The Honda Shadow refers to a family of cruiser-type motorcycles made by Honda since 1983. The Shadow line features motorcycles with a liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin ranging from 125cc to 1800cc engine displacement. The 250cc Honda Rebel is associated with the Shadow line in certain markets.
1100cc VT Class
The "VT1100C" model was introduced in 1985 and available in either a two-tone Black and Red or Black and Silver tank with black fenders. The side cover is black with an aluminum insert. The "Shadow" side cover decal is gold. The dual horns are still located on the front and turning indicators are square shaped. Fuel and temperature gauges are located on the tank.
The new engine is a 1099cc SOHC Liquid Cooled V-Twin with a 5-speed, shaft drive transmission for 1985 and 1986. "VT1100C" 1986 model was available in either Black or a two-toned Black and Silver tank. The side cover is black with an aluminum insert. The "Shadow" side cover decal was changed to silver. The engine is the same as the 1985 model.
The "VT1100C" model took on a brand-new look for 1987 with a lower 26-inch-high (660 mm) seat, a longer 65-inch (1,700 mm) wheelbase, a large 3.44-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 1988.
The engine is a 1099 cc SOHC 4-stroke, liquid cooled V-twin with a 4-speed, shaft drive transmission. Visually, the VT1100C matched most of the styling cues of the Harley-Davidson FXDWG Wide Glide. The "VT1100C" model changed colors for 1989 as was available 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 "VT1100C" model was not manufactured in 1991. 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 "VT1100C" returned in 1992 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 bear a "Made in the USA" stamp. This year all bikes had the California option of an emissions control device mounted below the radiator.
