HONDA VT750DC Shadow Spirit (2001-2002) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2002, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit, a cruiser-styled motorcycle that debuted in 2001. The bike was known as the Spirit in the North American market and as the Black Widow in the European market.

It all began in 1983 when Honda released into the world a family of cruiser-type motorcycles powered by liquid-cooled V-twin engines with different displacements from 125 to 1100cc.

With the Shadow line of motorcycles, Honda wanted to address the needs of the American cruiser market with the VT500C and VT750C machines. Due to tariff restrictions at the time for imported Japanese bikes over 700cc, the VT750C was reduced from 750 to 700cc and sold as the VT700C.

The VT750DC Shadow was exported to Australia and Honda's domestic market version was called the NV750DC Shadow Slasher. Both frame and bodywork were new on the VT750DC and NV750DC and packed the existing RC44E engine with dual CV carburetors.

Some of the distinguishing features of the two models were the narrower front tire on a 19-inch wheel, a slim front fender, and a bobbed rear fender. The spirit was manufactured until 2003, skipped 2004, and resumed production in 2005 until 2007 for North America.

Also, the bike was available with optional features, such as a custom windscreen, lots of chromed accessories, leather saddlebags, a deluxe leather tank belt, a single seat with rear fender trim, a motorcycle cover, a headlight cowl, and a radiator cowl.

In the performance department, the 2002 Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit took its muscles from a 745cc four-stroke V-twin liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 43 hp at 5,500 rpm and 61 Nm (44 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm.