attention a certain test - drive, which is presented by the heroes of this video. The quality of the road surface shows that the action takes place abroad. But this fact does not prevent us from seeing how this bike behaves both in city traffic and on narrow streets.

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Comments (3)

1. Serggrub:
   08/18/2015 at 13:36

   Super motorcycle!

   Read also:  How to make a snowmobile with your own hands: a step-by-step description of building a simple and effective snowmobile (110 photos)

   Answer

2. Honda biker:

   09.14.2015 at 11:43

   Almost perfect bike. It's a pity that it costs crazy money. I haven’t been able to save up for something like this for a year now. I'll have to take a boo-shka. I really really want this model

   Answer

3. Vl:

   10/05/2016 at 07:23

   I bought one for myself in 2014 (albeit a used one from 2008) the motor is good, reliable, handling is at a high level both in the city and on the highway. But there is a lack of dynamics when overtaking; every overtaking is a well-thought-out maneuver. In the city everything is normal from traffic light to traffic light, but on a long drive it’s hard. I drove 400 km at a time, I can’t feel any more fatigue, but overtaking trucks is a quest =). You can, of course, install a nulevik filter, the correct exhaust and a power commander, this will improve the situation, but for the money invested you can get more money. My opinion is that a cruiser (chopper) should be larger than a liter. And the Shadovka 750 is a good car as the first training car.

   Answer

Brief history of the model

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CH

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CJ

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC

• 1991 – model not for sale.
• 1992 – Model available in the USA and Canada.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CN

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CP

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CR

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100CS, VT1100C2/C2S

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100CT, VT1100C2/C2T

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100CV, VT1100C2/C2V

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE / ACE Tourer, Honda Shadow 1100 Aero (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2-2A, VT1100C2W, VT1100T, VT1100C3W

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE / ACE Tourer, Honda Shadow 1100 Aero (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2, VT1100C3 AC, VT1100C2X, VT1100T, VT1100C3X, VT100D2

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE Tourer, Honda Shadow 1100 Aero, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2Y, VT1100C2 AC, VT1100C3 / C3Y, VT1100T

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE Tourer, Honda Shadow 1100 Aero, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100C2/C2 AC/C21, VT1100C3/C31, VT1100T

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Aero, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100C2/C2 AC/C22, VT1100C3/C3 AC/C32

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A / C23

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A / C24

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A / C25

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A

Estimated cost

As already said, the Honda Shadow Slasher 400 is a good bike for a beginner motorcyclist, although this motorcycle does have some minor drawbacks.
They manifest themselves in the form of a very rigid rear suspension without the possibility of adjusting it, as well as very rapid stretching of the chain, so you have to periodically check its tension and tighten it if necessary.

The Honda Shadow Slasher 400 is no longer produced , so you won’t find it in showrooms anymore.

But the secondary market for this motorcycle is quite extensive.

And although this model was produced for the domestic market, the Honda Shadow Slasher 400 is quite enough for us.

Price Shadow Slasher 400 – from 150,000 to 300,000 rubles.

This price range is due to different years of manufacture and technical condition of the motorcycle.

Honda is famous for its cruiser motorcycles, one of them is the Honda Shadow 750, the review and characteristics of which are here.

The exterior of this model, even taking into account the time that has passed since the creation of the motorcycle, is considered very fresh and ultra-modern.