Honda Motorcycle Models
The History Of The Honda Shadow
Two motorcycles models were introduced by Honda in 1983 that were to have a big impact on the motorcycling community. One was the Honda Shadow 750 and the other the Honda VF750F Interceptor. They were very different in design but both models extended motorcycle engineering enormously.
With an innovative V twin engine Honda’s engineers produced an engine for the Shadow with two cylinders arranged in a V configuration that considerably reduced vibrations. In previous V twin engines with the angle between the cylinders not at 90 degrees imbalance causes vibration and added weight, complexity and cost is caused by the counterbalances needed to damp these down. Honda overcame this problem by using an offset dual pin crankshaft which achieved a perfectly balanced V twin engine with a narrow angle, the first of its kind. Honda later used this design in the VT500C Shadow and the VT500 Ascot.
The Shadow also had other design innovations including a one way Sprague clutch, designed to stop wheel chatter which was also a problem with previous V twin engines. Three valve cylinder heads and twin plugs, still used by Honda in Shadows produced today, were also introduced with this model of Shadow. Three valves improved fuel flow and reduced emissions are a result of twin plugs. These innovations increased mileage and liquid cooling stabilised the temperature for lower emissions and better performance.
These innovations substantially increased performance giving the Shadow a performance equal to that of motorcycles with at least 50% more displacement.
Honda didn’t stop there however. Other features included hydraulic valve adjusters, electronic ignition, hydraulic clutch and front brake and other features designed for easy maintenance and improved performance. needing only regular oil changes and spark plugs replaced on a regular basis it was one of the easiest motorcycles to maintain in its day.
innovative and forward thinking design is great but looks are equally important! General opinion is that the Shadow’s looks were also a huge leap forward. During the 1950’s and 1960’s classic American cruiser styles had become increasingly popular and these designs were incorporated into the Shadow from the drawing board rather than slapped on as an extra as other motorcycle manufacturers were doing. This gave a completely integrated style to this cruiser. Design considerations that made the Shadow stand out from the crown include cast wheels, angled muffler, twin seats, backrest and a stylish front end.
The VT500C, introduced in 1983 was available in Black or Candy Wineberry Red. Both the rear fenders and fuel tank were painted, the engine covers were black and the side covers chrome. From 1983 to 1986 a Red and Black Honda Shadow decal with a gold outline was on the side cover. The headlight was rectangular and chrome and there was a single horn.
By 1985 colours available were Candy Glory Red or Black and the headlight was now round. it also had dual horns and a twin seat with an integrated backrest. In this year the engine covers were chrome and the fins were enlarged.
One of the most popular lines ever produced placed Honda at the front of the cruiser movement. Today the Honda Shadow is as popular as it was when it was introduced more than two decades ago.
About the Author
For more information on motorcycles and some good deals on used Honda and Yamaha motorcycles check out
Used Honda Motorcycles
or
Used Yamaha Motorcycles
CBR1000RR – features – New Honda motorcycles for 2008
|
|
Coffee Mug, Vespa – Yellow & Blue Fenderlight Model $14.99 Nice ceramic mug from Forme of Italy. Enjoy your “cafe Americano” in Vespa style!… |
|
|
Digital temperature meter with remote temp sensor $24.00 A very unique digital temperature meter with a 8 ft cable and remote temp sensor probe. Ideal for seeing temperature in cars, aquariums, pet habitats, HVAC air ducts, computer towers and cpu temp, reading temperature inside or outside the home, test equipment, farms, pools , jacuzzi, see outside air or water temterature in automobiles, vans, trucks,RV’s and boats. The unit has a great professiona… |
|
|
Master Lock 8295DPS Quantum Cuff Cable Lock $27.25 The Masterlock 8205DPS quantum cable lock is a perfect solution for protecting your bicycle, ATV, or other valuables against theft. And conveniently, it comes in one handy solution, with both a cable and a lock. The braided steel cable is 9/16-inch thick and has a polymer coating, making it highly resistant to cutting and sawing; the lock has a heat-treated core and is virtually impossible to pick… |
|
|
Scorpio SR-i900R Motorcycle Alarm – RFID Security System – 4020-0052 $361.47 The SR-i900R is a new generation two-way FM security system offering hands-free RFID technology. Simply walk towards or away from your bike, and the remote transceiver will automatically communicate an arm or disarm command using its proximity recognition system. This unique auto-arm and hands-free disarm operation provides the highest standard of security and convenience // RF-ID for hands-free o… |
|
|
K5-6GSXR1000SEAT CRB $142.45 K5-6GSXR1000SEAT CRB… |
|
|
Mountek CD Slot Mount MT5000-C, Universal Hands Free Car Mount for Cell Phones, Satellite Radios & GPS Devices $19.95 SORRY IF WE ARE OUT OF STOCK! Inventory is in limited supply. In order to give everyone a fair opportunity to get one, we’ll be releasing a limited # of mounts for sale each morning. Please check back again tomorrow at approx 7am PST…Shopping for a reliable, high-quality mount for your mobile device? This one installs directly into your CD player slot or in between the grooves of your dash. PATE… |
|
|
Peak PKC0RB Wireless Back-Up Camera System with 3.5-Inch LCD Color Monitor $67.76 Our PEAK Wireless Back-Up Camera System installs easily on most vehicles and provides a 110 degree line of sight for backing up out of driveways and parking lots. Its water resistant lens attaches to the back of your vehicles license plate while the LCD color display monitor includes suction cup mounts perfect for installing on your windshield or dashboard. Includes everything necessary for instal… |
|
|
Polk Audio DB401 4-Inch Pair Coaxial Speakers – Silver $41.06 Polk Audio db401 4″ Coaxial Speakers bring you superior looks and sound at a price that makes high performance affordable to everyone. The polymer/mica composite mineral filled cone is stiff yet lightweight and brings you big sound with little distortion. A 19mm liquid-cooled silk-polymer composite dome tweeter with neodymium magnet creates clear, detailed highs. The multi-hole mounting pattern… |
|
|
Battery Tender 021-0123 Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger $19.87 The Battery Tender Junior 12-volt/75-amp battery charger is the small and simple solution to the challenge of keeping vehicle batteries optimally powered when not in use. It is able to charge any lead-acid battery, including standard and sealed AGM and GEL Cell battery types and is also designed to be easy to use in small spaces, to utilize a 4-step charging program and safely function in a… |
|
|
Battery Tender Plus Charger $64.95 Battery Tender Plus Charger The Battery Tender Plus is a 1.25 amp battery charger designed to fully charge a battery and maintain it at proper storage voltage without the damaging effects caused by trickle chargers. Included is a quick connect harness for hard to reach areas. Features Temperature compensated to ensure optimum charge voltage according to ambient temperatureAutomatically swit… |