Shadow Phantom? I like the name and I like the looks. It almost seems like it was put out there as competition for the 883 Iron. Both are meant to be blacked out affordable cruisers with that bobbed and minimalist look. And I thought I wouldn't see anything from Honda that would impress me again. I've always loved the Shadow line and to see it slowly give way to the VTX made me cringe. I've never liked the VTX's styling and hated the demo rides I've had on them.
Specs:
(courtesy of Honda)
2010 Honda Shadow Phantom Specifications:
Model: VT750C2A
Engine Type: 745cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin
Bore and Stroke: 79mm x 76mm
Compression ratio: 9.6:1
Valve Train: SOHC; three valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, one 34mm throttle body
Ignition: CD with electronic advance, two spark plugs per cylinder
Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension
Front: 41mm fork; 4.6 inches travel
Rear: Dual shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability; 3.5 inches travel
Brakes
Front: Single 296mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Drum
Tires
Front: 120/90-17
Rear: 160/80-15
Wheelbase: 64.5 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 34o
Trail: 161mm (6.3 inches)
Seat Height: 25.7 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.9 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Colors: Black
Curb Weight*: 549 pounds
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel--ready to ride.
Gotta say...hate the rear drum brake, but I do like the bike.
4 comments:
Nice! This might be the first Honda cruiser I've been attracted to in over a decade. It has a great feeling to it.
I will quickly admit I have enjoyed every Honda Shadow I have been on and have quickly recommended them to anyone looking for a economical motorcycle that is reliable and enjoyable.
But, I must also agree on the brakes. It is 2009. Chevrolet started incorporating disc front brakes in 1971. Here we are 38 years later, and I have to ask why in the hell are we still seeing drum brakes on cars and motorcycles? If they want to employ drum brakes, they should have to also utilize points based ignition systems as they are both outdated, incredibly inferior, and horrible to maintain.
What's really funny is that the web page for the bike actually has a section for "innovations". You can click on a whole three dots worth of innovation to see just how innovative the bike is.
I think any of those "innovations" are soundly trumped by the fact that it has drum brakes.
It's definitely a very sharp machine, but like others, I gotta ask, what's up with the drum brakes!?!? I'd really like to see a larger displacement version of it though.
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