VS
The 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow and 1996 Yamaha Royal Star both compete in the cruiser segment, offering riders distinct interpretations of the formula.
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 1996 Yamaha Royal Star by contrast offered 1294cc of OHV V-4 power, delivering 75hp at 4750rpm. Tipping the scales at 303.0kg (668 lbs) with a top speed of 160km/h (99 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 1996 Yamaha Royal Star by contrast offered 1294cc of OHV V-4 power, delivering 75hp at 4750rpm. Tipping the scales at 303.0kg (668 lbs) with a top speed of 160km/h (99 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 | 1996 Yamaha Royal Star | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 749 cc | 1294 cc |
| Power | 55 hp | 75 hp |
| Torque | 56.0 Nm | 110.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/h | 160 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 226.0 kg | 303.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 246.0 kg | 328.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 740 mm | 720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1530 mm | 1650 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 17.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure cruiser performance, the 1983 Honda VT750 Shadow has the edge thanks to a higher top speed and lower weight. The 1996 Yamaha Royal Star, however, excels when relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort is the priority.
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 1996 Yamaha Royal Star
The 1996 1996 Yamaha Royal Star is a 1294cc four-cylinder cruiser that became one of Yamaha's most memorable motorcycles of the 1990s.
Full 1996 Yamaha Royal Star Profile →