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The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow and 1982 Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide II are both iconic 1980s cruisers that defined their respective markets.
The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow from Japan was powered by a 491cc OHV V-twin producing 48hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 190.0kg (419 lbs) and with a seat height of 730mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1982 Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide II, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1338cc of OHV V-twin Shovelhead power, delivering 65hp at 5000rpm. Tipping the scales at 260.0kg (573 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.
The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow from Japan was powered by a 491cc OHV V-twin producing 48hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 190.0kg (419 lbs) and with a seat height of 730mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1982 Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide II, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1338cc of OHV V-twin Shovelhead power, delivering 65hp at 5000rpm. Tipping the scales at 260.0kg (573 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
| 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow | 1982 Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide II | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 491 cc | 1338 cc |
| Power | 48 hp | 65 hp |
| Torque | 39.0 Nm | 100.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 165 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 190.0 kg | 260.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 208.0 kg | 282.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 730 mm | 700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1480 mm | 1530 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 12.0 L | 15.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure cruiser performance, the 1982 Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide II has the edge thanks to more power (65hp vs 48hp) and a higher top speed. The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow, however, excels when relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort is the priority. For collectors, the 1982 Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide II commands more attention with a 5/10 collectibility rating.
About the 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow
The 1984 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow packs a 491cc OHV V-twin engine with 48hp into a cruiser package from Honda.
Full 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow Profile →About the 1982 Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide II
Harley-Davidson released the 1982 Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide II in 1982 with a 1338cc OHV V-twin Shovelhead powerplant making 65hp — a definitive cruiser.
Full 1982 Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide II Profile →