Motorbike Japanese made The Honda Saber is the leading member of the Shadow line. He has a lot in common with the rest of the Shadows. Nevertheless, the unit is noticeably different from them, which is what served to highlight it in separate model. Essentially two-wheeled vehicle- an original and stylish cruiser that reproduces classic American style. Exotic and extreme innovations are not used in the design; the basis of the bike is the good old classic. Let's look at its features, characteristics and capabilities.

brief information

Most motorcycles from the Japanese company Honda are characterized as stable vehicles without frills or flaws. This characteristic also applies to the Honda Saber. Everything about the motorcycle is thought out to the smallest detail. The bike has several modifications, aimed primarily at the American market. There are models whose engine imitates legendary motor"Harley Davidson." Its connecting rods are placed on one rack, and the sound of the running “engine” has become rougher.

Another feature of the power unit is the increase in “vocality” at low speeds and its leveling at maximum load. This is due to the fact that the more similar a unit is to a Harley, the better it sells.

In Russia, this model was also not ignored. The S-2 modification can be purchased not only from your hands, but also through official dealers. An important factor is that the device is designed for different kinds road surface without significantly changing the comfort of movement.

Power plant and transmission unit

Honda Shadow Saber can be described in just two words - convenience and reliability. Power unit doesn't have balancer shafts, while ensuring minimal vibration of the unit. For starting, a constant vacuum carburetor is used, which is combined with an accelerator pump. This provides the engine with excellent dynamic performance. By changing the oil and filter elements in a timely manner, you can enjoy the operation of the engine for decades without any repairs. Prevention, care and correct operation- the key to successful use of the model under consideration.

The transmission unit amazes with its practicality and durability. Literally without wear, it can last at least one hundred thousand kilometers. Of particular note is the cardan transmission, which is distinguished by its strength and resistance to deformation of the connecting elements in comparison with direct competitors of the same manufacturer or foreign analogues.

Device

The Honda Saber frame has a classic twin-frame design with decent performance. It is positioned as a stable operating element, regardless of the modes used when operating the motorcycle. This part is most often subject to styling and all sorts of modifications; fortunately, there are more than enough materials and devices for this.

At the rear, the suspension is adjusted by preloading the springs. The front fork responds well even during emergency braking. In general, the suspension unit can be described as comfortable and energy-intensive. It is not prone to breakdowns and makes it possible to have good control of the vehicle on different surfaces.

The brakes do their job perfectly and do not require any tuning. To management rear element The braking takes some getting used to, as it may seem harsh at first. It is worth noting that the Honda Saber motorcycle is very comfortable, so much so that some modifications were produced with a focus on reducing comfort.

Modifications

It makes no sense to list all the models in this line - there are so many of them. Let's focus on the modification of Honda Saber UA2, which is aimed at the market of the United States of America. It differs in that it has a cylinder head with three valves, a more aggressive body kit, and a special style. The unit is equipped with a liquid-cooled V-shaped engine with a volume of 1099 cubic centimeters and spark plugs. The predecessor of this model, called the Honda Shadow 1100 Saber, is one of the most popular choppers on the world market.

A well-thought-out weight distribution allows you to balance the decent weight of the motorcycle and its traction characteristics. The seat height has been adjusted so that most riders can reach the ground with their feet without leaving the saddle. The ergonomics of the device and the laconic, informative instrument panel are another plus for the bike in question. Comfortable steering wheel and well-placed passenger footrests fit seamlessly into the overall exterior of the cruiser.

Honda VT 1100 Shadow Saber: technical specifications

Below is a list of tactical and technical indicators of the motorcycle in question:

• power unit - Honda VT 1100 Saber - 2007;
• engine volume - 1099 cc. cm;
• cylinders (diameter and stroke) - 87.5/91.4 millimeters;
• maximum power - forty-nine kilowatts;
• ignition type - starter;
• speed - 5500 rotations per minute;
• power - about sixty-six horsepower;
• fuel tank capacity - sixteen liters;
• weight - two hundred and sixty kilograms;
• tires - 170/80-15;
• brakes - disc type “Single-315 mm”;
• year of manufacture - from 2007 to 2009.

In addition, it is worth noting the external design of the motorcycle, which resembles a small copy of the American Harley Davidson, since it also has some chrome parts and a unique engine layout.

The Honda Shadow 1100 (Honda VT 1100) cruiser model was first introduced in 1987 and is aimed primarily at the US market. Back then it was a classic cruiser with a big front wheel, dual exhaust on the right side and a 4-speed transmission. The model was produced in this form until 1990, after which its production was discontinued for a year. In 1992, the Honda Shadow 1100 re-entered the market, having been slightly updated - having received a 5-speed gearbox and a 17" front wheel. Subsequently, Honda introduced whole line modifications to the Shadow 1100, updating the model up to 2007.

Home Honda feature The Shadow 1100 is a 2-cylinder V-twin liquid-cooled engine producing between 50 and 63 hp. power and 84-95 Nm of torque, depending on the version of the motorcycle. The model has a 5-speed gearbox, a classic steel frame, simple suspension in the form of a telescopic fork and a double shock absorber at the rear, as well as a cardan drive.

Main modifications of the Honda Shadow 1100:

• Honda Shadow 1100 - regular version, produced from 1987 to 1995. It is distinguished by wheels on alloy discs and short fenders.
• Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit - this is the name of the regular version of the motorcycle since 1997 on the US market. The version receives more chrome elements. The engine produces 60 hp.
• Honda Shadow 1100 Classic is the classic version for all markets except the USA. It features spoked wheels and extended fenders. It replaced the regular version of the motorcycle in 1995 (except in the USA).
• Honda Shadow 1100 ACE (American Classic Edition) - the version is similar to the Classic, but has a crankshaft with one connecting rod (to increase vibrations) and a power of 50 hp.
• Honda Shadow 1100 ACE Tourer - version similar to ACE, but has alloy wheels, 2-in-1 exhaust system, windshield, side panniers and a 60 hp engine. from the Spirit version.
• Honda Shadow 1100 Aero - version similar to ACE, but has longer fenders in a retro style, big headlight and 2-into-1 exhaust.
• Honda Shadow 1100 Saber - version similar to ACE, but has alloy wheels, Showa suspension, engine from the Spirit version and rear disc brake.

The latest modification of the model was the Saber version, which was produced until 2007 - even despite the fact that the Honda VTX 1300 appeared in 2001. In general, the Honda Shadow 1100 can be called extremely successful model, which is confirmed by the high popularity of this motorcycle in the USA, where Harley-Davidson reigns supreme. However, even this did not prevent Honda from gaining a significant share of the market and making up worthy competition then flagships.

The lineup Honda series Shadow:

• Honda Shadow 400
• Honda Shadow 600
• Honda Shadow 750
• Honda Shadow 1100

Average fuel consumption on the Honda Shadow 1100 ranges from 5.3 liters to 9.6 liters per 100 km. The exact value depends on your riding style. Price for Honda Shadow 1100 in good condition, without mileage in the Russian Federation is $3500. The cost of models with mileage in the Russian Federation starts from 160,000 rubles.

• 1987 - official start of production and sales of the Honda Shadow 1100. The model was also called the Honda VT 1100 C.
• 1991 - the model is not officially released.
• 1992 - Honda Shadow 1100 gets a 5-speed gearbox and a 17" front wheel.
• 1995 - the last year of production of the motorcycle in the regular version (Honda Shadow 1100). The model is being replaced by the Classic modification in all markets except the US market. In the USA, in parallel with the regular version, the ACE modification appears. The model is also called Honda VT 1100 C2.
• 1997 - the regular version of the motorcycle (for the US market) is called Spirit. In the same year, the ACE Tourer modification appeared.
• 1998 - appearance of the Aero modification. The model is also called Honda VT 1100 C3.
• 2000 - appearance of the Saber modification. The model is also called Honda VT 1100 Saber.
• 2007 is the last year of release of the Saber modification.

Knowing the Americans' passion for V-shaped engines, engineers Honda concern designed a family of V4 engines, which appeared in the fall of 1981 in the chassis classic motorcycles Saber and choppered Magna. And just a year later they rolled out a family of Honda Shadow cruisers (translated from English as “shadow”) with the coveted 2-cylinder engine. True, the Japanese did not immediately understand the mysterious American soul, and the new products turned out to be simply “high-tech” by the standards of that time: with liquid cooling (disguised by the abundant finning of the cylinders), 3-valve heads, 6-speed gearboxes, cast wheels and cardan final drive.

At first, the Japanese produced “twos” only in 500 and 750 cm3 formats, believing that lovers of large cubic capacity would be quite satisfied with the 4-cylinder 1100 cc Magna. No matter how it is! The Americans considered its 120-horsepower engine more suitable for sports bikes and demanded: “Give me something Harley-like!” The specialists from Honda again did not object.
The Honda Shadow 1100 version was launched in 1985, and its assembly was organized at a plant in the USA: at that time there were serious duties on the import of motorcycles with engines with a displacement of more than 700 cm3 (adopted to save Harley-Davidson, which was losing its position in the market). Technically, the car retained the features of its younger sisters: liquid cooling, 3-valve cylinder heads, cardan transmission.
And only much later the time came for small cubic capacity V-Twins, which were no longer supplied to America (well, they don’t respect small things in the country!). In 1993, it debuted exclusively for Japanese market The 250 cc V25 Magna (its copy, by the way, is produced by several Chinese and Taiwanese factories), and in 1998 instantly became a bestseller in Europe Honda market Shadow 125. But technically these machines are very different from motorcycles of medium and large capacity, and we will not touch on them in this review.

Many motorcycles from Honda can be described as “smooth”. Without obvious flaws, without significant shortcomings, without particularly outstanding advantages. The Honda Shadow motorcycle is just that. There aren’t enough stars in the sky, but there aren’t enough stars in the gray middle peasants either. Everything is at an excellent level, everything is well designed, thought out and verified. Everything is reliable, clear, smooth and calm. This motorcycle was initially aimed at the US market and, in response to market requirements, received many modifications, sometimes significantly different technically. So, for example, in the Honda Shadow ACE version, the connecting rods are located on one journal - consumers wanted the engine to have a “vibrant” feel, like a Harley-Davidson. Another feature is that with each new version the engine became more and more “sluggish” at the “top” and with more and more “tractor” traction at low speeds. Generally speaking, the development of the Honda VT 1100 Shadow series is clear example How the Japanese (although the device was produced in the USA, was developed on the islands) understood one simple idea: the more a cruiser looks like a Harley, the better it sells. This model, VT 1100 C2, is interesting for us, first of all, because quite a few of them were sold in Russia not only as second-hand goods, but also new, through an official importer.

All qualities of the engine are characterized by two words - comfort and reliability. The motor is made without balancer shafts, but the design of the crankshaft and the shape of its flywheels are such that the vibrations of the motor are minimal. The power supply uses a constant vacuum carburetor with an accelerator pump, which provides a very smooth engine with good dynamic characteristics. Although, of course, “thanks to” the depowering, the “tops” of the motorcycle, if not conditional, are far from impressive. But there is also no doubt about the eternal youth of the engine, unless, of course, it was ruined by a “teapot” who forgot to change the oil and filters. What's on the other side of the scale? Perhaps it’s just the difficulty of maintenance - the layout is too dense. To get to some components, you will have to almost disassemble half the motorcycle. But this is a common problem with many cars with V-shaped engine and a small cylinder camber angle.

She is simply unkillable. A mileage of 100,000 km does not show any significant wear. The strength of the driveshaft is simply absolute - if on other motorcycles with cardan drive There are cases where the couplings break, but no such collisions were noticed on this one.

The classic duplex design has quite decent characteristics and works perfectly in any mode, available to motorcycle. By virtue of large quantity versions of the device and its enormous popularity around the world, the choice of various tuning and styling tricks is simply huge.

The rear suspension is adjustable by spring preload. In general, the suspensions are comfortable, but at the same time quite energy-intensive, not prone to breakdowns and allowing for fairly good control of the motorcycle on the surface. different quality. Operation of the front fork at hard braking Simply excellent - not the slightest hint of curling.

They fully correspond to the energy and speed capabilities of the motorcycle. No tuning required. The rear may seem a little harsh. As already noted, the motorcycle turned out to be so convenient and comfortable that some modifications were specially created with an eye to reducing comfort!

It is quite difficult to list all the modifications of the motorcycle throughout its history, so we will only note the one that is aimed strictly at the US market. This modification in its designation bears the abbreviation A.C.E. and is distinguished, among other things, by three-valve cylinder heads. In Europe, the “successor” is also known - the C3, which was distinguished by a more “Indian” body kit, the style of which Honda itself called nothing less than art deco. The predecessor of this model, “simply” the Honda VT1100C Shadow, is still one of the most common choppers/cruisers on the market.

Go to all model range Honda motorcycles, on this page you can find Honda VT 1100 C motorcycles of other years of production and information about them

Existing in different versions Honda VT 1100 Shadow was produced for twenty years, and was intended primarily for countries North America. However, this motorcycle is also very popular in Russia, and in general the model can be called very successful. Having gone on sale in the late 80s of the last century, the Shadow 1100 quickly gained popularity and recognition among many motorcyclists.

Unlike the younger model in the line, the Honda Shadow 750, this motorcycle has always been equipped with only a cardan drive. There are many different modifications of this model, but they are all similar to each other V-engine liquid cooling, steel frame and simple suspension with two shock absorbers at the rear.

List Honda modifications VT 1100 Shadow

• Honda VT 1100 Shadow - standard version with short fenders and alloy wheels, produced from 1987 to 1995
• Honda VT 1100 Shadow Spirit - a regular version updated in 1997 for the US market, which received minor cosmetic changes and minor changes to the engine
• Honda VT 1100 Shadow Classic - version with long fenders and spoked wheels. Not officially sold in the US
• Honda VT 1100 Shadow ACE - similar to the Classic, but with changes to the engine that added vibration to the motorcycle. Power reduced to 50 hp. The motorcycle was officially sold only in the USA
• Honda VT 1100 Shadow ACE Tourer - similar to ACE, but with alloy wheels, 2-in-1 exhaust, pre-installed saddlebags and windshield, as well as a 60-horsepower engine from the Shadow Spirit version
• Honda VT 1100 Shadow Aero - similar to ACE, but with deep fenders and 2-into-1 exhaust
• Honda VT 1100 Shadow Saber - similar to ACE, but with disc brake on the rear wheel, a 60-horsepower engine from Shadow Spirit, alloy wheels and improved Showa suspension

Similar motorcycles:

• Yamaha XV 1100 Virago
• Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star(V-Star 1100)

Technical characteristics of Honda Shadow 1100

• Years of production: 1987-2007
  
• Class: cruiser
• Frame: steel
  
• Engine: 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, V-shaped
  
• Engine capacity, cubic meters see: 1099
• Cooling: liquid
• Valves per cylinder: 3
• Fuel supply: two carburetors
  
• Power: 50 to 67 hp at 5500 rpm depending on modification
  
• Torque: from 84 to 95 Nm at 2500 rpm depending on modification
• Maximum speed, km/h: 180
• Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: ~6 seconds
• Transmission: 5 - manual (4-speed until 1992)
• Wheel drive: cardan
• Front tire: depends on modification
  
• Rear tire: 170/80-15
• Front brakes: 1 disc 336 mm, 2-piston caliper
  
• Rear brakes: drum (1 disc 276 mm for the Saber modification)
  
• Front suspension: telescopic fork
  
• Rear suspension: dual shock absorbers with pretension adjustment
  
• Gas tank volume, liters: 13 to 19 depending on modification
  
• Fuel consumption at 110 km/h, liters: ~5.5
• Dry weight, kg: ~250 (depending on modification)

Pros and advantages of Honda Shadow 1100

• Convenient Maintenance
• Smooth and confident traction even from low revs
• Huge engine life and high reliability

Pros and cons of the Honda Shadow 1100

• Not everyone likes the vibrations of the ACE versions; in addition, they often cause threaded connections to become loose
• Weak brakes on all versions except Shadow 1100 Saber
• Weak engine on ACE versions
• Archaic 4-speed gearbox on early models (late 80s)
  Weak headlight light

He is one of the representatives of the “Shadows” line. Having much in common with the rest of the Shadow, this motorcycle, however, is quite noticeably different from them, which is why it was separated into a separate model. Honda Shadow Saber is a stylish cruiser, designed in classic American style, and this is its advantage. No extreme innovations - just good old classics. Like other motorcycles in the Honda Shadow family, the VT 1100 Saber is equipped with a liquid-cooled V-twin. The engine fits perfectly into the overall concept of the motorcycle, devoid of any unnecessary decorations - everything in the Honda Shadow Saber is simple, reliable and functional. This is a motorcycle for many, many years, and it was positioned that way during the years of its release. The mid-sized cruiser is equally good almost everywhere and always - both on winding city streets and on the highway. Classic appearance, proven over the years, reliability, good specifications- these are the qualities that brought Shadow Saber well-deserved success and recognition of thousands of motorcyclists.

Main difference Honda models Shadow Saber from other Honda VT 1100 Shadow lies in the engine. This is still the same liquid-cooled V-twin with a volume of 1099 cubic centimeters, but on this motorcycle it has undergone certain modifications. So, for each cylinder there are two spark plugs and three valves, versus two valves per cylinder and one spark plug on the regular Honda Shadow 1100. You can feel it - where competitors seem to be running out of steam, the Shadow Saber continues to pull and pull. The first word that comes to mind after riding this motorcycle is the word “balanced”. The Honda Shadow Saber is good at everything it does. Judge for yourself. In the city, this motorcycle feels very confident thanks to good maneuverability, which, in turn, is due to the low center of gravity and not the largest weight for an 1100 cc chopper. On the track, the Shadow Saber's confidence is maintained thanks to the bike's inherent directional stability And powerful engine, which makes overtaking a simple matter and not at all stressful. Well, a 17-liter gas tank will provide almost three hundred kilometers of travel without refueling, provided that the motorcyclist rides steadily along the highway at a speed of 100-110 km/h, and does not turn the throttle all the way.

Thanks to good weight distribution, Honda designers managed to ensure that two and a half centners of steel does not seem so heavy at all, and the average saddle height will allow most motorcyclists to confidently reach the ground with both feet while sitting on the bike. Ergonomics are generally excellent - laconic dashboard The bike is easy to read, the stock handlebars are comfortable, and the rider's footpegs are set far enough to make it comfortable to rest your feet on, but not far enough to be a problem for short or short-legged riders. Only the standard seats are a little hard, and the back, according to reviews Honda owners Shadow Saber begins to whine after five to seven hours of driving, but, firstly, not everyone travels that far, and secondly, no one forbids upgrading the seat or replacing it with another one.

Quite tough Honda suspension Shadow Sabers are surprisingly good. There is a standard telescopic fork installed at the front, and two monoshock absorbers at the rear, quite short-stroke, which is typical for most choppers. And yet, rigid suspension perfectly absorbs asphalt unevenness without causing discomfort to the motorcyclist, and at the same time provides the proper sharpness of maneuvering. But the Shadow Saber brakes do not evoke any emotions - one disc per wheel, nothing impressive. For everyday driving Of course, there are enough of them, but when you have to resort to emergency braking, you acutely regret that the designers skimped on the second disk in front.

Japanese designers came up with a very balanced, stylish and reliable motorcycle. Moderately powerful, it is incomparably lighter than mastodons like the Honda VTX 1800, and at the same time it will easily leave behind not only smaller choppers, but also many classmates in its weight category, and the versatility of the Honda Shadow Saber has made this motorcycle a favorite of many bikers.

Chopper Shadow: Honda Shadow Series Cruisers

All the best - for the Yankees!

Reinterpreting the famous statement of the classic of Marxism-Leninism, Japanese managers can rightfully assert: “The most important of all markets for us is the American one!” Vestimo: this glutton swallows the lion's share of large capacity motorcycles produced all over the world, and it is these mastodons that bring the largest profits to the concerns (making a bigger “hole” is a simple matter... Well, okay, okay, I’m exaggerating this...). Therefore, the tastes and even the whims of the American consumer are satisfied immediately and unquestioningly.

Knowing the Americans' passion for V-shaped engines, Honda engineers designed a family of V4 engines, which appeared in the fall of 1981 in the chassis of the classic Saber motorcycles and the choppered Magna. But here’s the problem: there were picky people in USA who, when they saw the new products, roared: “I want a V-Twin!” The confused Japanese wiped the fools' snot, but did not argue: just a year later they rolled out a family of Shadow cruisers (translated from English as “shadow”) with the coveted 2-cylinder engine. True, they did not immediately understand the mysterious American soul, and the new products turned out to be simply “high-tech” by the standards of that time: with liquid cooling (disguised by the abundant fins of the cylinders), 3-valve heads, 6-speed gearboxes, cast wheels and a cardan main transmission.

At first, the Japanese produced “twos” only in 500 and 750 cm 3 formats, believing that fans of large cubic capacity would be completely satisfied with the 4-cylinder 1100 cc Magna. No matter how it is! The Americans considered its 120-horsepower engine more suitable for sports bikes and demanded: “Give me something Harley-like!” The specialists from Honda again did not object. The VT1100C Shadow version was launched in 1985, and its assembly was organized at a plant in the USA: at that time, draconian duties were in effect on the import of motorcycles with engines with a displacement of more than 700 cm 3 (adopted to save Harley-Davidson, which was losing its position in the market). Technically, the car retained the features of its younger sisters: liquid cooling, 3-valve cylinder heads, cardan transmission.

And only much later the time came for small cubic capacity V-Twins, which were no longer supplied to America (well, they don’t respect small things in the country!). In 1993, the 250 cc V25 Magna, intended only for the Japanese market, debuted (its copy, by the way, is produced by several Chinese and Taiwanese factories), and in 1998, the 125 cc version of Shadow, which instantly became a bestseller on the European market. But technically, these machines are very different from motorcycles of medium and large capacity, and we will not touch on them in this review.

Pedigree

1983

Let us remember that by year we mean model year. Synchronous start of two “shadows”. Being similar friend from each other in technical terms, they differ significantly in both appearance and size. The VT500C (71x62 mm, 491 cm 3, 50 hp at 8500 rpm) uses a rectangular headlight, single-disc front brake, and a saddle without a backrest. The motorcycle wheelbase is 1490 mm, dry weight is 193 kg, front tire size is 3.50-18, rear tire size is 130/90-16. The VT750C (79.5 x 75.5 mm, 749 cm 3, 66 hp at 7500 rpm), which is also known as the NV750 Custom, has a round headlight, dual-disc front brake, and a high-back passenger seat. Wheelbase - 1525 mm, dry weight - 211 kg, front tire - 110/90-19, rear - 140/90-15.

1984

On the Japanese market - the NV400 Custom motorcycle (71x50.4 mm, 399 cm 3, 43 hp at 9500 rpm). It is a reduced displacement version of the VT500C model. The 750 cc engine uses hydraulic compensators in valve mechanism and two spark plugs for each combustion chamber. In addition, production of the VT700C version with a displacement reduced to 694 cm 3 has begun, especially for the US market.

1985

The VT500C and NV400 Custom models have been modernized. A round headlight instead of a rectangular one, a saddle with a backrest for the passenger. But main novelty season - the VT1100C model produced in the USA (87.5x91.4 mm, 1099 cm 3, 78 hp at 6000 rpm, 5-speed gearbox). The motorcycle wheelbase is 1610 mm, dry weight is 254 kg, front tire size is 110/90-18, rear tire size is 140/90-15.

1986

The turn has come - and the VT700/750C model has been updated. What's striking are the 5-spoke wheels instead of 10-spoke ones, the single-disc front brake, the saddle without a backrest, and the fishtail rear fender. Due to carburetors with a diffuser diameter reduced from 36 to 34 mm, the engine power was reduced (up to 60 hp at 7000 rpm), but its torque was improved. The base is increased to 1605 mm, dry weight - up to 221 kg.

1987

Completely updated VT1100C. The base is stretched to 1650 mm, which made it possible to dramatically reduce the height of the saddle - from 755 to 670 mm. The rear tire is an impressive size - 170/80-15. Among the noticeable changes are the mufflers placed on one (right) side. The declared engine power is 63.5 hp. With. at 5500 rpm, but its traction characteristics are such that the designers decided to install a 4-speed gearbox instead of a 5-speed one.

1988

Machines with a displacement of 400, 500, 700 and 750 cm 3 were replaced by completely new models. Small cubic capacity debutant - VT600C (75x66 mm, 583 cm 3, 41 hp at 6500 rpm, 4-speed gearbox). The motorcycle wheelbase is 1600 mm, dry weight is 195 kg, front tire size is 100/90-19, rear tire size is 170/80-15. The wheels are no longer cast, but spoked, and the transmission to the rear wheel is by chain. Original technical feature- rear suspension with monoshock absorber, made “hard”. In the USA, the new product received the index "VLX", and in Japan - the name Steed ("horse"). In addition, a 400 cc version (64x62 mm, 398 cm 3, 30 hp at 7500 rpm, 5-speed gearbox) was also released for the Japanese market.

Another new product of the season is the VT800C model; engine with increased displacement (79.5x80.6 mm, 799 cc, 4-speed gearbox) in the chassis of last year’s VT750C. The combination was not successful and disappeared from the scene a couple of years later.

1992

After a one-year break, production of the VT1100C model has resumed; it differs from the 1990 version by a 5-speed gearbox and a 17-inch front wheel.

1995

Version VT1100C2 Shadow A.C.E. (American Classic Edition), with massive fenders and spoked wheels. Unique work was done with the engine: meeting the wishes of American workers, the designers reduced its power (to 50 hp at 4500 rpm) and significantly increased (as customers demanded!) the vibration level - because they used a crankshaft with one crankpin ( On other engines of the family, two connecting rod journals are used, offset relative to each other just to dampen vibrations).

1997

A whole series of new products - in different classes and for different markets. There are two original versions of the Steed model available in Japan: the VSE with a solid rear wheel and the VLS with a linkage front fork. H-D style Springer. The VT750C2 motorcycle (79x76 mm, 745 cm 3, 46 hp at 5500 rpm, 5-speed gearbox) is intended for all markets. The car has a heavy design in the spirit of the 50s, chain main gear, spoked wheels, rear pendulum suspension with two shock absorbers. Wheelbase - 1615 mm, dry weight - 229 kg, front tire size - 120/90-17, rear - 170/80-15. For Japan, it is available in a 400 cc version (64x62 mm, 398 cm 3, 33 hp at 7500 rpm). And in the USA the VT1100C remained a bestseller, its standard option now received the name Spirit ("spirit"). In addition, production of the tourist modification Shadow A.C.E. has begun. Tourer, with panniers and windshield. Its design echoes the appearance of the A.S.E. model, but the engine is a 60-horsepower Spirit.

1998

Upgraded VT600C. To reduce exhaust toxicity, a system for supplying clean air to the exhaust tract is used. The fuel system has one carburetor instead of two. These measures reduced power to 39 hp. With. at 6500 rpm. The driver's position has become more upright due to changes in the position of the handlebars, saddle and footpegs. At the other extreme of the model range is a new modification of the VT1100C3 Shadow Aero in the style of the 50s (huge fenders, massive front fork casing, huge headlight) and with a “shaky” A.S.E. engine.

year 2000

There is a new nightmare on the European market - Black Widow. Technically it's a VT750 model, but with a choppered exterior and a 19-inch front wheel. The motorcycle wheelbase is 1640 mm, dry weight is 221 kg. The 400 cc version for the Japanese market received the less provocative name Shadow Slasher. Production of all modifications of the Steed has ceased, except for the base 400 cc model. And in the USA, a version of the VT1100 debuted called Shadow Saber (“saber”): the appearance style is A.C.E., the engine is Spirit, alloy wheels and suspension are Showa.

Shadow economy

Honda Shadow is a cult motorcycle, we can say that it is a favorite of the masses. Take a look on the Internet: the variety of fan clubs is simply amazing. The epicenter of the craze, of course, is in the USA: there are clubs in almost every state, some of them for fans of the ACE Tourer or Shadow Saber. Moreover, the Americans say in all seriousness: the Honda Shadow is the best motorcycle produced by the Japanese over the last half century!

You have to try hard to earn such love. And Honda tried. First of all, let us note the amazing reliability of the motorcycles. Mechanics assure that the device can only be ruined by the blatant disregard of the owner.

The second plus is good (but only by cruiser standards) ride quality. Let us note the advantages of the “small” Shadow - VT600C and the Steed, which is identical to them in terms of chassis. The landing position on them, especially after the modernization in 1997, is close to the classic one, which greatly facilitates traffic in the city. On the VT1100C you won’t be able to follow traffic lanes on the roads - the geometry is not the same. But fussiness does not fit into the canons of American style. But the low center of gravity makes low-speed maneuvering surprisingly easy.

But the main thing in the origins of people's love is, of course, style (have you noticed how often Honda adapted it to the trends of changing fashion?), and for reasonable money - not at all "Harley" prices.

What's on the other side of the scale? Perhaps it’s just the difficulty of maintenance - the layout is too dense. To get to some components, you will have to almost disassemble half the motorcycle. But this is a common problem with many cars with a V-shaped engine and a small cylinder camber angle.

In 2000, a more advanced family of 2-cylinder cruisers, the VTX, debuted in the concern's program. Its creators started with a mind-blowing 1800 cc displacement, then released a 1300 cc modification that clearly takes the place of the VT1100. But even after Shadow finally goes into obscurity, motorcycles from this series will continue to fill the ranks of Russian second-hand stores for a long time.

1983 Firstborn from the “world of shadows” - Honda VT500C	1985 Upgraded NV400 Custom (Japanese equivalent of VT500C) with round headlight and a backrest for the passenger
1986 A new version VT750С models: 5-spoke wheels, low landing	1987 "Big Projectile" - US made Honda VT1100C
1988 Honda VLX600 Steed - domestic Japanese analogue of the VT600 model	1995 Japanese response to H.-D. - Honda VT1100C2 A.C.E. with a "shaky" motor
1997 Rare beast - tourist modification VT1100T A.C.E. Tourer	1997 Honda Steed VLS with linkage front forks
2000 Black Widow - Honda VT750DC Black Widow	To reduce vibration, the crankpins of the crankshaft are offset relative to each other

Honda Shadow 1100

Specifications

Engine
Number of valves per cylinder	3
engine's type	4DOHC3-V2
Number of cycles	4
Cooling system	liquid
Cylinder diameter/piston stroke, mm	87.5 x 91.4
Working volume, cm3	1099
Maximum power, hp (kW) / rpm	45.0 kW (61 hp) at 5500 rpm
Maximum torque	93.0 Nm at 2500 rpm
Compression	8
Number of carburetors	2
Transmission
Number of gears	5
type of drive	cardan
Chassis
Front brakes	disk
Rear brakes	disk
Diameter front brake, mm	316
Diameter rear brake, mm	276
Front suspension travel, mm	conventional telescopic fork, 124
Move rear suspension, mm	pendulum with two shock absorbers, 100
Dimensions and weight
Size front wheel	F120/90-18
Size rear wheel	R140/80-15
Weight, including liquid, kg	276
Seat height, mm	730
Wheelbase, mm	1640
Dynamics and efficiency
Gas tank volume, l	15
Maximum speed, km/h	180
Acceleration time from standstill to 100 km/h, sec	6,1
Acceleration 60-140 km/h in top gear	15,8
Approximate fuel consumption l/100 km	5,3-9,6