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 1980 BMW R80G/S, hailing from Germany, by contrast offered 798cc of OHV flat-twin power, delivering 50hp at 6500rpm. Tipping the scales at 186.0kg (410 lbs) with a top speed of 165km/h (103 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 | 1980 BMW R80G/S | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 749 cc | 798 cc |
| Power | 55 hp | 50 hp |
| Torque | 56.0 Nm | 52.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/h | 165 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 226.0 kg | 186.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 246.0 kg | 200.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 740 mm | 850 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1530 mm | 1465 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 21.5 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 1980 BMW R80G/S targets off-road capability and adventure riding. On paper, the 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow's 55hp trumps the 1980 BMW R80G/S's 50hp, 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 1980 BMW R80G/S for off-road capability and adventure riding.
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 1980 BMW R80G/S
The 1980 1980 BMW R80G/S packs a 798cc OHV flat-twin engine with 50hp into a dual-sport package from BMW.
Full 1980 BMW R80G/S Profile →