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The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow and 1988 Yamaha XV535 Virago 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 1988 Yamaha XV535 Virago by contrast offered 535cc of OHV V-twin power, delivering 44hp at 7500rpm. Tipping the scales at 195.0kg (430 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 Yamaha XV535 Virago by contrast offered 535cc of OHV V-twin power, delivering 44hp at 7500rpm. Tipping the scales at 195.0kg (430 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 Yamaha XV535 Virago | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 491 cc | 535 cc |
| Power | 48 hp | 44 hp |
| Torque | 39.0 Nm | 42.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 155 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 190.0 kg | 195.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 208.0 kg | 212.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 730 mm | 740 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1480 mm | 1490 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 12.0 L | 12.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure cruiser performance, the 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow has the edge thanks to more power (48hp vs 44hp) and lower weight. The 1988 Yamaha XV535 Virago, however, excels when relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort is the priority.
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 Yamaha XV535 Virago
Introduced in 1988, the 1988 Yamaha XV535 Virago features a 535cc OHV V-twin engine producing 44hp, establishing itself as a notable cruiser.
Full 1988 Yamaha XV535 Virago Profile →