Review of the Honda Shadow Slasher 400 motorcycle

Japanese motorcyclesHonda motorcycles

The longevity of a particular line of motorcycles largely depends on its popularity among consumers.

This trend is well revealed by the line of Japanese motorcycles Honda Shadow.

The origin of the Japanese “Shadow” line occurred in 1983, with the production of the 750 cc model Honda Shadow VT750c - a classic American style motorcycle.

And for more than 20 years, Shadow continues to be produced.

Over time, the line expanded, motorcycles with different technical characteristics were added, which ensured and continues to provide demand among a wide audience of two-wheeled transport enthusiasts, since everyone can choose a bike from this line to suit their taste.

Most of the models in this line are intended for American and European motorcycle enthusiasts, but the Japanese do not forget about themselves.

So, in 1999, they released the Honda Shadow Slasher 400 bike for their market.

Honda Shadow Slasher 400

Although the Honda Shadow Slasher 400 was intended for domestic sales , over time it also entered foreign markets, and since it is still a “Shadow”, there is a demand for it.

The Shadow Slasher 400 was produced for 8 years; among motorcycle enthusiasts, this bike is considered a unit for beginners , since it looks solid and its technical indicators are moderate.

Externally, the bike fully corresponds to the classics of American motorcycle construction, although it was produced by the Japanese and for the Japanese.

Of course, the Honda Shadov Slasher is not the only 400 cc motorcycle in this class in the Honda lineup. Besides it, there is also, for example, the Honda Steed 400 VSE, they look quite different in appearance.

Honda shadow 400 reviews and realities

Owners of this equipment note the high reliability of the Honda shadow 400 motorcycle. The manual contains all the necessary information about caring for the bike. Nothing really breaks with him, and if you pass on time, then... and keep an eye on the oil - it will work forever. To calm down, you can grab a screwdriver and a set of sockets with a wrench from the tools, which can be hidden in the glove compartment under the seat. It is also advisable to take chain lubrication spray with you on long trips. Whatever model you like, Honda shadow slasher 400, ace, classic or any other, know: this is an excellent, reliable piece of equipment that brings a minimum of hassle during maintenance and maximum joy during operation.

Specifications

Description of design

The front wheel is covered on top by an oversized fender.
The front fork has widely spaced stays. It itself is covered with chrome. The front lighting equipment consists of a small headlight and two small turn signals. A wide handlebar is installed at the top of the front fork.

Behind the steering wheel there is a small teardrop-shaped tank with a dashboard mounted on it .

The seat is not particularly large, has a stepped shape, and is designed for two people.

The hind wing is wider than the front wing, but short. At its end there is a brake light, as well as a platform for the number.

The frame is tubular, practically invisible; the radiator of the cooling system is located in front of it.

The power plant is a V-shaped, 2-cylinder with a carburetor power supply system, integral with the gearbox. An air filter is installed on the right side between the cylinders.

There are two exhaust pipes, one for each cylinder, and are located on the right side.

Gearbox – foot-switched, 5-speed. Transmission of torque to the rear drive wheel using a chain drive.

The rear suspension is pendulum type using two shock absorbers installed on the sides.

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We present you an overview of a budget motorcycle for everyday life:

Specifications

Detailed characteristics of Slasher 400 are given in the table:

Honda shadow 400 technical specifications

It is worth noting that the Honda shadow 400 classic, ace and some other models have only minor differences, which can be neglected upon general consideration.

This line of motorcycles is equipped with a V-shaped water-cooled engine with a stated power of 33 hp. The Honda shadow 400 engine, whose technical characteristics are so good that they have not changed for more than 20 years, is slightly deformed, which increases the service life and increases the service life. Each cylinder has its own carburetor, three valves and two spark plugs. The drive to the rear wheel is carried out by a chain, which with such a volume plays a special role: energy from the engine is transferred almost without loss, unlike the cardan. However, nothing in this world is perfect: and this decision is no exception. Such a drive requires attention during operation, regular lubrication and periodic tightening of the chain, but if you understand at least a little about technology, this procedure will not cause you any problems.

Honda shadow 400 ace, like other models in the line, is equipped with a braking system that is quite sufficient for safe movement. A single disc brake is used at the front and a drum brake at the rear. The drop-shaped tank holds 13 liters of fuel, of which 3 liters are reserve, which, even with a consumption of 5 liters per 100 km, is almost certainly enough to last you to the nearest gas station. A speedometer is mounted on the tank. The 5-speed gearbox has a long service life and exceptional reliability. The center of mass of the motorcycle is low, so it is very easy to control.

The seating position on the Honda shadow 400 ace is comfortable for driving long distances and does not raise any questions. But if your height exceeds 180 cm, it is better to add additional footrests or platforms. A wide, comfortable saddle of great thickness makes it possible not to stop every 40-50 km to stretch stiff parts of the body, but to move from refueling to refueling without consequences for the body. This is one of the reasons why Honda shadow 400 motorcycles have reviews that are almost always positive.

The handlebars of the bikes are mounted on rubber dampers and vibration from the engine and the road is not transmitted to it.

When driving at night, the light from the factory Honda shadow 400 classic headlight is sufficient, but users often install additional lighting. Interestingly, the light comes on when the ignition is turned on, and it is impossible to turn it off while the engine is running. This improves driving safety and allows other drivers to see you from a greater distance.

If 400 cubic meters is not enough for you, you should pay attention to the Shadow 750 or Shadow 1100 models.

As for the Honda shadow slasher 400 model, the technical characteristics of this bike are the same as those of the “classic”. The main difference is in appearance:

• The front wheel is thinner and has a larger diameter.
• The steering wheel wing is narrower and shorter.
• The rear wheel fender is shorter.
• The exhaust pipes are stylized to resemble a Harley.

This is not surprising, because the Honda shadow slasher 400 began to be produced later than the “classics” - from 1999, and absorbed a lot from its rather successful older sister. But its appearance, like that of the Honda shadow 400 custom model, is considered the most “chopper” among other shades. The model was produced mainly for the Japanese market.

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.

Below is a short story about how tired I am of hanging around in the city. There would be no happiness, but misfortune would help.

I had been planning a trip to St. Petersburg with my friends for a long time, but everything was going wrong: either there wasn’t enough money, or work/study wouldn’t let me go. As a result, after delaying the departure date by two weeks, we realized that nothing would happen to us this year. I didn’t want to put up with this news and decided that no matter what, I would go somewhere. And then everything happened spontaneously. It’s Friday evening outside, and I accidentally heard that the Centaurs club from Krasnoyarsk is celebrating another birthday. Usually these events take place on Mansky Plyos. Well, why not?

On Saturday morning I went to accompany a friend’s wedding procession. We drove around the city, got to the registry office, and my head was already pounding: “I’m sick of the city, I need to go somewhere urgently.” I walked around with friends, the dialogue was approximately the same with everyone:

— Did you go to Krasnoyarsk?

- Certainly! When?

- Now

-Are you completely crazy?

“What should we do about it?” - I think. And do nothing. We need to pack our things and go. It took about an hour to get to the garage, put on the trunks and collect things. Everything is ready, nothing else holds here.

I slowly made my way out of the city, stuck in traffic jams, and finally got onto the highway. This is where the joy of movement, of the road, and the feeling of traveling came.

Having driven quite a bit from the city, I notice that a VAZ 2106, which I recently overtook, is following me. He's trying to overtake, but I don't interfere. He overtook him and showed the well-known gesture out the window. No, not the one you were thinking about, but a thumb to the sky. So we drove with him for another 20 kilometers, changing places. In one of the settlements, which are spread out in huge numbers along the roadsides, this red VAZ is pressed to the stop, blinking the turn signal, waving its arms, stop, they say. I ignore it, I have no desire to stop again. He catches up with me again and “asks” me to stop. I think: “If he’s so persistent, he probably really needs something,” and I stop. We stood with him and talked. As it turned out, I just really liked the motorcycle and wanted to chat. There are all sorts of people you meet on the road.

Having said goodbye to a new acquaintance, I again flew towards Mariinsk. Soon I notice that a motorcycle is catching up with me. I moved forward, let him go ahead, but he didn’t leave. So the two of us rolled along slowly. About 30 kilometers before Mariinsk the terrible road begins, so we stopped there to rest. We chatted with the two-wheeler, found mutual friends, agreed to continue driving together to Achinsk, and then each went our own way.

At the approaches to Achinsk it began to get dark. I don’t think anyone needs to explain that when the sun leaves, it takes the heat with it. It became cold, then very cold. It’s good that just a couple of days before I installed heated grips. Really useful thing! He was the only one who saved me. But I really regretted the fact that I went in textiles and not in leather. I wrote myself a note in the margin: for long-distance travel only in leather.

After parting with my fellow countryman in Achinsk, I realized that we never met, I don’t know his name. Well, okay, we’ll meet somewhere else and catch up.

Photo near Kozulka.

Before Divnogorsk I managed to get lost once. Still, asking for directions is not very reliable. But I don’t use the navigator, it doesn’t feel the same. But when I began to approach Divnogorsk I immediately realized that this day had not been in vain. For the first time in my life I went to the mountains on a motorcycle. Driving along the serpentine road on two wheels is simply an indescribable pleasure. I decided that Divnogorsk is worthy of living in only because of the terrain and good roads.

I reached the Mansky Reach itself closer to midnight. By the time I chose a place and set up a tent, it was already half past twelve. I walked around the entire territory and was upset: there is only one cafe, and it’s open from 10 to 24. Well, I’ll have to go without dinner today. I found a couple of candies in my bag, threw them in and went to bed. By the way, sleeping there is also not very good: there are too many people around. From all sides, a variety of tuber sounds with an unreasonable amount of bass are coming from the cars. But what can stop a person who has spent the whole day on the road from sleeping?

The next morning I woke up in a great mood, although again under the clouds. Looking out of the tent, I was stunned. Mansky Reach is very beautiful. This is a place where every Siberian should go. The beauty of this place cannot be conveyed in words or photographs.

View from the tent.

Having had breakfast in the cafe we ​​had found the day before, I quickly packed my things and moved on. I planned to be home by evening. Having got out of the recreation center, I decided to stop at a store on the outskirts of the city for something cold. I stopped and looked - there was a call. I pick up the phone and it turns out I know my namesake from Novosibirsk, whom I once helped in Tomsk when the bearings in his wheel flew apart. Approximately the following dialogue took place between us, if we discard all unnecessary things:

— How can I give you money for spare parts?

// here is a long conversation on the topic “your money was given to me”

- Wait, I’ll come in the evening and hand it over personally.

That’s how I realized that I would spend the next night in Novosibirsk. Well, what should we do? It just so happened. I sat down and went.

In Achinsk, I notice three motorcycles and a guy in a T-shirt from the Novosibirsk festival “Ob Wave 2013” ​​near a store, who is messing with some child. I decide not to be distracted and move on. Stopping at the next gas station, I see these three motorcycles passing by, greeting me. After 20 kilometers I see them standing on the side of the road, resting. In order not to delay, I will say that we saw each other five times and finally met near Mariinsky with the words “it was inevitable.” As it turned out, two guys and a girl were riding motorcycles, and with them a car with two girls and three children! Such a motley group is going to Kyrgyzstan, if my memory serves me correctly. We took a ride with them to Kemerovo, exchanged phone numbers and said goodbye, wishing each other good luck. They planned to spend the night in Kemerovo, and Novosibirsk was waiting for me.

I reached Novosibirsk already after dark, again scolding myself for not putting on leather. Having arrived in the city, I called hostels and found an inexpensive one not far from the parking lot in the city center. They accepted me wholeheartedly, they even took the money only for half a day.

In the morning I packed my things, walked to the motorcycle and realized that everything was not very great. The day before, a friend from Tomsk called me and asked me to buy seals for a fork in Novosibirsk. And then I discovered that my motorcycle could not withstand Russian roads: the oil seals needed to be replaced. There was no choice: I spent the entire morning stuck in traffic jams in the city. I scolded everything in the world and with great pleasure went towards my native Tomsk.

Almost home.

To sum it up, I will say that it was great! True, I couldn’t sit on a motorcycle for two more days, but these are minor things. The seat needs to be altered and made softer. Three days, a lot of impressions and almost 2,000 km behind us.

Tan in three days.

Photo gallery

Honda Shadow 400 Slasher is a chopper that is popular among novice bikers. It looks nice, drives well, is inexpensive - so what more could you ask for? Check out our small selection where you will find photos of this popular bike.