![]() ![]() The Honda Sabre was considered the hot rod of the line up and the ACE being a modern reincarnation of the classic 50’s and 60’s cruisers was an early retro motorcycle. However, boring in my book doesn’t always mean ‘bad’, it can just mean that it might get lost in the crowd – which might suit some people anyway.Įach Shadow variation was just slightly different from the other with the Spirit models being inspired by old school choppers with a bobbed rear fender and pull back handlebars. It did air on the side of being conservative and maybe a bit too safe, it didn’t have an aggressive edge or anything to make it stand out against the competition.Īs is typical of Honda, you could say it was too good, too perfect, it exceeded the design brief and the bi-product of this meant it could be labelled as ‘boring’. The very first Shadow 1985-96 (also known as the Classic) played it safe in terms of styling, the proportions were all correct, lines were right, and it was a very like-able design. So while some may have considered Honda motorcycles to be just copies of the originals, I would argue that they were just doing what was popular in that market in that era for a specific (US) audience and offering an alternative option. The fact is however, that Honda wasn’t trying to hide the fact they were coming after all those in the cruiser market and there were specific styling cues that dictated that market. Various models that followed were more creative drawing on hot rod styling and custom bobber designs for inspiration. The consensus on release was that the first Honda Shadow 1100 was divisive in terms of styling, arguably relying a little too much on American inspiration and lacking some original character, some loved it but others wanted to see a bit more originality. In terms of design it was a completely classic cruiser, the intention was to make the appearance of the bike match the ‘made in America’ ethos along with the rumble of an authentic V-twin. Honda Shadow ACE (American Classic Edition) 1995-1999.The Shadow title was adopted by several models through the years: Key MilestonesĪmerican Classic Edition also known as ACE The model was received well, there was now an alternative V-twin available and despite being cheaper than the Harley Davidson competition, it was a serious bike, made in the USA with strict quality control and strong performance. The Honda Shadow 1100 was the biggest V-twin motorcycle from a Japan manufacturer launched in the US. The VT 1100 was developed (VT – V-twin) and was ready to compete with the big players from Harley Davidson on their own soil. Realizing this wasn’t a sustainable option the US lifted the import restrictions and in 1985 the Shadow 750 was back.Īs CycleWorld reported in 1984, the Shadow 700 had been the best-selling motorcycle in the US that year, Honda were on to something with the new V-twins.Īlongside the revived 750 was a new bigger, more serious motorcycle, a big 1100 V-twin. Honda responded by quickly producing a 700 cc version. ![]() In 1983 Honda launched the Honda Shadow 750 a middleweight cruiser directly targeting the US audience, the US quickly shut this down for a period of time though by placing restrictions on motorcycle imports 750 cc and over. Many Honda motorcycles have been deliberately designed and produced with the US market in mind, the Shadow is one of those model lines. Honda Shadow 1100 cruising with a Yamaha V Star 1100 ![]()
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