Honda VT 750C Shadow Phantom

The Shadow® Phantom delivers on a minimalist concept with a uniquely clean and uncluttered look accented by an extensive blackout treatment, bringing motorcyclists back to the core essence of cool.

With a torquey 745cc V-twin engine featuring the convenience of sophisticated Programmed Fuel Injection, the Shadow Phantom brings the joy of back-to-basics riding within reach of just about every rider.

Features/Benefits

o Minimal bodywork and extensive blacked-out and matte finishes.
o New handlebar shape enhances bobber styling.
o 745cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine produces impressive power over a broad rpm range.
o Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) incorporates a single 34mm-diameter throttle body.
o Incredibly low 25.7-inch seat height.
o Sturdy and responsive 41mm front fork features large-diameter matte-finished shrouds and large billet-aluminum triple-clamp for a distinctive look, neutral handling and a plush 4.6 inches of wheel travel.
o Dual-shock rear suspension features five-position spring preload adjustability and 3.5 inches of wheel travel for a smooth ride.
o Available in Black.

Honda Genuine Accessories
Backrest with Pad (two styles: Tall and Low), Rear Carrier, Backrest/Carrier, Boulevard Screen, Custom Leather Seat, Solo Rider Rear Carrier, Cycle Cover, Front Pouch, Synthetic Leather Saddlebags.
 

Cycle World Review

It's a nice enough little cruiser, it really is, and it runs great, too, thanks to it being the first small Shadow to benefit from fuel injection: Hit the button in the morning and you're ready to roll pronto and hiccup-free, with a reasonably rumbly accompaniment.

It's even pretty cool-looking, with blacked-out components and fat tires riding wire-spoked wheels at both ends. Why, you could almost mistake this metric for a real... Wait, don't say "a real Harley;" the metric guys hate that. But in this case, since Honda wants a $1K premium for the "all-new" 2010 Shadow Phantom, you can't not compare it to a Sportster 883 Iron. MSRP of each is $7999, and while Honda's known for technological innovation, Harley injected the Sportsters way back in aught-seven (and did an excellent job of it).

The Phantom does have a lower seat, which is a thing cruiser builders trip all over themselves to achieve, maybe because it looks cool, or maybe because in this case, "low seat" is code for "chick bike." Every manufacturer wants to court the ladies, and if you're new to motorcycling or a small person, it's really easy to stay in ground contact on the Phantom. In fact, it's just a friendly little all-around puppy of a motorcycle that goes, turns and stops perfectly fine—better than most of its breed, even.

While 745cc aren't quite enough to really light up the back tire or anything, the Phantom rumbles nicely along at 65, feels a little busy at 80 and buzzy beyond there—though it will pull itself up past the ton given room. The littlest Shadow's three-valve-per-cylinder, 52-degree, liquid-cooled Twin revs nice and smooth in the lower gears and beats the pants off cars. There's not a lot of acceleration, but Honda seems to have figured out how to sneak what sounds like more than the legal amount of noise past the gatekeepers, and maybe that's more important? Anyway, slightly slow is the way to go since, according to the Los Angeles Times, the Governator now wants to install speed sensors in 500 of SoCal's red-light cameras to write an estimated 2.4 million speeding tickets per annum and help make up the budget shortfall. Maybe decibel meters will be next?

The seat feels nice enough and the bolster's in the right place if you're around 5-foot-8 or so, though tall riders might feel cramped. The passenger seat's good for skinny asses and short hops. Those with bladder-control problems should consult their physicians before riding on back of the Phantom; big bumps deliver solid blows to the hindquarters. If you just don't want a Harley—and a lot of people don't—then the Phantom's a great choice. It does reign supreme in fuel capacity: 3.9 gallons and around 47 observed mpg means you shouldn't get stuck in the middle of nowhere.