Honda's first "traditional" V-twin custom motorcycle, the 1983 Shadow® VT500C & the VT750C featured combined modern features like liquid cooling and shaft drive with a classic look and style, which helped build the modern custom market and their most popular and best selling motorcycle that Honda has to offer today.

The introduction of the First Modern Day "Shadow" models was in 1983. It was the result of years of development and synergies by Honda to address the needs of the American market. I believe most of our readers will agree it is one of the best bike Honda made to current date.

The "VT500C" introduced this year was available in Candy Wineberry Red or Black. The identifying features of this model are the painting of both the fuel tank and rear fenders. The side covers are chrome and engine covers black. The Black and Red "Shadow 500" decal was on the side cover with a gold outline from '83 to '86. Some models just show the Shadow decal.The headlight was chrome and rectangular and had a single horn. The engine was 491cc OHC 3-valve, liquid cooled V-Twin with a six-speed, shaft drive transmission from '83 to '86.

The "VT750C" also introduced this year was also available in either Black or Candy Wineberry Red. Special identifying features of this model are the round head lamp, instrument casings and the chromed front fender. The backrest was standard equipment. The painted side covers had the "Shadow 750" decal.Some models just show the Shadow decal. The engine is a 749cc SOHC 3-valve Liquid Cooled V-Twin with a six-speed shaft drive transmission.

The "VT500C' was available in Candy Scorpio Red or Black. The identifying features include the fuel tank and rear fenders painted the same. The front fender is chrome and this year the side covers and engine covers were painted black. The black and red "Shadow 500" decal was on the side cover with a gold outline.Again some models just show the Shadow decal. The headlight was chrome and rectangular and there was a single horn. The engine is virtually the same as the '83 model.

The "VT700C" was introduced this year as a direct result of increased tariffs placed on Japan's imports. The U.S. raised the import tariffs on engine sizes above 701cc's. So the engine size was reduced from a 750cc to 700cc to get the bikes into the U.S. This years model was available in either Black or Candy Scorpio Red on the tank, side covers and rear fender. Special identifying features of this model are the round head lamp and instrument casings with a chromed front fender. The front wheel bore a dual disk brake system and dual horns mounted on the front. The painted side covers had the "Shadow 700" decal. Again some models just show the Shadow decal.The engine is a 694cc SOHC 3-Valve Liquid Cooled V-Twin with a six-speed, shaft drive transmission from 1984 to '87. New hydraulic valve adjusters and twin plug cylinder heads were used from 1984 to '87.

The "VT500C" model was available in either Black or Candy Glory Red. The head lamp was now round and chromed. This model continued with the dual horns. A two piece seat with an integrated backrest was incorporated. Starting this year, the engine covers were polished chrome and the fins enlarged. The "Honda" tank decal was curved instead of straight.

The "VT700C" model was available in either Black or Candy Glory Red. Special identifying features of this model year included the polished chrome engine side covers. The painted side covers had the "Shadow 700" decal. The engine is the same as the '84 model year.

The "VT1100C" model was introduced and available in either a two-tone Black and Red or Black and Silver tank with black fenders. The side cover is painted two tone black and silver. The "Shadow" side cover decal is silver. The dual horns are still located on the front and turning indicators are square shaped. A few guages are located on the tank. The new engine is a 1039cc SOHC Liquid Cooled V-Twin with a 5-speed, shaft drive transmission for '85 and '86.

The "VT500C" model was available in either Black or a new Candy Scorpio Red. Everything else was virtually the some for the '85 model.

The "VT700C" model was available in either Black or Candy Brilliant Red. On this year's model, the front and rear fenders and tank were all painted the same color. The rear fender took on a flair look over the rounded style. The "Honda Wing" and "Shadow" decals were speckled gold and orange. The engine is the same as the '84 model with the right engine cover graphic painted black. The mufflers were a little lower and changed from the flair look to a more straight style. The rear foot peg support bracket became solid and the back rest was absent this year. The cast wheels changed from a 10-spoke to a 5-spoke design and the access covers were chromed.

The "VT1100C" model was available in either Black or a two-toned Black and Silver tank. The side cover is painted two-tone black and silver on both color options. The "Shadow" side cover decal was changed to gold. The engine is the same as the '85 model.

The "VT700C" model was available in either Black or Candy Glory Red on a black frame. This year's model changed the "Honda" tank decal to black with a gold outline. The "Honda Wing" decal was changed to brown, orange and yellow. The engine is the same as the '84 model but with the right engine cover graphic not painted. The side covers are chrome, 5 spoke cast wheels with a single front disk brake. The "VT1100C" model took on a brand new look with a lower 26-inch high seat`, a longer 65 inch wheel base, a large 3.4 gallon fuel tank and a 41 mm extended front fork design. Both mufflers were run along the right side and a small back rest was brought back. It was available in either Black or Candy Wineberry Red. The tank is striped in silver. The frame color is black and the spark plug wires are yellow through '88. The engine is a 1093cc SOHC 3-Valve, liquid cooled V-twin with a 3-speed, shaft drive transmission.

The "VT800C" model replaced the "VT700C". The paint options were either two-oned Black & Candy Glory Red or Candy Wineberry Red & Dry Silver Metallic. On the Black unit, the "Shadow" tank decal is silver and on the Red unit the "Shadow" tank decal is gold. The engine was increased to a 800cc SOHC 3-Valve liquid cooled V-Twin with a 4-speed, shaft drive transmission. The "VT1100C" model was available in Black and a new Candy Wineberry Red color. The fuel tank stripe was deleted this year. The frame was color matched to the tank and fenders. The spark plug wires went back to black from the yellow color. The "VLX" "VT600C" was a new model out this year. The color options were Candy Wave Blue and Candy Wineberry Red. The new double-cradle steel frame is color matched to the body work. It has a single shock rear suspension, a low 27.1 inch seat height and a long 63.2 inch wheelbase with a 2.4 gallon fuel tank. The engine is a 583cc SOHC 3-Valve liquid cooled 52 degree V-Twin with a 4-speed transmission and chain drive. The wheels are spoked.

The "VT1100C" model was available in two colors this year, Candy Wineberry Red and a new Indian Lake Blue Metallic. The seat was improvement was softer and tucked. The "Shadow" tank logo was changed to a script style. The "VLX" "VT600C" color options for this year was Candy Wave Blue or Candy Wineberry Red and the "Shadow" tank logo was also changed to a script style.

The "VT1100C" model was available in only one color this year, Indian Lake Blue Metallic. The frame sryle and engine mechanics have not changed. The " VLX" "VT600C" was not made this year but did make a come back in 1991.

The "VT1100C" model was not manufactured this year. Seems inventories were still high enough for the '90 models to suspend manufacturing of 91's. Dealerships heard about it and huge orders were placed to buy up all existing stock. The model would return with a vengeance in 1992. The "VLX" "VT600C" returned this year but in Black only.

The "VT1100c" came back with a grand entrance boasting some new custom two-tone paint options on either a black or silver frame; Spectra Red with black or silver inserts on the tank and fenders, Teal with silver inserts, Cascade Silver Metallic with either teal, red or black inserts, Black with either silver, red or teal inserts. There were two different tank decals also available and the seat began to bare a "Made in the USA" stamp. This year all bikes had the California option of an emissions control device mounted below the radiator. The "VLX" "VT600C" this year came in a bright Candy Glory Red paint. The engine and body style was retained from the '91 model year.

The "VT1100C" was released with some new color options this year, all on a black frame; a Candy Red with either black, silver or pearl white inserts on fenders and tank, Metallic Teal with either silver, black or pearl white inserts, Black with candy red, silver or pearl white inserts, a darker Red with black inserts and a new South Paciflc Blue Metallic with pearl white inserts. Again the two-toned versions could be ordered with one of two different "Shadow" tank decals. Other than the 26 color and logo options, the basic bike is being cranked out pretty much the same as previous model years. The "VLX" "VT600C" was rolling out the dealerships in Black this year. The Deluxe version "VT600D" introduced this year added more chrome on the engine cases and valve covers. This model is available in a two-tone Coral Reef Blue with black inserts. The seat on the deluxe version is soft and tucked.

The V-Twin market really got going, the market expanded and all the manufacturers were coming out with new, larger and expanded model lines. Harley did build a new facility in Kansas City and introduced a new engine in 1998 for the 1999 model year. Yamaha introduced variations on its V-MAX/Venture engine called the Royal Star and this line expanded with a smaller version.

This was the last year for the "standard" VT1100C. In 1995 the American Classic Edition was introduced. It featured more retro styling that the standard with a full rear fender and induced vibrations from a single crank engine. The model also lost about 10 horse power, much to the dismay of some owners.

This year saw the Standard replaced with the Spirit with more chrome on the engine ala the ACE but the same basic engine as the standard. An ACE Tourer was also introduced based on the Spirit engine but the ACE styling.

The Aero came into being, again based on the ACE engine with the single crank, but a larger two into one exhaust and more retro styling. In the US, the ACE 750 was also introduced. Throughout these years the VLX remained essentially unchaged mechanically but the models and the options were changed yearly, as they were on all models.

While many of the manufacturers began to expand 1500cc class model lines, Honda opted to replace the basic Gold Wing Interstate with a basic Valkryie with six carbs and boosted engine performance.*Also in 1998 Honda introduced a Color option of Orange/Black Pearl for the Shadow VT1100C Spirit,I think this caused a real stir with another M/C company as it was not repeated in 1999!? I wonder Who!! This motorcycle could be a collectors item as time rolls by? So if you got one don't change the color. Some people did not like it and choose another color that year,but I think it is real sharp! And totaly different! You won't loose your bike in the parking lot with it,even with many other bikes around it! :)

1999 Honda Cruisers SHADOW ACE 750, ACE 750 DELUXE SHADOW VLX, SHADOW VLX DELUXE, New two-tones are the order of the day for the Shadow American Classic Edition 750 Deluxe, now they were available in Black/Pearl Dark Red and a classic Pearl Olive Green/Pearl Ivory that accompany the basic black model. Custom riders' eyes will light up when they catch a glimpse of the restyled Shadow VLX Deluxe and, back again for 1999, the standard VLX. The VLX twins offer their pilots a new super-low 25.6 inch seat height and a more upright seating position. A combination of lowered suspension, a reshaped and restyled saddle, a steering head that's been moved down and rearward, and a new handlebar bend all contribute to a totally new feel for these great customs. What's more, the VLXs feature a new chopper-style rear fender with heavily chromed accents. Mechanically, these Shadows still rely upon their proven, 583cc 52- degree V-twin engines for custom-style power, and for '99 they get even more, with a single carburetor tuned for more power and torque, plus revised ignition timing and a coolant-heated carburetor for improved drivability. The standard VLX is available in Black, and the Deluxe adds two-tone Black and Dark Red paint (in addition to Black), with chromed cylinder head covers, left and right engine covers, and left rear engine cover.For 1999 the Shadow A.C.E. receives a few tweaks to relax and lower its riding position. A recontoured saddle with denser foam and lower footpegs reduce seat height to 27.6 inches. Progressive rate springs with recalibrated damper settings allow for a lower seat height without sacrificing the plush ride. Two new two-tone paint finishes, black/orange and black/pearl dark red, are available along with the A.C.E.'s solid black paint scheme. The remainder of Honda's cruiser and custom models will be available in a host of new, two-tone paint schemes to choose from. More good news: Prices remained the same or have been lowered. The largest price decrease belongs to the solid black Shadow A.C.E. Tourer, down $1000.00 from 1998 to $9,999.00, while the standard Shadow A.C.E. sees a $500.00 decrease to $8,699.00. The Shadow VLX Deluxe sees a $700.00 decrease to $4,999.00.

2000 Honda Shadow models-*Suggested Retail Prices-2000 Honda Shadow ACE 750 (VT750C) $5,699 745 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow ACE 750 Deluxe (VT750CD) $5999*, $6,199 745 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow ACE Tourer (VT1100T) $9,999 1099 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow Aero (VT1100C3) $9699*, $9999 1099 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow Sabre (VT1100C2) $8199*, $8399 1099 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow Spirit (VT1100C) $7999*, $8299 1099 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow VLX (VT600C) $4,999 583 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow VLX Deluxe (VT600CD) $5299*, $5499 583 CC Cruiser [Click here] for the complete Stats,,etc for the above shown YR 2000 Shadow Models

2001 Honda Shadow Models-*Suggested Retail Prices- Honda Shadow (ACE 750) Deluxe $5999*, 6199 745 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow ACE Tourer (VT1100T) $9,299 1099 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow Aero (VT1100C3) $8,999*, $9,299 1099 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow Sabre (VT1100C2) $8,199*, $8,399 1099 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow Spirit 750 (VT750DC) $5,999 745 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow Spirit (VT1100C) $7,999 1099 CC Cruiser / Honda Shadow (VLX) $4999 583CC Cruiser- Honda Shadow (VLX Deluxe) $5,299 583CC Cruiser