HONDA VT750C Shadow (1983-1985) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda Shadow was a family of cruiser-type motorcycles manufactured by Honda from 1983 and powered by a liquid-cooled V-twin engine ranging from 120 to 1,100 cc displacement. Also, the 250cc Honda Rebel was associated with the Shadow line in certain markets.

The Honda VT750C Shadow had its debut in late 1982 for the North American market, while a nearly identical NV750 Custom machine was launched in Japan for Honda's domestic market. Both models were powered by a new 750cc SOHC V-twin engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a shaft final drive.

In addition to the V-twin engine, the bike's frame and bodywork incorporated classic American cruiser stylings, such as a teardrop-shaped fuel tank with a hidden sub-tank for more capacity, a low-height two-piece seat with a backrest, a cruiser-styled handlebar, cast aluminum wheels, a chromed front fender, a round headlight, a large rake angle, and angle-cut mufflers.

The bike was built on the doable cradle steel frame that housed a 39 mm air-assisted telescopic fork on the front and dual spring preload-adjustable shock absorbers on the rear for optimum suspension performance and handling.

In the braking department, the bike packed two 275 mm discs with a two-piston caliper on the front wheel and a drum braking system on the rear wheel for optimum stopping power.

As for power, the 1983 Honda VT750C Shadow had its soul brought to life by a 745cc four-stroke V-twin liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 68 hp at 7,500 rpm and 66 Nm (49 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm.