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The 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow and 1988 BMW R100GS are both products of the 1980s era, each taking a different approach to two-wheeled excitement.
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 1988 BMW R100GS, hailing from Germany, by contrast offered 980cc of OHV flat-twin power, delivering 60hp at 6500rpm. Tipping the scales at 195.0kg (430 lbs) with a top speed of 175km/h (109 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 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 1988 BMW R100GS, hailing from Germany, by contrast offered 980cc of OHV flat-twin power, delivering 60hp at 6500rpm. Tipping the scales at 195.0kg (430 lbs) with a top speed of 175km/h (109 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 | 1988 BMW R100GS | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 749 cc | 980 cc |
| Power | 55 hp | 60 hp |
| Torque | 56.0 Nm | 56.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 226.0 kg | 195.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 246.0 kg | 213.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 740 mm | 860 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1530 mm | 1504 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 26.0 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 1988 BMW R100GS targets off-road capability and adventure riding. On paper, the 1988 BMW R100GS's 60hp 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 1988 BMW R100GS 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 1988 BMW R100GS
A dual-sport from 1988, the 1988 BMW R100GS delivers 60hp from its 980cc OHV flat-twin engine.
Full 1988 BMW R100GS Profile →