The 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow from Japan was powered by a 749cc OHV V-twin producing 55hp at 7500rpm. Weighing 226.0kg (498 lbs) and with a seat height of 740mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1974 Norton John Player Norton, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 828cc of OHV twin power, delivering 70hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 175.0kg (386 lbs) with a top speed of 215km/h (134 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow | 1974 Norton John Player Norton | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 749 cc | 828 cc |
| Power | 55 hp | 70 hp |
| Torque | 56.0 Nm | 65.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/h | 215 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 226.0 kg | 175.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 246.0 kg | 188.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 740 mm | 780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow is built for relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort, while the 1974 Norton John Player Norton targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1974 Norton John Player Norton's 70hp trumps the 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow's 55hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow if you value relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort; pick the 1974 Norton John Player Norton for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is good for the 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow and very difficult for the 1974 Norton John Player Norton — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow
A cruiser from 1983, the 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow delivers 55hp from its 749cc OHV V-twin engine.
Full 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow Profile →About the 1974 Norton John Player Norton
The 1974 1974 Norton John Player Norton is a 828cc twin-cylinder racing machine that became one of Norton's most memorable motorcycles of the 1970s.
Full 1974 Norton John Player Norton Profile →