Honda Shadow 1100: power, reliability and unpretentiousness at a reasonable price.

Cruiser model Honda VT1100 Shadow

appeared in 1985 on the American market.
In those years, the model was distinguished by high power (78 hp), double front disc brakes and a hydraulic clutch. The factory model designation is VT1100C
. Since 1987, the motorcycle has been updated externally and technically - the wheelbase has been increased, the mufflers on the sides have been moved to the right side, the maximum power is reduced (to 67 hp), the operating speed is significantly reduced, which increases traction at the “lower” and “middle” ", the hydraulic clutch gives way to a cable clutch. It was with this modification that the popularity of the Honda VT1100 Shadow model began - the 1985-1986 versions are quite rare.

Main modifications of the Honda VT1100 Shadow

:

• Honda VT1100C Shadow
  (1987-1996) - the basic version of the motorcycle. Features alloy wheels, dual right exhaust, 13 liter fuel tank, 4-speed gearbox and rear drum brake.
• Honda VT1100C Spirit
  (1997-2007) is the successor to the previous modification. Visually very similar to its predecessor. It differs in the shape of the exhaust, tank and some visual features. Among the technical differences, it is worth noting the fuel tank increased to 15.8 liters and a 5-speed gearbox.
• Honda VT1100C2 ACE
  (1995-1999) is a classic version of the motorcycle. ACE stands for American Classic Edition. The model features spoked wheels, extended fenders, wider wheels, a rear disc brake, a single-rack crankshaft (to increase vibrations) and 53 hp.
• Honda VT1100T ACE Tourer
  (1998-2001) - touring version of the previous modification. It is distinguished by the presence of plastic panniers, a windshield, alloy wheels, an exhaust system on the sides and other wheels.
• Honda VT1100C3 Aero
  (1998-2002) - similar to the ACE version, but with deeper fenders, a larger headlight and a 2-into-1 exhaust.
• Honda VT1100C2 Saber
  (2000-2007) - similar to the ACE version, but with a Spirit engine and specially shaped alloy wheels.

In 2003, only the basic version VT1100C Spirit and VT1100C2 Saber remained on the market, which were offered almost unchanged until 2007 inclusive, after which they were completely discontinued, completely giving way to the model - Honda VTX 1300.

Model range of the Honda Shadow series:

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

The main competitors of the Honda Shadow 1100 in the class:

• Yamaha XV 1100 Virago / Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star
• Kawasaki VN1500 (Vulcan 88, VN-15)

Brief history of the model

• 1985 - start of production and sales of the Honda VT1100 Shadow model.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC

• 1986 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC

• 1987 - the model undergoes significant changes (see the beginning of the review).

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CH

• 1988 - The Honda VT1100C Shadow model appears in Europe.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CJ

• 1989 - Model available only in the USA.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC

• 1990 - no significant changes.

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

• 1993 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CP

• 1994 - The model is again available in Europe.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C AC, VT1100CR

• 1995 - appearance of the ACE modification - American Classic Edition.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100CS, VT1100C2/C2S

• 1996 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100CT, VT1100C2/C2T

• 1997 - The base version receives several technical and visual changes and also changes its name in the United States to the Honda VT1100C Spirit.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 ACE (USA, Canada, Europe).
Code
: VT1100C/VT1100C AC, VT1100CV, VT1100C2/C2V

• 1998 - appearance of modifications ACE Tourer and VT1100C3 Aero.

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

• 1999 - no significant changes.

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

• 2000 - appearance of the VT1100C2 Saber modification.

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

• 2001 - Model no longer available in Europe. Start of sales in Australia.

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

• 2002 - ACE modifications are no longer offered.

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

• 2003 - Aero modification is no longer offered.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A / C23

• 2004 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A / C24

• 2005 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA, Canada, Australia).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A / C25

• 2006 - Model available only in the USA.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A

• 2007 is the last year of production.

Model

: Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, Honda Shadow 1100 Saber (USA).
Code
: VT1100C / VT1100C A / VT1100C AC, VT1100C2 / C2 AC/ C2 A

Features (advantages and disadvantages)

“Smooth” is how the Shadow 1100 from Honda can be briefly described. There are no particularly outstanding qualities in it, just as there are no significant shortcomings or obvious flaws.

The model does not have many distinctive features.

• Hydraulic compensators allow the owner to practically not bother with maintenance.
• This also includes a good cardan - having a dozen dampers, it extends the life of the gearbox, and does not require maintenance itself - just add oil.
• "Eternal" motor.
• Availability of new and used parts at American/Japanese flea markets.
• Landing characteristic of the class.
• A pair of springs on the rear shock absorber, most users note that when traveling with two people it is a bit soft, there is a danger of breaking through.

The owners noted that if the motorcycle is not purposefully killed, it will serve for a long time, but if maintenance is necessary, it is still better to trust a specialist.

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Honda Shadow 1100:

Tuning VT 1100

Most Honda VT 1100 Shadow Aero, Spirit and others are modified by their owners based on their needs - some prefer a “hooligan” urban style, while others turn their bike into a real kilometer eater. Fortunately, a lot of tuning for this model is sold - saddlebags, windshields, seats, chrome packages, lighting optics, levers, reinforced brakes... But it is worth noting that, thanks to a fairly simple design, the process of customizing this steel horse “for yourself” is not particularly difficult labor.

Reviews

Reviews about Honda Shadow 1100:

Expand Collapse

The most common breakdowns are pockets of corrosion on the cylinders, which arise as a result of improper engine preservation or its complete absence. This happens to Americans very, very often. Another infection that may contribute to this is sinks on cylinders (which is also relatively common on American-made “Japanese”).

It’s not all that bad; it can be treated by simply boring the cylinders and replacing the pistons, rings and gaskets. The asking price is about 13,000 without the work of assembling and disassembling the motor and removing/installing it. At least for some reason the percentage of “broken” ones is the highest among 1100 fans, this is an observation.

Other breakdowns are either a consequence of the owner’s carelessness, or the systematic killing of the engine, or the consequences of falls (oil starvation, if the engine does not stall immediately) or factory defects. In my practice, I came across only one defect (more precisely, its consequence) - a small metal scuff on the contact surface of the rocker arm. Discovered by accident, it did not bring any consequences to the motor.

The motor is relatively repairable, but experience is needed so as not to make any mistakes. Its only real drawback is that the main bearings do not change. Only together with the crankcase. Crankshafts too, just replacement.

Scheduled work - changing oil, filters, cleaning and synchronizing carbs, checking compression. No ignitions, valves, sprocket chains, etc. Well, the conditions for repair work need to be very suitable - a bunch of measuring tools, a dynamometer, wrenches. I’m silent about the garage itself - warmth, light, workbench and cleanliness - it goes without saying.

The engine resource is very large. This is inherent in its design. The motors are very durable. I can’t tell you exact numbers, but I think it’s quite capable of going through 200-250 thousand before signs of systematic wear and tear. The motor is fully automatic. Automatic chain tensioners (like Steed), hydraulic compensators for rocker arm axles. And at the same time not a single unnecessary detail.

Gearbox, clutch, transmission - it’s all very difficult to ruin. The gearbox is simple and reliable. 5 steps, very clear work. The clutch is like a Steed, only larger. The clutch is driven by a cable, a little tight, but in moderation. Very informative, with the exact moment of operation. The motor transmission is like a Steed, with gears (oh, and howls constantly, 1100 after all, such a pleasant sound, look at the videos on YouTube). Rear drive is by cardan. There are a lot of dampers throughout the drive, which greatly simplifies the life of the gearbox.

For spare parts - all any spare parts for the 1100 are available for sale in the USA, on eBay and from other suppliers

I had a motorcycle like this. I've been away for three years. Was born in '93. I bought it with 7 thousand miles. In three years, except for a torn gas return cable, NOTHING has broken. Oil, filters, pads... Of the minuses, IMHO, the rear suspension is a bit soft for two, the choice of gear ratios in the gearbox is strange, in my opinion, and that’s about it.

Features of the release (prices)

Although many publications write that the 750 version was born earlier, and therefore it is the ancestor, it is worth noting that it entered the line only after the renaming in 1986 . She started under a different name.

The liter model spent only a year alone; in 1987 and beyond, the development of “shadows” with different engine sizes began, many of the solutions for which were taken from here - from the liter. This largely explains their indestructibility.

But the liter also had features that were not developed in subsequent motorcycles. They will be discussed below. The model lived on the assembly line until 2007 . The price on the secondary market is not much more than its less cubic capacity counterparts - $3,500 , without mileage in the Russian Federation, 165,000 rubles with mileage.

After 2003

Almost all of the modifications considered have become history over time. After 2003, the manufacturer produced only the basic modification VT1100C Spirit, as well as the VT1100C2 Saber. It must be said that both of these models reached 2007 without any major changes. These models were later discontinued. When this happened, she offered a successor in the form of the Honda VTX 1300. This was the end of the legendary era of the Honda Shadow of that design. Representatives of the company themselves said that they discontinued the model with great melancholy and sadness. But this is business, there is no time for sentimentality, it was necessary to impose a fight on competitors with a new, relevant model.

Symptoms of engine repair on a Honda VT 400 Shadow are:

• Extraneous noise in the engine
• High oil consumption
• Coolant flow
• Low compression in the engine or large difference between cylinders
• Excessively high compression associated with carbon deposits in the combustion chamber
• Blue smoke from the muffler
• Obvious oil leak from the engine
• Transmission problems

Disassembling a Honda VT 400 Shadow to remove the engine Removing the engine of a Honda VT 400 Shadow Cleaning the engine before disassembling Disassembling the engine Complete troubleshooting of the engine Cleaning the engine of metal shavings and other contaminants Diagnostics of all bearings and gears of the engine Replacement of worn / broken / bent parts Assembling the engine Checking valve clearances mechanism Installing the engine on the Honda VT 400 Shadow Final assembly of the Honda VT 400 Shadow, starting All engine repair work is carried out by a highly qualified mechanic with extensive experience. A 1 year guarantee is provided for all work performed.

Main competitors:

• Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star (aka V-Star 1100) for the US market. This bike is so similar in performance and design features to the Shadow 1100 that choosing between them comes down to a simple question - which of the two bikes do you prefer.
• Kawasaki VN1500 Vulcan . A heavier, structurally archaic, but proven cruiser over the years. It has an excellent range without refueling, and is similar in dynamics to the VT1100, but is inferior to it in maneuverability.
• Suzuki VS1400 Intruder . An old-fashioned motorcycle that looks more like a chopper than a cruiser. The older versions (the first two generations) are distinguished by very high power, the more recent ones, produced under the name Boulevard S83, have already been “strangled” for the sake of environmental standards.

Stage 1. Pre-order

The first of many alarm bells rang when I contacted the seller. It was the Motomoto salon (name changed) that bought this motorcycle at auction. The motorcycle was just about to be sent to Russia; it was supposed to arrive at the end of March.

Although I was in the “I want” state, my analytical thinking did not turn off and I requested an auction sheet. According to the sheet, everything was fine and the last bastion of common sense fell.

However, what are the risks of paying for a motorcycle that doesn’t exist yet?

• you may get scammed if this company is a scammer
• you'll be waiting for the motorcycle for who knows how long
• the motorcycle will not necessarily be in completely good condition (usually the auction monitors this) and its “finishing” may cost an additional amount.. and the season will already be in progress..

In addition to all of the above, there was one more problem for me personally - the Honda Steed that I owned, which needed to be converted into money. The Motomoto salon offered me a trade-in and agreed to pick up my motorcycle, I quote the operator “for no more than 90 thousand.” I rightly caught this “no more expensive” thing and refused. The question arose - where to get the missing 100 thousand? And then I committed another stupidity, perhaps the biggest on the list: I took out a loan. It is clear that I was going to sell Steed and cover expenses. Yes, many people live with loans and do not know grief, but I prefer not to get involved with this. I don't know what came over me. Moreover, until the very end I was not sure that I was doing the right thing, so I decided according to the principle above - if they approve, then full speed ahead. If they refuse, I will refuse this option. And they approved it - the first and, I hope, the only loan in my history. Well, so that you are completely convinced that I am an idiot, I went to the salon with 280 thousand in cash. In fact, there is a small logical explanation for this - I don’t use cards, so I had the money at home. When I applied for the loan, I also received a credit card. It’s just that there was a limit set on the amount of dough that can be withdrawn at once. And in order to increase it, it was necessary to write a special application, which had to be processed for some time. And I’m itching, I’m afraid that my Firetank will “go away”.

In general, I put money on the card and went like that. It's scary, to be honest.

What can you take away from this stage?

1. Don't take out a loan to buy a motorcycle. Even if you plan to close it before you start driving, anything can happen. The motorcycle you chose is not the first and not the last suitable option. And the money that will go to cover interest is better invested in your iron horse
2. As I wrote above, prepaying for a motorcycle that hasn’t arrived is a stupid idea. It may arrive late, arrive defective, or not arrive at all.
3. Carrying a large amount of cash with you is not the best option. On the card they are at least protected by a code, you can always pay with a card in the salon, and the buyer can go to the ATM separately.

Not luxury =(

Due to the fact that the image set by Harley has acquired “cruising” capabilities, many such useful things are missing in such motorcycles. I don’t want to chase luxury tourers and their equipment, but a banal cigarette lighter and heated grips in the factory trim for a cruiser would be a very reasonable solution. However, this is not only nitpicking, but I also have plans, and some of them have already been implemented - for example, the same cigarette lighter. Although it would certainly be nice to have another key position where some electrics would be turned on, the key can be removed. Or ABS.. Oh, dreams.

Actually, there are a minimum of basic equipment. Consider for yourself what I have:

• speedometer (in miles and kilometers)
• odometer (miles)
• odometer - “current trip” (in miles)

And indicators:

• high temperature
• little oil
• neutral (at the base of the steering wheel)
• turn signals (at the base of the steering wheel, not visible in the photo)
• high beam (at the base of the steering wheel, not visible in the photo)

And that is all. Although there is a lot of useful equipment for traveling, the same pressure (puncture) sensors in tires.

Thus, a cruiser, which is not a luxury tourer, is more of a motorcycle for “just riding” rather than a device for serious troubles. All this is very conditional, it would be stupid not to drive it somewhere far since, as you can see, it doesn’t have puncture sensors. People don't even drive like that. But this is the concept, and if you want to have this technique, you will have to accept it.

Modifications

Shadow 400 Slasher is a popular modification of the model.

• 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 prefix (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:

1. Intruder VS400;
2. Intruder VL400 Classic
3. Desperado 400.

Video

Honda CB 1100

- a tribute to retro fashion, a motorcycle stylized as two-wheeled vehicles from the 70s and 80s of the last century. Technologically quite modern, the CB 1100 looks like a blast from the past, and this is its charm - looking at this bike, who doesn’t remember childhood in the village and their first Voskhod or Izh?

However, this motorcycle only looks archaic, but in fact it is very modern. The four-cylinder engine has excellent, smooth traction throughout the entire rev range. The power for 1100 cubic meters of volume is small - 87 horsepower, but due to this, the CB 1100 boasts excellent torque of 92 Newton meters, which allows it to be a truly dynamic bike. Few people, looking at this outwardly archaic bike, might think that it is capable of taking off like a bullet and disappearing over the horizon in a matter of seconds.

The Honda CB 1100 looks like what Soviet motorcycles might have looked like if they were produced in Japan. All elements are made of steel - no cheap plastic! High-quality chrome covers many parts, including the wings - it looks, admittedly, luxurious. The injector is carefully hidden in the bowels of the motorcycle so as not to be an eyesore, but the classic CB 1100 suspension with two shock absorbers at the rear, on the contrary, catches the eye. Everything about this motorcycle is retro, just like its little brother, the Honda CB400SS, or Kawasaki's other famous retro motorcycle, the Estrella. The Honda CB 1100 model replaced the honored road veteran CB750 on the assembly line, and adopted some of its features - for example, the engine cooling on this bike is air-oil, not liquid. Otherwise, this is a real classic, in particular with regard to ergonomics - a classic steering wheel, a comfortable straight seat... A classic - it is a classic, only with the “retro” prefix.

Due to its small dimensions and moderate weight, the Honda CB 1100 handles very nicely - after all, it is a modern motorcycle, only stylized to resemble bikes half a century ago. Thanks to the even traction, even driving through traffic jams will not be difficult - the motorcycle does not try to fall on its side or twitch, on the contrary, it rides smoothly and predictably, and the fairly long gears make moving on the CB 1100 even more comfortable. We got out of the traffic jam, engaged third gear, and you can drive it like an automatic transmission in the range from 30 to 90 km/h. Comfortable.

Modern technologies have also reached the brakes - they are good on the Honda CB 1100. Not ideal, of course, but really not bad - three brake discs, coupled with simple brake machines, force the motorcycle to slow down when braking quite effectively, and besides, the motorcycle does not try to “wiggle” during sharp braking. By the way, the CB 1100 is optionally offered with an ABS system.

We can safely say that with this model it firmly holds its position in the retro motorcycle market. Currently, the Honda CB 1100 competes mainly with the Triumph Bonneville.

and Kawasaki W800. However, the demand for such motorcycles is not so great - there are not too many fans of retro equipment among bikers, but the CB 1100 is at least no worse than its competitors.

Fuel consumption

Officially indicated in the papers, the fuel consumption from the manufacturer for the Honda VT1100 Shadow is 5.2 liters for every 100 km of distance traveled. In practice, it comes out to at least one liter more, and the exact fuel consumption value depends on your driving style and manner and the quality of the fuel.

But as a rule, fuel consumption on such motorcycles is close to the declared one. After all, such devices are bought for measured travel in harmony with oneself, and not for crazy races from traffic lights to the squeal of rubber skidding on the asphalt.

Landing

In general, landing is an individual concept. For some reason, it turned out to be terribly uncomfortable for me to sit on the Valkyrie 1500. However, the riding position on this motorcycle is comfortable. It should be convenient, if we remember that our task is to travel far and the goal is to travel rather than “get there faster.”

For a person who has never sat on such a motorcycle, I can suggest that you sit in a regular office or computer chair, stretch your legs horizontally, lower them to the floor and slightly pull them towards you so that your feet completely touch the floor, but it does not seem that you are pulling somewhere with your legs . That's basically all.

As for the width of the steering wheel... people often change the steering wheel to suit themselves (as well as the seat), but the general principle is this: imagine that cute twins with size 4 are standing close to each other in front of you. Take them by the extreme si, in general they took them. Now stop dreaming, clench your hands as expected and lower your arms parallel to the floor. If you didn't kick your legs during the process, congratulations, this is the right pose.

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. The rear brake control takes some getting used to and 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. A comfortable steering wheel and well-placed passenger footrests organically fit into the overall exterior of the cruiser.

Bottom line

The Honda Shadow 1100 motorcycle is a worthy representative of its class. It can easily be classified as a legend, and random motorcycles do not fall into such a list. The appearance of the bike is very calm and classic (for its class), all characteristics are balanced and sufficient. Add here Japanese reliability and the relatively low cost of the model on the secondary market, and you get a very, very worthy option for cruiser lovers. On such a motorcycle you can travel around the entire planet, or you can just ride in your own city and beyond on weekends.

The motorcycle is loved and respected by bikers all over the world. This is a classic that is timeless. A simple hard worker in a stylish look. He will never let you down and will always deliver to your destination. This is a model of those years when motorcycles were alive, and not stuffed with various modern electronics and a variety of computer systems. This bike can be repaired in a garage environment on your lap. A model for those who appreciate the old school. A worthy copy for the garage of the owner who understands real motorcycles.

There is an opinion among motorcycle enthusiasts that one needs to grow into such a motorcycle from the point of view of motorcycle “philosophy”. There is some truth in this phrase, because a cruiser is almost never chosen as the first motorcycle, but very often experienced motorcyclists choose cruisers and never change class.

So who are you finally?

To summarize, the Honda Shadow Saber is a “blank” motorcycle (don’t be offended by this name, there is no negative connotation here), a motorcycle that is popularly called a “chopper” (although from the point of view of chopper engineering, it is by no means a chopper) or a cruiser, which is much closer in essentially. This is a motorcycle that can be customized specifically to suit your needs. This is a bike for those who want a Harley but don't want a Harley and maybe want practicality. This is a motorcycle for those who take 2 wheels not to be on time somewhere, not for the sake of adrenaline, not for the opportunity to go where wolves are afraid to shit, but simply for the opportunity to go. This is a motorcycle that combines a chopper-cruiser image with Honda reliability and practicality.

This is my motorcycle and I'm glad I own it.

Modifications

It was from version 1100 that 3-5 modifications began to be launched in the line. The liter engine had:

• VT1100C Shadow - basic version. Production began with it. 4-speed, 13 liter tank, 2 exhaust pipes along the right side of the motorcycle. Assembly completed in 1996.
• VT1100C2 ACE - the abbreviation at the end indicates that the model is for the American market.
  Elongated fenders, wide wheels, the appearance of a disc brake on the rear wheel, and, curiously, 1 connecting rod rack on the crankshaft to increase vibrations. Starts in 1995, ends in 1999. Honda VT1100C2 ACE - stands for American Classic Edition.
• VT1100C Spirit - in 1997 it took the place of the previous one on the assembly line. They are similar in appearance, but there are also differences. The fuel tank has been increased to 15.8, as well as a 5-speed gearbox. Production of the modification ends with the closure of the model.
• VT1100T ACE Tourer is an unusual touring development, an offshoot from the main one. Branded plastic panniers, windshield, exhaust cans are moved to both sides, and the wheels are also changed. Started in 1998, closed in 2001.
• VT1100C3 Aero - the ACE modification taken as a basis has enlarged wings, changed the headlight and exhaust. Production began in 1998, closed in 2002.
• VT1100C2 Saber - the same reworking of the ACE version, but with a different engine - a slightly updated version from Spirit. The tank and gearbox also come from it. New alloy wheels. Assembly began in 2000 and ended when the model was closed.

The Tourer version appeared only once, in the VT1100. In other models of the Shadow line, this option was no longer available.

VT1100T ACE Tourer – stock windshield and spacious panniers.

and competitors

The model was not left without competitors.

• Yamaha offered two at once - the XV 1100 Virago and the XVS 1100 Drag Star. It’s interesting that the developers themselves call the second a logical continuation of the first.
• Kawasaki has introduced the VN1500. Aka Vulcan 88, aka VN-15. It is interesting that his model has a one and a half liter engine.
• Suzuki did not participate, but its development includes the Intruder 1500, which is often compared to the models presented by competitors above.

Cruiser?

Cruiser , or cruiser (English cruiser) is a type of motorcycle.

The name comes from the English word cruise/cruising, which means “to cruise”, “to follow a course”, “to travel with the purpose of traveling”. It is characterized by a low seat, an upright seating position, often far forward footrests, an abundance of chrome and significant weight. The cruiser is not designed for fast driving or off-road driving; its engine usually does not have high power, but it has light and comfortable handling, high torque at low speeds and an appropriately “menacing” sound.

So, a big cruiser is a motorcycle for the road. Moreover, for roads in the most romantic sense of this meaning. You can experience the pleasure of owning it as such, you can enjoy the sound of the engine, the luggage space, the chrome, in a word, anything, but the further the road goes from the “romantic ideal”, the less you will be happy with this motorcycle. What is the ideal of the road? This is easy to explain with a picture:

I couldn’t find a better one, but I think you understand me anyway. Nevertheless, I will say - a big cruiser is (what a surprise) a motorcycle for a long road, for a highway that reaches the horizon.

And don't think I'm talking about American highways. No, we also have excellent roads.

highway M-4 "Don"

But as soon as the quality of the road becomes poor (and we have a lot of such roads outside federal highways), or you find yourself in heavy traffic (I live in Moscow, for me heavy traffic is the norm of life) - you will not experience the pleasure of the trip.

Reasons for popularity

These days, this bike is still very widely represented on the secondary market in Russia and other countries. The most common one on sale is the Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, probably because there were so many of these motorcycles produced. Honda Shadow 1100 Saber is also often found, but old first-generation Shadows in a “living” state are difficult to find - age, alas, does not spare anyone. However, there is no point in chasing this modification specifically - the more recent Spirit, ACE and Saber easily outperform their ancestor in all respects - the Honda Shadow 1100 has very good technical characteristics even by modern standards.

The reliability of Honda motorcycles has already become a proverb, and absolutely deservedly so. Even 20-year-old Honda Shadow 1100s often feel great and look no less good, if, of course, they were in caring hands. But if the Honda did not spend the winter in a snowdrift under the window, and its previous owner did not reduce all maintenance to changing the engine oil, you won’t have to worry about its technical condition.

Price of Honda VT 1100C Shadow Spirit based on sales advertisements

The maximum price of Honda VT 1100C Shadow Spirit among the advertisements found is RUB 480,000*

The average price of Honda VT 1100C Shadow Spirit among the ads found is RUB 256,000*

The minimum price of Honda VT 1100C Shadow Spirit among the advertisements found is RUB 120,000*

Honda shadow 1100 spirit in Moscow

11/13/2020 RUB 360,000

Honda shadow vt 1100 spirit in Blagoveshchensk

11.11.2020 255,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 Shadow Spirit in Yoshkar-Ola

09.11.2020 330,000 rub.

Honda Shadow spirit vt1100c in Stavropol

06.11.2020 320,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 shadow spirit 1997 in Vladimir-Alexandrovsky

03.11.2020 235,000 rub.

Honda shadow spirit 1100 in Voskresensk

02.11.2020 300,000 rub.

Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 2002 in Ufa

01.11.2020 120,000 rub.

Honda shadow spirit 1100 in St. Petersburg

10/31/2020 RUB 235,000

Honda shadow spirit VT1100 2004 in Volgograd

10/28/2020 RUB 310,000

Honda shadow VT1100 spirit (2007) in Moscow

10/26/2020 RUB 360,000

Honda Shadow Spirit VT 1100 in Novorossiysk

10/26/2020 RUB 250,000

Honda shadow Spirit 1100 C in Mikhailovka

09.25.2020 RUB 340,000

Honda Shadow Spirit VT1100 in St. Petersburg

09.22.2020 250,000 rub.

Honda shadow spirit 1100 in Priozersk

09.19.2020 220,000 rub.

Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit in Perm

09.15.2020 480,000 rub.

Honda Shadow VT 1100 spirit 2007 in Cherepovets

09/03/2020 RUB 320,000

Honda VT1100 Shadow Spirit in Krasnogorsk

01/11/2020 250,000 rub.

Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 in Krasnoarmeysk

11/13/2019 220,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 Shadow Spirit in Ryazan

11/13/2019 RUB 245,000

Honda shadow spirit VT1100 Honda in Soviet

09/26/2019 250,000 rub.

Honda Shadow VT 1100 Spirit in Naro-Fominsk

09/07/2019 250,000 rub.

Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 in Rostov-on-Don

07/23/2019 170,000 rub.

Honda shadow spirit 1100 in Krasnodar

06/15/2019 230,000 rub.

Honda VT 1100 Shadow Spirit in Kudrovo

06/14/2019 250,000 rub.

Honda vt1100sp Honda shadow spirit 1100 in Soviet

06/14/2019 260,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 C2 shadow spirit in Simferopol

06/14/2019 320,000 rub.

Honda shadow spirit 1100 in Vyselki

06/06/2019 300,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 Shadow Spirit in Perm

06/03/2019 225,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 shadow spirit in Rostov-on-Don

06/01/2019 250,000 rub.

Honda shadow 1100 Spirit 2007 in Rostov-on-Don

05/26/2019 260,000 rub.

Honda vt1100 shadow spirit 2007 in Lipetsk

05/18/2019 RUB 230,999

Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit in Orenburg

02/09/2018 220,000 rub.

Honda Shadow Spirit VT 1100 in Ivanovo

09/03/2017 280,000 rub.

Honda VT 1100 C Shadow Spirit in St. Petersburg

08/22/2017 220,000 rub.

Honda Shadow Spirit VT1100C in Ufa

08/14/2017 265,000 rub.

Honda VT 1100 Shadow Spirit 2006 in Moscow

07/03/2017 279,000 rub.

Honda Shadow Spirit (VT 1100). 2006 in St. Petersburg

03/25/2017 300,000 rub.

Honda VT1100C Shadow Spirit 2005 in Shakhty

03/15/2017 350,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 Shadow Spirit in Tolyatti

03/08/2017 225,000 rub.

Motorcycle Honda Shadow Spirit VT1100 C in Domodedovo

03/05/2017 200,000 rub.

Honda VT 1100 shadow spirit in Moscow

02/19/2017 300,000 rub.

Honda VT 1100 C Shadow Spirit in Moscow

02/16/2017 290,000 rub.

Honda shadow spirit 1100 in Volgodonsk

02/06/2017 370,000 rub.

Honda VT 1100 C Shadow Spirit in Nizhny Novgorod

01/28/2017 180,000 rub.

Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 c – 2004 in Moscow

01/21/2017 300,000 rub.

Honda vt 1100 c shadow spirit in Moscow

01/05/2017 300,000 rub.

Honda VT1100C Shadow Spirit 2006 in Perm

09.11.2016 299,000 rub.

Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 in Chelyabinsk

08/23/2014 219,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 shadow spirit chopper in Yekaterinburg

08/21/2014 245,000 rub.

Motorcycle Honda Shadow VT 1100 spirit in Novocherkassk

08/19/2014 220,000 rub.

Honda shadow 1100 spirit 2001 in Novokuznetsk

08/18/2014 175,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 shadow spirit in Novosibirsk

08/16/2014 245,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 Shadow Spirit without mileage in Russia in Moscow

08/14/2014 200,000 rub.

Honda Shadow VT1100 Spirit in Lyubertsy

08/12/2014 270,000 rub.

Honda VT 1100 C Shadow Spirit in Ivanovo

08/10/2014 185,000 rub.

Honda Shadow VT1100C2 Spirit 2002 for sale in Ufa

08/10/2014 230,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 shadow spirit in Novosibirsk

08/05/2014 185,000 rub.

Honda VT 1100 C Shadow Spirit in Korolev

08/05/2014 180,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 shadow spirit in Yekaterinburg

08/01/2014 195,000 rub.

Honda VT1100 shadow spirit-2003 in Novosibirsk

07/27/2014 165,000 rub.

Honda Shadow VT1100C Spirit 2007 in Kstovo

07/21/2014 260,000 rub.

Honda Shadow Spirit VT1100 in Ivanovo

07/18/2014 185,000 rub.

Selling a Honda VT1100 C2 Shadow Spirit motorcycle in Kemerovo

07/07/2014 245,000 rub.

All the best is for the Yankees!

Reinterpreting the famous statement of the classic of Marxism-Leninism, Japanese managers can rightfully claim: “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 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 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 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 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, 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 the 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.