Honda Shadow 750 - a dream motorcycle for those who value speed and power

Japanese motorcyclesHonda motorcycles

Realizing in the early 80s that the American motor market was extremely promising, but at the same time somewhat specific, the Japanese company Honda launched a line of motorcycles aimed specifically at this market.

This line is called Shadow.

Motorcycles in the Shadow line belonged to the “cruiser” class and had a classic American appearance, the standard of which was Harley Davidson.

Design

All the numerous modifications of the Honda Shadow 750 look more or less similar, a classic – it’s a classic in Africa too. The earliest model, the NV750, and the VT750RS, which is somewhat reminiscent of the VRX400 and is a kind of nod to classic retro motorcycles, stand out. In any case, the adoration of millions of bikers suggests that Japanese designers worked 100% for their salaries.

Photo gallery

We present to you the best photos of the Honda Shadov VT750C cruiser. They are structured in such a way that they present the model from different vantage points. In the gallery you can examine the features of the frame of this bike and other components, which will help form an idea of ​​​​the motorcycle.

Specifications

At the end of the last century, a general reduction in the cost of production began along with the tightening of environmental standards, so the old Shadows are noticeably more powerful than the newer ones. So, the NV750 had a 66-horsepower engine, and the first VT750C, model 1986, had a 60-horsepower engine. But all their followers sharply lost power , which is 42-45 hp. , so, paradoxically, modern Shadow 750s have more modest characteristics than the old ones.

Engine

Until 1968, a V-twin with a classic 45° cylinder angle was installed, but there are almost no such old bikes on sale. And on all Honda Shadow 750 released in 1987 and later, the engine is completely different. This is a 745 cc liquid-cooled V-twin with 3 valves per cylinder , one or two carburetors (from 2008 - with injection) and either a chain or cardan drive, depending on the modification. Maximum speed – 160 km/h (180 km/h for the RS version), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h – about 7 seconds , torque – from 59 to 69 Nm.

Transmission

All versions of the cruiser received the same 5-speed transmission . In the 80s, this was not bad, because competing models sometimes still had 4-speed gearboxes. But what prevented the designers from transferring the KPP-6 from the NV750 is absolutely unclear. It is also unclear why it was necessary to replace the cardan with a chain. The cardan drive later returned, but all modifications currently produced are equipped with a chain.

Chassis and brakes

The best front brakes, double-disc, were installed on the NV750, but then the Japanese decided to save money. Starting in 1986, this model was equipped with a single-disc 296 mm disc with a 2-piston caliper, and an ancient “drum” was installed on the rear wheel. Fortunately, in 2009 it was replaced with a disc brake an ABS system was added , which came in handy.

Electronics

All of it can fit in a small bag from the nearest Pyaterochka. Were there a lot of electronics in motorcycles half a century ago? The Honda VT750C has about the same amount of it, and there is nothing more complicated than a generator, a battery and a switch in which all the wires converge. Although the latest European versions even have a standard immobilizer!

Weight and dimensions

Dry weight ranges from 211 to 246 kg , and curb weight - from 225 to 263 kg . Despite the impressive figures, the motorcycle does not seem heavy, because the lion's share of its weight falls on the engine, located at the very bottom . In terms of size, the Honda VT 750 is closer to “four hundred” than to “liter”, making it really convenient to drive around the city.

Controllability

It’s hard to expect impressive maneuverability from an old-fashioned cruiser, but the brainchild of Japanese engineers can surprise here too. Of course, this chopper is inferior in handling to classics and sportbikes, but it still steers much lighter than its heavier counterparts, and feels great even in dense city traffic.

Fuel consumption

Thanks to the engine developed almost four decades ago, the Honda VT750C is not at all demanding on fuel quality, especially on carburetor (until 2008) versions. But with carburetors it is more voracious, and the average consumption is about 5 liters compared to 4.3 liters for injection modifications.

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 that 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.”

Repair and tuning

Any modification of the Honda Shadow VT750C can be serviced or repaired independently without any problems. Over the past decades, practically nothing has changed in the design of this motorcycle, so, armed with a manual, any biker who has at least once tinkered with a Ural or other fiend of the Soviet motorcycle industry in the garage can easily figure it out.

Repair

If there are no serious problems, there is no need to take the motorcycle to a motorcycle service center - there is nothing in it that cannot be repaired in a garage. And if you look after it well, then serious problems will not arise. Fortunately, the Honda VT750C does not have any connectors for connecting to a laptop with proprietary dealer software - only good old hardware.

Spare parts

You can always order any necessary spare parts through official dealers. Why order? Because they usually have nothing in stock except consumables, but thanks for that. For already discontinued modifications like the NV750, you can find everything you need in online stores like Megazip and Exist, but in this case it is advisable to know the number of the required part, and not just its name.

Tuning

Whatever your heart desires! Seats, trunks, trunks, backrests, windows, turn signals, headlights... There are both branded parts from famous foreign manufacturers, and a bunch of cheap tuning from China, so every owner of a Honda Shadow 750 can easily find something to suit their taste and budget.

Price of Honda VT 750C2A Shadow Phantom based on sales advertisements

The maximum price of Honda VT 750C2A Shadow Phantom among the advertisements found is RUB 575,000*

The average price of Honda VT 750C2A Shadow Phantom among the ads found is RUB 390,000*

The minimum price of Honda VT 750C2A Shadow Phantom among the advertisements found is RUB 39,000*

Honda Shadow 750 Phantom 2011 in Perm

11/23/2020 RUB 470,000

Honda VT750 Shadow Phantom 2009 in Moscow

11/22/2020 RUB 415,000

Honda Shadow 750 Phantom in Novy Urengoy

11/19/2020 500,000 rub.

Honda Vt750 Shadow Phantom in Lyubertsy

11/17/2020 RUB 450,000

Honda Shadow VT 750 Phantom Black 2022 in Samara

11/10/2020 RUB 575,000

Honda Shadow Phantom VT750 in Kostroma

05.11.2020 360,000 rub.

Honda shadow 750 phantom 2016 in Perm

10.26.2020 460,000 rub.

Honda Shadow VT750 C2B Phantom, 2011 in Samara

10.20.2020 415,000 rub.

2011 Honda Shadow Phantom Black vt 750 c2b in Rostov-on-Don

10/20/2020 RUB 295,000

Honda Shadow VT750С2B Phantom 2013 in Sochi

09.29.2020 439,000 rub.

Honda vt 750 shadow phantom in Moscow

09.16.2020 RUB 350,000

Honda VT750 Shadow Phantom in Moscow

01/30/2020 421,000 rub.

Honda VT750 Shadow Phantom 2011 in Moscow

01/21/2020 RUB 390,000

Muffler Honda VTX 750 Honda Shadow Phantom in Perm

11/22/2019 39,000 rub.

Honda VT750 Shadow Phantom 2012 in Moscow

03.11.2019 RUB 390,000

Honda shadow phantom 750 in Vladivostok

10/07/2019 RUB 350,000

Honda VT750 Shadow Phantom 2012 in Moscow

09.26.2019 RUB 390,000

Honda Shadow Phantom 750 in Krasnodar

09.15.2019 RUB 399,000

Honda Shadow VT 750 Phantom in Sevastopol

09/12/2019 RUB 315,000

Honda Shadow Phantom 750 in Krasnodar

08/19/2019 RUB 399,000

Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Black in Yekaterinburg

08/12/2019 RUB 384,900

Honda Shadow 750 Phantom in Krasnodar

07/31/2019 420,000 rub.

Honda VT750 Shadow Phantom 2012 in Moscow

07/24/2019 RUB 390,000

Honda Shadow Phantom 750 in Kemerovo

07/02/2019 RUB 370,000

Honda Shadow 750 Phantom in Krasnodar

06/26/2019 Not specified

Honda shadow VT750C2B phantom in St. Petersburg

06/24/2019 RUB 390,000

Honda shadow 750 phantom in Dmitrov

06/16/2019 280,000 rub.

Honda VT750 Shadow Phantom in Moscow

06/16/2019 RUB 370,000

Honda Shadow VT750C2B Phantom in Kostroma

06/12/2019 RUB 370,000

Honda shadow phantom 750 g2011 in St. Petersburg

06/03/2019 400,000 rub.

Honda Shadow 750 Phantom in Krasnodar

06/02/2019 420,000 rub.

Honda shadow 750 phantom 2012 in Moscow

05/29/2019 RUB 360,000

Honda Shadow Phantom 750 in Krasnodar

05/27/2019 420,000 rub.

Honda Shadow 750 Phantom (Fantom) in Moscow

05/23/2019 RUB 350,000

Honda Shadow 750 Phantom in Sevastopol

05/22/2019 425,000 rub.

Honda VT750 Shadow Phantom in Krasnodar

10.24.2017 410,000 rub.

Honda Shadow VT 750 Phantom in Moscow

10.23.2017 469,000 rub.

Honda VT 750 Shadow Phantom in Moscow

09/26/2017 420,000 rub.

Honda Shadow VT750 Phantom in Nizhny Novgorod

08/21/2017 RUB 399,850

Honda VT750 Shadow Phantom in Kazan

08/09/2017 RUB 365,000

Selling Honda Shadow Phantom 750 2013 in Sevastopol

06/08/2017 400,000 rub.

Cruiser Honda Shadow Phantom 750 available in Abakan

03/15/2017 RUB 399,000

Honda Shadow VT750 Black Spirit phantom in Pyatigorsk

01/24/2017 390,000 rub.

Honda VT 750 C2 Shadow Phantom 2012 in Sevastopol

11/23/2016 470,000 rub.

Honda Shadow VT 750 Phantom in Moscow

10.20.2016 490,000 rub.

Honda Shadow VT750 Phantom in Nizhny Novgorod

08/14/2014 340,000 rub.

Honda Shadow 750 Phantom in Krylovskaya

07/30/2014 RUB 315,000

Honda VT 750 C2 Shadow Phantom in Krasnodar

07/29/2014 320,000 rub.

* Attention! Under the maximum, average and minimum of the Honda VT 750C2A Shadow Phantom motorcycle on this page, the average cost according to advertisements for sale on the Internet is indicated, without taking into account the year of manufacture, configuration and generation of the motorcycle model.

Motorcycle modifications

• Honda NV750 . The very first version, produced from 1983 to 1985. It has the most powerful engine (66 hp), and is almost never found on sale due to its advanced age. It was equipped with a cardan and a 6-speed gearbox.
• Honda Shadow 750 ACE (American Classic Edition), 1997-2001. Chain drive wheels, a 14-liter gas tank, deep fenders, a heavy appearance and one balancer shaft instead of two, so that American bikers enjoy the vibrations that are so dear to their hearts.
• Honda Shadow 750 Aero . Produced from 2004 to the present. Equipped with a cardan drive.
• Honda Shadow 750 Phantom . No different from the Aero, except for the matte black color scheme. Still in production today.
• Honda Shadow Slasher 750, Black Widow in some markets. It is a slightly modified Honda Shadow ACE, but with a thin front wheel of increased radius and a gas tank reduced by 1 liter. Produced from 2000 to 2007.
• Honda Shadow VT750RS . Outwardly, it resembles a hybrid between a cruiser and a classic road motorcycle; the differences are clearly visible in the photo. It features the smallest gas tank - 10 liters and a direct fit. The model was not popular, and therefore was produced only briefly, from 2010 to 2013. The wheel drive is a chain.

Design

Over the long history of production, the motorcycle was produced in various colors.

• The only detail that has not been changed is the frame, its design and geometry. Steel was used for rigidity, and a tubular design was used for lightness, controllability, and maneuverability.
• Depending on the year of production, the modifications had different sizes, separate technological solutions and features. But with the exception of a few models that differed only in color and body kit, these were different motorcycles with completely different settings.
• The suspension was done according to the standard. The front is on a telescopic fork, the rear is on a pendulum base. The fork used a conventional type, but over 30 years its travel decreased from 145 mm (NV750 Custom) to 117 mm (Aero and Phantom).
• A distinctive feature of the line is the presence of a pair of shock absorbers at the rear, but they also have a smaller travel stroke - from 105 mm to 80 mm.

Aero and Phantom are still on the production line and are available for order both new and used.

Exterior

The cruiser type requires a full set of lights, instruments, mirrors, and, sometimes, wind protection.

Front end

• The ACE (American Classic Edition) model, launched in 1997, received the windshield inherited from the first versions. It is large, curved to fit the body kit, and according to reviews, it protects the pilot well. In subsequent modifications it is removed. In addition, the model is distinguished by an elongated front fender and a large amount of chrome, typical of American motorcycles. The Slasher model (other names Shadow Spirit, Black Widow) 2000 and all subsequent ones are produced with a shortened wing.

  The photo shows a 1997 Honda Shadow ACE 750 with its original windshield.

• The motorcycle's fork stays are bare. Only the Black Spirit modification receives small covers for the height of the wheel. Since the model is a close relative of the Aero (the only difference is the color), the covers can be installed independently.
• The head optics are repeated from version to version. Its role is played by a large round headlight. The turn indicators are placed on the fork legs and attached at its level. The headlight is surrounded by a symbolic body kit.

  To fix the direction indicators, a special hollow bracket is used, inside of which the wiring runs.

• Thanks to the long pillars, the mirrors do not interfere between the rows, giving a relatively large picture. But the mount on the steering wheel, the angle of bend and the height of which changed from version to version, sometimes creates problems with the overview of the situation. The height of the steering wheel and the bend angle of the tube changed from purely chopper on the Slasher and Aero versions to the standard European one - Black Spirit.

Dashboard

We will describe this part using the Phantom model, which is still offered by the manufacturer. The set in front of the user is small. One large dial electronic speed indicator, and several lights.

The instrument panel of this bike is a dial speedometer located in the fuel tank trim.

The indicator is marked up to 190 km/h or 200 mph (for American models). There are 3 indicators scattered above it:

• high beam;
• rotation (1 piece for both directions);
• half a beer is not enough.

All three indicators are located on the plate that holds the front fork legs together.

In addition to them, 4 more lay under the speedometer glass;

• neutral;
• change the oil;
• engine temperature;
• check engine.

The mileage counter is also displayed in a separate window on the speedometer. It's digital.

On some models, the turn signal light is located under the speedometer glass.

The dial is located quite low, in the American style, it will not be easy to see the readings without lowering your head.

Back view

• The rear optics are presented in a complete set. The turns are taken outside the bike on their own racks. Stop and size are traditionally collected under one glass. It should be noted that most modifications have (!!!) a rear wing, and red signals are on it, so it will be difficult not to see them. But, although there is space for a luggage rack on the bike, there is none; installing some kind of hanging structure can cover the lights.
• The saddle is divided into two parts according to the bicycle principle, the passenger sits on the rear wheel. Craftsmen often change it entirely, making it for themselves and the second back number - the length of the base allows it.
• The fuel tank is located as standard - in front of the driver. Over 30 years it grew from 12.5 to 14 liters. Intermediate versions had 10 liters.

Advantages and disadvantages

You need to be careful when judging the strengths and weaknesses of the Honda VT750 Shadow motorcycle. After all, its design was developed almost 40 years ago, and since then it has not undergone significant changes. This is not the stinginess of Japanese engineers, this is exactly what avid chopper riders need - a simple “iron” cruiser with a minimum of technical complications.

Advantages

• A sea of ​​affordable tuning . In foreign online stores you can find whatever you want for sale. There are no problems with spare parts either.
• Excellent reliability of all main components. Minor breakdowns do occur on older copies, but overall the Honda VT 750 Shadow enjoys the reputation of “a motorcycle that doesn’t break down” and is deservedly so.
• Ease of operation . The low center of gravity does its job, and subjectively the bike seems light and easy to control.
• Moderate appetite . Even at high speed, the Honda Shadow 750 is not particularly gluttonous.
• Ease of maintenance and repair . This model is as simple as a brick, and understanding its structure will not be difficult.

Flaws

• Weak light from the standard headlight, which does not provide adequate visibility at night. This problem is common to most motorcycles.
• Small gas tank volume , from 10 to 14 liters.
• Rigid and primitive suspension without any adjustments.
• Due to the low power, the presence of a passenger and cargo negatively affects the acceleration dynamics and the length of the braking distance.

Estimated cost

The 750 cc motorcycles of the legendary Shadow line were undeservedly forgotten at one time , without really having time to “light up” due to some duties.

But time has passed and this motorcycle is again in this line.

You can now find new 750 cc motorcycles in the Shadow line at dealers. But they won't be very cheap.

For the VT750DC Shadow Spirit model you will have to pay a little more than 800,000 rubles. And the VT750DC Shadow Black Spirit model will cost even more, about 825,000 rubles.

Despite the long period in which a motorcycle with an engine of this size was not produced, this model is still quite common and there are more than enough offers for it on the secondary market.

The prices for it are very varied , since the cost takes into account technical equipment. condition and performance of the motorcycle, its year of production.

So, on the secondary market, a Honda Shadow with a 750 cc engine. cm can be found with a price from 100,000 to 600,000 rubles.

Are you interested in the top speed of the Honda CB 400? You can find out this, and more, from our article about this motorcycle model.

This motorbike manufacturer has in stock models of all categories of motorcycles. Let's look at the most popular of them in our publication.

Owner reviews

I rode it for two seasons, sold it for the most common reason - I wanted to increase the cubic capacity, and eventually switched to a VTX 1800. I can’t even compare these two motorcycles, the difference in volume is double, but I have only the most pleasant memories of Shadov. It steers like a bicycle, where you have to maneuver carefully on Vtyksa, Shadovka flew by with a whistle. When I drive in traffic jams, I even regret that I sold it, but on the highway it doesn’t have enough power. Artyom, Moscow.

Pepelats is indestructible, I bought a 2004 Honda Shadow Aero lying on both sides, took it for ridiculous money - 180k. To put it in order, it took about 30k in cosmetics (complete repaint, new chrome parts), another 17k or so in maintenance - bearings, fluids, seals with anthers and other rubber bands, and other little things. I bought it in 2012, I still drive it, during this time I have covered almost 40k, only the clutch has been repaired. I immediately bought a reinforced one on Ebay, at the same price as the original, but, according to reviews, it lasts much longer. I don’t plan to increase the capacity, I don’t have the money to maintain a Harley, but for 750 W the parts are cheap, and it doesn’t consume much. Vasily, Lipetsk.

I’m driving the ACE for the second season, before it there was a 150 cc Chinese, which was sold long ago and forgotten like a bad dream. I like everything except the vibrations, the model is for the American market, there is no balancer, it shakes mercilessly at idle. And my pants are full of joy, together with my wife and two backpacks we covered almost 25 thousand km over the last season, we drove to Serbia and Montenegro, the motorcycle did not let us down even once. Even with such a load, it goes confidently along the mountain serpentines. Anton, Novorossiysk.

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.

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).

Similar models

• Kawasaki VN750, VN800 and VN900 Vulcan . Not a bad motorcycle, also with a rich history. The 900 cc model has impressive dimensions.
• Suzuki VS750 and VS800 Intruder . A time-tested bike, styled like an old-school chopper. Here we can also mention the Intruder C800, also known as the C50, which replaced it, and with it the Intruder M50 (M800).
• Yamaha XV750 Virago (corresponding to early Honda VT750) and XVS 650 Drag Star. It looks beautiful, costs moderately, and drives quite cheerfully.

FAQ

• Is it possible to stick an old full-power motor into the frame of a new model? No, both the frames and engines are different, so such a conversion is impossible without a deep rework of the entire motorcycle. But this is expensive and pointless; it’s easier to just buy a “liter” right away.
• What is the real maximum comfortable speed for the engine to work without strain? About 130-140 km/h. But already at 150 km/h the engine screams so loudly that you feel sorry for it.
• Are spare parts interchangeable between different modifications? 50/50, depending on the year of manufacture and what specific spare part we are talking about. For example, you can transfer a fork from an Aero to a Spirit, but then you will have to change the front wheel as well. But their seats are different, they differ in fasteners.

Flaws

Different models may have different disadvantages, but for the Shadow 750 users highlight several:

• Low ground clearance . Among the 10 models there was no car with a high seating position, but this is not typical for a cruiser.
• Pendant . Not only does its performance drop with the release of new versions, but there is also no way to adjust it for the road.
• Price of parts and components.

and dignity

You can ride this bike with equal confidence on highways, city streets, rough roads, and even on dirt roads in dry weather.

The advantages included:

1. Americanized design . Even the Phantom has plenty of glitter.
2. Hydraulic compensators do not require clearance adjustment.
3. Controllability.
4. Maneuverability.
5. Good dynamics for such a giant.
6. Ideal weight distribution (For the sake of this quality, the concern went through developments several times, everything was revised, right down to the position of the brackets on the brake discs).

The main advantage that all owners note is the battery. Regardless of the outside temperature, the bike starts in any weather.

Conclusion

In its class, the Honda Shadow 750 can be called one of the best . In terms of weight and controllability, it is close to the “four hundred”, and in terms of dynamics – to the “liter”. This balance, coupled with phenomenal reliability , affordable price and a ton of tuning, ensured the model such a long life. This chopper is equally suitable for driving around the city and for long trips . With timely maintenance, it will serve the owner for years without problems or breakdowns, for which it is valued in many countries around the world, and its technical characteristics are sufficient for any purpose.

Specifications