VT1100C Shadow 86'

 

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My Shadow, when it was black

 


Data Sheet:

Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Engine: Water-cooled, 4stroke SOHC, Vtwin
Bore and stroke: 87,5 x 91,4 mm
Displacement: 1099 cc
Compression:9,0:1
Valve train:Hi-vo multi-link drive chain, OHC
Maximum horsepower:78,4
Maximum torque:101 Nm
Maximum Speed: 195 km/h
Weight: 262 kg
Manufacture Date: 1986 (since 1994 in Germany)

 
Americans have a long-standing passion for V-twin motorcycles, and for good reason. The V-twin engine offers a classic look and feel and an easily accessible power delivery that's typically biased toward strong low-end and mid-range punch. In short, V-twins are fun to ride. In 1983, Honda tapped into that passion in a way no other Japanese manufacturer had by designing purpose-built cruisers: first, the VT750C Shadow, followed by a Shadow 500 model. They were an instant hit, selling an amazing 37,000 units in their first year. Two years later in 1985, Honda pumped up the volume with the largest-displacement V-twin custom cruiser offered by any Japanese manufacturer: The 1099cc VT1100C Shadow 1100, an impressive big-inch custom that relied on the tried and true formula established by its smaller stablemates. The big Shadow featured a then-conventional steel-tube frame with twin shocks, hydraulic front disc brake and rear drum brake and a relaxed riding position. The new powerplant likewise employed many of the technical features that debuted on the 750 and 500. The 1100's liquid-cooled 45-degree V-twin also utilized Honda's innovative and unique solution to the vibration that had come to be accepted as part of a V-motor's marching orders. The engineers came up with an offset dual-crankpin design that provided perfect primary balance. Likewise, the big Shadow featured three-valve cylinder heads with Honda's exclusive Hydraulic Valve Clearance Adjusters, electronic ignition and shaft drive technology that promised custom V-twin performance and style, but with the low maintenance expected of a Honda. Of course, a new engine offered opportunities for innovation as well, and Honda engineers blazed a few new trails with the 1100's engine. A big-bore V-twin needs an especially stout clutch to handle its strong power pulses, but Honda wanted neither the sheer physical size of a heavy-duty clutch, nor the heavy-rate springs that would yield a stiff pull at the lever. Instead they came up with an innovative hydraulic clutch-spring-assist mechanism. Engineers also devised a clever camshaft-mounted sensor that killed the waste spark normally delivered by the ignition. This eliminated the backfiring often associated with big-inch V-twin engines during deceleration. A small clutch placed in the starter reduction gears also prevented kickback during starting. The Shadow 1100 was a bold step forward, for Honda and the motorcycle industry and market. It's also one that found favor with the enthusiast press.

...America, this is the motorcycle you have wanted. ... The Shadow is the most important Japanese motorcycle of the year in the United States. ... By virtue of the VT's many attractions as a full-blown cruiser, Honda didn't need a crystal ball to predict the future success of the 1100 Shadow, and we don't either. "Cycle (June, 1985) "
... It's easy to predict that Honda will have no difficulty selling the 1100 Shadows that roll off of the Marysville, Ohio, assembly lines each day. "Cycle World (June, 1985) "

... Cruisers ... have become increasingly specialized. ... And, once again,a Honda Shadow sits at the forefront of this latest trend. "Cycle Guide (June, 1985)

What's more, the virtues that made the original Shadow 1100 such a runaway sales success are still present and accounted for in Honda's 2001 Shadow Spirit. It's a testimony to the fundamental rightness of Honda's original design vision for the 1100. After almost two decades, the Shadow 1100 keeps finding new customers. Which just goes to show that while American riders love their V-twins, they reserve a special place in their heart for Honda's big Shadow.

 

The Shadow Years

by Bob Maynard

The inntroduction of the first "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 the best
bike Honda has made to
date.

1983

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. 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. The engine is a 749cc SOHC 3-valve Liquid Cooled V-Twin with a six-speed
shaft drive transmission.

1984

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. 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. 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.

1985

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.

1986

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.

1987

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.

1988

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.

1989

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.

1990

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.

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.

1992

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.

1993

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.

Source: Honda Motorcycle Identification Guide; American Honda