Honda VT 750 Shadow Spirit Black

Introduction

American-style custom cruisers have a strong appeal for European riders. As well as a low seat height and easy riding style, they come with a rebellious attitude and a style that sets their owners apart from the crowd.The Honda Custom range comes with extra-low seats, sensational V-twin engines and clean, maintenance-free drive shafts. Our cruisers are built for laid-back, easy riding. Featuring authentic styling, they are also extremely good value to own and run, inspiring all kinds of riders, from entry-level to seasoned bikers, to take to the open road.

In 2007 we launched the popular VT750DC Shadow Spirit. Based on the VT750 Shadow, it took similar design cues from classic cruiser tradition. However, the Shadow Spirit took the concepta step further with more traditional street rod styling, a leaner, meaner profile and a riding position that submerged the rider deep down in the bike for a thrilling experience of the engine's power. A new PGM-FI fuel injection system intensified the ride while improving fuel efficiency and emissions, and a large 17" front wheel gave it an unmistakable presence on the street.

In 2010 Honda proudly introduces the Black Spirit, an intense variation on the Shadow Spirit theme with authentic bobber styling and a pure, minimalistic spirit. In one basic colour, its bold character comes to the fore, making its beefy performance and easy ownership all the more pleasurable.

Development Concept

The Shadow 750 Black Spirit is based around a low, triangular profile that places the rider in the middle of the ride, and is accentuated with exclusive styling details. Proven technologies ease handling and usability, and deliver a highly involving yet relaxed ride. The fuel injection system is tuned for smooth, responsive control, allowing riders to enjoy the engine's power. The maintenance-free shaft drive and reliable liquid-cooled engine mean stress-free ownership.

Riding the Shadow 750 Black Spirit is a stirring experience, and its aggressive attitude and streetwise confidence create its own authority on the street.

The power at the heart of the Shadow 750 Black Spirit is supplied by the same 750cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine used in the Shadow Spirit. Its delivery is tuned for deep, rumbling pulses of power and torque. Accessibility and dependability are also essential to the Black Spirit experience, and the fuel injection system has been developed for quick throttle response and maximum fuel economy.

For its design inspiration the Shadow 750 Black Spirit goes back to its custom roots. Its clipped rear fender, triangulated profile, blacked out details and thumping engine acknowledge a heritage that reaches back for decades.

Styling

To true custom bike aficionados, style is important and any lapse in attention to detail is unforgivable. The Shadow 750 Black Spirit is a perfectly turned-out celebration of an iconic style and culture. From its bobbed tail to its assertive front wheel, every contour is carefully styled. Its bold, kicked-out forks and raised handlebars provide the point of focus from which it leans back into a long, tapered tank.

The instrument panel is placed on top of the gleaming tank. It features a large, easily readable speedometer dial, a compact assembly of practical gauges and indicator lights and an eye-catching silver-painted cover. The seat is easily the lowest in the 750cc cruiser class and creates a deep riding position that allows an easy reach to the grips and a laid-back cruiser feel. This is not a motorbike to be messed with.

Colouring Concept

The 2010 Shadow 750 Black Spirit is available in only one colour, a menacing Graphite Black which is highlighted by a number of exclusive trims and details. As well as the fenders, tank and seat, the short, semi-drag-style handlebars receive a new black colouring. The tail-light, headlight, air cleaner cover and rear shocks are also black. The centrepiece is a striking, black-painted engine with cast-in fins that give it a traditional air-cooled look. These features present a strong contrast to the luxuriously gleaming silver of the dual muffler, front forks and custom-look rear fender struts. The overall image is sophisticated and clean-cut.

• Graphite Black

Engine

The liquid-cooled 52° V-twin engine powering the Shadow 750 Black Spirit is a time-proven standard of Honda excellence, essentially the same configuration that provides strong, dependable power to all our 750cc V-twin cruisers. Its compact shape allows the frame's central backbone to be lowered, facilitating the cruiser's long-and-low profile. The engine features a long-stroke, single-pin crankshaft configuration and optimal mass to enhance the feel of its low rpm torque peak. Efficient combustion and instant power thrusts are provided by SOHC three-valve cylinder heads with dual spark plugs, while close-ratio transmission delivers strong, exhilarating acceleration from anywhere in the engine's power range. The sensation of strong, direct power delivery to the rear wheel is down to the machine's enclosed shaft final drive. Requiring only minimal maintenance, the shaft drive operates smoothly and quietly while enhancing the feel of the engine's power.

Like the Shadow Spirit, the Black Spirit is equipped with a highly developed Honda PGM-FI fuel injection system, featuring an idle air control valve which precisely controls incoming air for smooth idling operation. The system ensures easy starting, instant throttle response and smooth, satisfying thrusts of acceleration. With accurate fuel flow monitoring, efficiency is also optimised, keeping both emissions and fuel consumption low.

The impressive chrome-plated dual shotgun exhaust pipes that accentuate the length of the Black Spirit chassis are more than just a visual accent on its street rod styling. They also pump out an exhilarating sound that combines with the throbbing feel of the engine to create an exciting ride sensation.

Each exhaust pipe is fitted with an oxygen sensor that feeds data tothe fuel injection system's ECU and a HECS3 (Honda Evolutional Catalyser System) low emissions system. This strictly regulates exhaust gases while still maintaining the engine's capable performance and thrilling sound.

Chassis

The engine's power is contained in a slim, lightweight and rigid double-cradle steel frame that is both responsive and easy to handle. A large-diameter single tube backbone and pressed steel pivot plates combine in a low overall chassis height, allowing for low tank and seat positioning. The seat rails and chopped rear fender are supported by a cast sub-frame. The frame design is an important contributor to the sensational ride quality, transmitting enough primary vibration to maximise enjoyment of the engine's performance without allowing it to become uncomfortable.

The extended 41mm front fork and 17" front wheel create a remarkably responsive and comfortable package. On the left side, the shaft drive is integrated with the swingarm adding to the clean and simple look. The exposed rear shock absorbers are tilted forward, providing progressive damping and a comfortable ride with precise control. A fat 160mm rear tyre emphasises the sporty custom styling as well as adding to comfort. The powerful brakes perform with smooth efficiency. A large-diameter 296mm front disc with a responsive dual-piston caliper is paired with a conventional 180mm leading/trailing drum brake at the rear.

Equipment

The Shadow 750 Black Spirit is equipped with the Honda Ignition Security System (HISS). This disables the engine at the heart of its digital ignition system, allowing ignition only with one of its two original keys and preventing starting by hot-wiring. An LED indicator on the instrument panel warns off potential thieves.

Optional equipment

Honda Access will offer a full range of customised accessories for the new VT750C2B Black Spirit, complementing its highly developed styling, comfort and versatility.