Honda shadow 400 is the embodiment of power, reliability, comfort and grace. What is the difference between this chopper and similar models? How was this two-wheeled lord of the roads created? Read about this and much more below.
The key easily enters the ignition and turns slightly. The left hand has already squeezed the clutch, and the finger automatically reaches for the starter button... And so, the familiar rumble of the engine - a harbinger and constant companion of long journeys - filled the evening silence. Another minute, and you are already driving through the city streets on your Honda shadow slasher 400 to the rave reviews of others.
What is the history of these motorcycles?
For whom
Here are the main features of the model:
- classic cruiser design;
- 34 Nm and 33 hp;
- low fuel consumption per 100 km.
This motorcycle is a good choice for those who are not very tall and strong, but have some experience in riding two-wheeled vehicles. This leisurely cruiser, of course, can hardly be called a training bike, but it is quite suitable for a bike for beginners.
Honda Shadow 400 (NV400, VT400) motorcycle review
I took a long and thorough approach to owning a motorcycle. At first I suffered through motorcycle school on a Yobrik, but passed the category on the second try. Then the apartment was renovated and there was no money left for a motorcycle that season. I was seriously preparing for the next season: I looked at Shadovs, drags and intruders, once even at a phaser, but my heart was still in the choppers. The dredge seemed very skinny, the intruder, on the contrary, looked fat, and even with a cardan, which is critical for 400 cc. In the end, I settled on a Honda Shadow, a chain, water cooling, what else do you need... To be honest, at first I didn’t even consider the slasher version, but when I saw it live, my opinion changed. The classic chopper, with a narrow front wheel and good fork angle, fell into my soul. I tried on different ones, with and without mileage, but in the price category that I looked at, there was no “excellent” option - all with traces of use. And then the day came when I went to see my own, Slashik. White, without scuffs or rust, in full combat kit - windshield, panniers, backrest with luggage rack. Despite exceeding the budget, funds were found and I became its proud owner. When I went to pick it up, it was a little scary; a year had passed since I turned the throttle on my own. But when I sat down and drove off, I realized that he and I understood each other perfectly. The season went great, I immediately changed the oil, put on a new front tire, drove around and was happy. The motorcycle is light, not wide, just right for Moscow traffic jams. When you leave the city, it’s already hard for 400cc to drag my 95 kg, after 120 the engine begins to strain.. The acceleration dynamics after 80 also leave much to be desired. But for the first motorcycle this is quite enough. Traveled 3000 km per season. Nothing fell off, nothing broke, I just filled it and washed it.
As a summary: an excellent motorcycle for beginners and those who mainly move around the city. Easy to handle and operate. I recommend.
This is my first iron horse. I immediately wanted to take something cruiser type, since my soul lies precisely with them. I was choosing between two models based on price category, appearance and quality - these are the Honda Shadow 400 Classic and the Yamaha Drag Star 400 Classic, I did not consider the Suzuki, since it is much more expensive. I didn’t even consider the Steed 400, Vulcan 400 and Intruder 400, they were too small. In the end, after digging through a bunch of forums, I still chose a Honda, since it drives faster and has dropsy. At first glance, 250kg seems VERY impressive and clumsy, but once you get behind the wheel and start driving, it’s a different feeling. It steers just fine, you don’t even notice small holes and cracks, a couple of times the thick front wheel saved the day. The chair looks like a home one, very soft, the steering wheel is wide and comfortable. Although it is 400 cc, the cruising speed on the highway is 100-120 km/h, but it can be more if you want, for fun I accelerated to 140 but had to reset it, otherwise it was still accelerating. And no wonder, it’s not the NC25E engine that was installed on the classics. When driving quietly, it consumes only 4-4.5 liters per hundred, the tank before reserve is enough for 200-220 km, with it 260-280 km. When my friends saw it when I brought it, they immediately asked, “Did you just take Liter?” =) When you drive around the city, passers-by's necks are twisted and constant scrutiny at traffic lights is guaranteed. An excellent device for beginners, I’m very pleased that this is the first one, as you get used to the weight and driving style of a cruiser.
It would seem that 400 cubes is not enough and it does not work. Yes, for some, shooting from a traffic light to 150 in seconds is the main thing. I bought a motorcycle based on the following criteria: reliability, appearance, comfort for high people and, of course, budget. That's exactly what it turned out to be. First of all, this is a Honda. those. reliability, everything works perfectly quietly, no unnecessary sounds, etc. Secondly, a chain with such a volume prevents the loss of horses.
During the season of ownership of the Pepelats and 12 km. Among the breakdowns is a burnt-out light bulb in the dashboard. That is, only changing consumables.
You can never tell by appearance that there are only 400 cubes. Liter. Minimum))) All sizes are the same as large ones. Besides, I’m 1-98 tall and for the same shame I look like I’m on a bicycle, and Shadova looks very plump and fat! The huge seat allows the butt to not get tired after 200 km of running without warming up. The shape of the steering wheel is very comfortable - your hands don’t get numb and you can rest on it.
In terms of driving performance, due to the pickup from the bottom at traffic lights, you can still go ahead of the flow, I find a minus only on the highway - because after a hundred, acceleration is sooooo slow and overtaking becomes a rather dangerous activity. And it’s a pity for the motor, which just screams at such speed.
The overall conclusion is extremely positive. I sold my horse to a friend and took the same one for myself but with a larger engine solely because of the trails, because... 50 percent of the mileage is achieved using them! If I only drove around the city it would be enough for my eyes.
Engine
The motorcycle has a four-stroke, two-cylinder and V-shaped engine. Its effective volume is 398 cm³. The fuel supply system here is carburetor, unlike subsequent modifications. At 5500 rpm the maximum torque is 34 Nm, and at 7500 rpm the maximum power reaches 33 hp. The highest speed of the motorcycle is 145 km/h.
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.
Dimensions and weight
The length of the bike reaches 2310 mm. Its width is 795 mm, and its height is 1060 mm. These are average dimensions in the class; there are much larger models. The wheelbase of 1625 mm and seat height of 645 mm also fall within the average for the class.
Even with fuel, the Shadow Slasher weighs only 232 kg, and without it - only 217 kg. The volume of the tank cannot be called large, because it is only 13 liters. However, taking into account the insignificant fuel consumption per hundred kilometers of road, equal to approximately 4 liters, this volume is quite sufficient.
Modifications
Shadow 400 Slasher is a popular modification of the model.
Like the older version, the motorcycle is acquiring several modifications. The similarity of the “shadows” was evident even in the names of the variations.
- In 2000, the Shadow 400 Slasher appears (in the 750 Shadow Spirit or Shadow 750 Slasher for Japan).
- October 2008 is marked by a massive restyling of both lines. As a result, the Shadow 400 receives the Classic (the appearance becomes similar to the Shadow 750 Aero).
- The Slasher 400 becomes the Shadow 400 Custom (the 750 has a similar model, the VT750C2 Shadow Spirit).
and competitors
However, such a leapfrog of names did not prevent competitors from showing their answers to the 400.
- Kawasaki offered the VN 400 Vulcan.
- Yamaha one of its “shooting stars” XVS 400 Drag Star.
Suzuki has produced as many as 3 versions:
- Intruder VS400;
- Intruder VL400 Classic
- Desperado 400.
Chassis and brakes
The frame of the bike is tubular, made of steel. It has a typical appearance for the class, and each color decorates the motorcycle in its own way. The wheels are spoked, which once again emphasizes the classic nature of the cruiser, and its steering wheel is typical for such cars.
Unlike many other representatives of the class, the Shadow Slasher has two shock absorbers on the rear pendulum suspension. At the front, this role is played by a telescopic fork. The rear brake of the motorcycle is a drum, and at the front there is a 296 mm disc and a two-piston caliper.
Release Features
Thus, in 1997, in parallel with the “American shadow” (Shadow 750 ACE), a domestic Japanese version was produced - a smaller engine, power, worse dynamics, but at a very affordable price. Users who saw the new creation were delighted: “ Yes, this is a real liter, only less voracious .”
Since the documentation of the bikes went through the factories at the same time, they copied many details from each other. But there is one small detail due to which the motorcycles had different fates.
The production of the older one continues, but the younger one has been discontinued.
This is a prototype model. The younger one was planned to replace the Steed 400, and therefore took many parts from it.
The model existed until 2016 , receiving restyling in the same years as the older one.
Prices
The Tuesday market price for it starts at $3,000 . The price must include the cost of delivery from Japan and customs clearance. Since the model remained Japanese and at the same time production was gradually reduced, versions with mileage in the Russian Federation are not worth considering (editor’s opinion, that is, mine).
Specifications
The engine displacement was changed only once, in 1997, but the settings of individual components, the number of cylinders, the compression ratio, and power changed from modification to modification. In some versions, even the injector was replaced with a carburetor. But it was based on a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with a V-shaped pistons. The angle between them was changed once - in 1997 from 45 to 520.
The engine is quite economical, works in any weather, and is not even afraid of heat.
- Displacement - 745 cm³ (since 1997), 749 - early releases.
- Power - 44 hp (up to 65 hp - early releases).
- Number of valves - (3 per cylinder).
- Cylinders - .
- Cooling is liquid.
- Fuel supply - Keihin 34 mm carburetor, PGM-Fi injector (since 2007).
- Ignition is digital, transistor.
- Start - electric starter.
- Fuel tank - 14 l.
The ignition switch is located under the fuel tank, which is an interesting feature of the model.
The highlight is the presence of hydraulic compensators in the engine, so the user does not need to adjust the valves.
Transmission and clutch
But in 1997, it was rebuilt, retuned, and the gears were placed across the entire rev range. This box began to be used on all modifications.
No less interesting is the story of the main drive. Initially, the motorcycle had a cardan, which was abandoned in 1997.
The cardan transmission definitely reduced the ongoing costs of maintaining the motorcycle.
- The Honda VT750 Shadow ACE model came with a chain drive.
- In 2003, ACE was replaced by Aero. In addition to many technological innovations used in the modification, the cardan returns to it.
- The 2010 model year models again have a chain.
The only part of the chassis that was not changed was the clutch. From the first assemblies, the standard principle was used.
- Multi-disc, oil bath.
- Power transmission is a cable.
Brakes
With the exception of the very first builds in 1983, which had two discs at the front, the motorcycle has a front single-disc brake and a rear drum brake.
Front: brakes:
- number of disks - ;
- diameter - 296 mm;
- support - 2-piston.
Rear brakes:
drum
In 2010, Honda is carrying out a massive modernization of both new developments and those already on the assembly line. The rear axle receives disc brakes (the parameters are the same as the front ones), as well as ABS.
To avoid causing even more confusion with names, new models are not renamed.
Brief history of the model
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CH
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CJ
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC
- 1991 – model not for sale.
- 1992 – Model available in the USA and Canada.
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CN
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CP
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CR
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100CS, VT1100C2/C2S
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100CT, VT1100C2/C2T
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100CV, VT1100C2/C2V
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE / ACE Tourer, Honda Shadow 1100 Aero (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2-2A, VT1100C2W, VT1100T, VT1100C3W
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE / ACE Tourer, Honda Shadow 1100 Aero (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2, VT1100C3 AC, VT1100C2X, VT1100T, VT1100C3X, VT100D2
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE Tourer, Honda Shadow 1100 Aero, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2Y, VT1100C2 AC, VT1100C3 / C3Y, VT1100T
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE Tourer, Honda Shadow 1100 Aero, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100C2/C2 AC/C21, VT1100C3/C31, VT1100T
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Aero, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100C2/C2 AC/C22, VT1100C3/C3 AC/C32
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A / C23
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A / C24
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A / C25
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A
Model
: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A
