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.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- OHV V-twin
- Displacement
- 491 cc
- Cylinders
- 2
- Power
- 48 hp @ 8500 rpm
- Torque
- 39.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 71.0 × 62.0 mm
- Cooling
- Water-cooled
- Fuel System
- 2x Keihin carburetors
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel double cradle
- Front Suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension
- Twin shock
- Front Brake
- Single disc
- Rear Brake
- Drum
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 5-speed
- Final Drive
- Shaft
Performance
- Top Speed
- 155 km/h (96 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 190 kg (419 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 208 kg (459 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 730 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1480 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 12.0 L
History & Story
In 1984, Honda launched the 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow — a cruiser that would come to define an era of motorcycling. Hailing from Japan, it combined Japan engineering with cruiser appeal.
The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow is motivated by a 491cc OHV V-twin twin-cylinder unit delivering 48hp at 8500 rpm. Breathing through 2x Keihin carburetors and kept cool by water-cooled, the engine drives through a 5-speed transmission with shaft final drive.
The chassis employs a steel double cradle frame with telescopic fork up front and twin shock at the rear. Stopping power comes from single disc front and drum rear brakes. Tipping the scales at 190 kg (419 lbs) dry, the 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow offers a manageable riding experience with a 1480 mm wheelbase.
Performance-wise, the 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow achieves a claimed top speed of 155 km/h (96 mph). With a fuel capacity of 12.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for cruiser duties. The seat height of 730 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow is motivated by a 491cc OHV V-twin twin-cylinder unit delivering 48hp at 8500 rpm. Breathing through 2x Keihin carburetors and kept cool by water-cooled, the engine drives through a 5-speed transmission with shaft final drive.
The chassis employs a steel double cradle frame with telescopic fork up front and twin shock at the rear. Stopping power comes from single disc front and drum rear brakes. Tipping the scales at 190 kg (419 lbs) dry, the 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow offers a manageable riding experience with a 1480 mm wheelbase.
Performance-wise, the 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow achieves a claimed top speed of 155 km/h (96 mph). With a fuel capacity of 12.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for cruiser duties. The seat height of 730 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
Known Issues
- Charging system can be weak on early models
- Rubber intake boots deteriorate with age
Fun Facts
- The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow was produced in Honda's Japan facilities
- The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow featured a steel double cradle frame typical of 1980s design philosophy
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Good
- Collector Rating
- 3/10
Resources & Parts
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