VT500C Custom
VT500C Shadow
1983-86

491cc OHC liquid-cooled V-twin, 6-speed, shaft-drive.

The first year model of the VT500C Shadow, introduced in 1983, featured chrome side panels and black engine covers. The headlight was chrome and rectangular, plus a single horn. The 1984 model had the fuel tank and rear fenders painted the same. 

For 1985 the VT500C featured a round chrome headlamp and dual horns. A two piece seat with an integrated backrest was also incorporated. The engine covers were now polished chrome and the fins enlarged. Plus, the "Honda" tank decal was curved instead of straight. The 86 VT500C remained virtually the same.
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VT600C Shadow VLX
1988-08

583cc OHC liquid-cooled V-twin, 4-speed, shaft-drive.

The VT600C Shadow, also known as the VLX, featured a V-twin engine from the Transalp model but with a 4-speed transmission, single-shock softail-style rear suspension and spoke wheels.  

The VLX is the initials for V-twin and lowered plus an X for extended rake. The VT600C was produced in Brazil from 1998 to 2005. Brazilian model Honda Shadow VLX has a five-speed transmission. 

From 1993 the VT600C became available in Europe inc the UK.
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VT700C Shadow
1984-87

694cc OHC liquid-cooled V-twin, 6-speed, shaft-drive.

Introduced in 1984 exclusively for the North American markets in response to tariffs on over 700cc Japanese motorcycles. Honda simply reduced the VT750C engine bore size by 3mm to create the smaller displacement. For 1986 the frame and appearance of the VT700C was altered, this included lowering the seat, increasing the wheelbase, amending the rake and trail, changing from dual front disc brake to single disk, replacing ten-spoke with five-spoke cast wheels as well as other minor changes. The final year 1987 model remained the same with just new colours. 
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VT750C Shadow
1983-87

749cc OHC liquid-cooled V-twin, 6-speed, shaft-drive.

Launched in late 1982 for the US markets the VT750C Shadow was propelled by a then all-new liquid-cooled 4-stroke carburettor SOHC 3-valve 45-degree V-twin engine featuring very advanced technology for the time. US Cycle magazine said: "This 750 twin is built around what is arguably the most technologically sophisticated Vee ever designed." 

The VT750C Shadow featured classic American cruiser styling with a teardrop fuel tank (plus a hidden sub-tank to increase capacity), a low height two-piece seat with sissy bar and backrest, cruiser handlebar, cast wheels, chrome front fender, round head lamp and instrument casings, large rake angle and angle-cut mufflers. 

Whilst continuing in other markets, the VT750C was only available in the USA for one year being replaced by the VT700C in 1984 and VT800C in 1988.
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VT750C2 Shadow
1997-01
 
749cc OHC liquid-cooled V-twin, 4-speed, shaft-drive.

With two-tone paint the VT750C became available from 1997 across Europe and other markets such as Australia. Different from the later 2007 on North American model. It gets confusing! 

Price at introduction:
£6,269.00 (UK, 1997)
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VT800C Shadow
1988

798cc OHC liquid-cooled V-twin, 4-speed, shaft-drive.

For the sixth year of the Shadow series Honda introduced the VT800C Shadow in 1988. The engine had a 5.1 mm longer stroke, but was otherwise the same as the VT750C. Other significant differences was its 4-speed transmission and spoke wheels that required tubed tyres!

Produced only for North America and just for the one year, the 1988 VT800C Shadow had a new look, with more chrome plating along with two-toned paint on the fuel tank and fenders. 
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VT1100C Shadow
1985-2007

1,099cc OHC liquid-cooled V-twin, 5-speed (4-speed), shaft-drive.

The VT1100C Shadow was launched in 1985 and production ended in 2007. There were minimal changes during its 22-year run.

The 45 degree V-twin engine featured chain-driven SOHC with 3-valves and 2 spark plugs per cylinder. The valves are hydraulically actuated, requiring minimal maintenance. Dual 36mm diaphragm-type CV carburettors and solid state digital ignition. This model came with shaft-drive and either a 5-speed manual transmission (1985-1986, 1995-2007) or a 4 speed manual transmission (1987-1994). 

During its life-span the VT1100C had a number of model designations:

- VT1100C Shadow, 1985-94 (sometimes called "Classic")
- VT1100C, 1997-07 Spirit models
- VT1100C2, 1995-99 American Classic Edition (ACE)
- VT1100C2, 2000-07 Sabre models
- VT1100C3, 1998-02 Aero models
- VT1100T,  1998-01 ACE Tourer models.
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