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The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow and 1988 Honda NX650 Dominator represent two chapters in Honda's storied history.
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 1988 Honda NX650 Dominator by contrast offered 644cc of SOHC single RFVC power, delivering 44hp at 6000rpm. Tipping the scales at 163.0kg (359 lbs) with a top speed of 155km/h (96 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 1988 Honda NX650 Dominator by contrast offered 644cc of SOHC single RFVC power, delivering 44hp at 6000rpm. Tipping the scales at 163.0kg (359 lbs) with a top speed of 155km/h (96 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 | 1988 Honda NX650 Dominator | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 491 cc | 644 cc |
| Power | 48 hp | 44 hp |
| Torque | 39.0 Nm | 51.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 1 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 155 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 190.0 kg | 163.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 208.0 kg | 181.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 730 mm | 860 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1480 mm | 1490 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 12.0 L | 12.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two Honda machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow laid the groundwork with 48hp, while the later 1988 Honda NX650 Dominator pushed output to 44hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1988 Honda NX650 Dominator holds the edge with a 4/10 rating. Either way, both are worthy additions to any Honda collection.
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 1988 Honda NX650 Dominator
The 1988 1988 Honda NX650 Dominator is a 644cc single-cylinder dual-sport that became one of Honda's most memorable motorcycles of the 1980s.
Full 1988 Honda NX650 Dominator Profile →