| | | | First look: 2007 Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit |  Written: 20/09/2006 : 11:38. Read 9718 times (13/day). | American Custom cruisers remain a popular segment of Europe’s diverse motorcycle market, and appeal to many riders with their easy-riding style and performance, reasonable purchase price and low running costs compared to other motorcycle of the same comparable displacement.
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Introduction
The highest power figures or and the fastest acceleration are never the main points of interest with this segment, as looks and feel have always been the cruiser’s prime attractions. Although Honda does have some impressively powerful examples in its line-up, cruisers are really more about sitting back and enjoying the easy pleasures and sensations of the open road… and looking good while doing it.
Introducing the Cool and Sporty Cruiser
Long and low, sleek and mean, the new Shadow Spirit takes Honda’s VT750C concept another big step in the direction of fun and wild. Featuring a tall and slim 21" front wheel and the lowest seat in its class, the new Shadow Spirit’s looks are pure cruising excitement. Its time-tested liquid-cooled V-twin engine features new fuel injection and an impressive pair of shotgun exhaust pipes for both the look and dynamic feel of pulsating V-twin power. Combining eye-catching style and a laid-back ride with strong performance and proven Honda reliability, the new Shadow Spirit delivers the best look and the best fit at the best value money can buy.
Engine
The new VT750C Shadow Spirit is powered by an old stalwart in the Honda stable of engines, a responsive and hard accelerating liquid-cooled 52° V-twin with some new technological touches that bring it right up to date. Essentially the same unit that has provided strong, dependable power to all Honda’s 750cc V-twin cruisers over the years, its SOHC three-valve cylinder heads mount dual spark plugs for assured combustion efficiency and an instant thrust of power. The long-stroke single-pin crankshaft engine configuration combines with extra crankshaft and ACG mass to provide a solid, staggered feel of power pulses and a lower rpm torque peak that enhances the feeling of V-twin power. Large-diameter main shaft and journals provide greater structural strength and ensured reliability.
This engine also contributes to the new Shadow Spirit’s longer and lower proportions, with shorter heads allowing the frame’s central backbone to be lowered along with its seat and fuel tank. Its one-piece aluminium cylinders feature cast-in fins despite it being liquid cooled to provide a traditional air-cooled look that also contributes to the attractive uncluttered simplicity of its design.
New PGM-FI Electronic Fuel Injection System
In the interests of achieving smoother, stronger performance, more dependable starting, improved fuel economy and cleaner emissions to meet current EURO-3 exhaust emissions regulations, the new VT750C Shadow Spirit has been equipped with Honda’s latest PGM-FI fuel injection system. The system’s compact single 42mm throttle body is equipped with an idle air control valve (IACV), which minutely controls the volume of incoming air to maintain ultra-smooth idling operation. It then feeds the air intake to the cylinders through dual forked downdraft manifolds each equipped with a single fuel injector mounted high for a straight shot down the intake ports. Response is smooth and predictable, and performance comes alive with a satisfying surge of throbbing acceleration from deep in the engine’s powerband, reacting with instant authority to each twist of the throttle. Accurate monitoring of fuel flow also assures low fuel consumption for longer rides between fill-ups.
Of course, high revs and peak power figures are simply not what cruising is about, so the engine’s enhanced low-to-midrange performance and close-ratio transmission combines with a quiet and smooth shaft drive to deliver a deeply satisfying surge of acceleration from anywhere in its wide powerband.
Quiet, Maintenance-Free Shaft Final Drive
The new Shadow Spirit also features the smooth and silent operation of enclosed shaft final drive rather than the chain final drive found on most cruisers in its class. Shaft drive also offers cleaner operation with minimal maintenance—and its related grime and hassle—to detract from the pleasure of owning and riding this superb new custom cruiser. The Shadow Spirit’s shaft drive system also contributes to a more impressive sensation of the engine’s power pulses, while providing a more direct delivery of power to the tyre for a more impressive-feeling surge of acceleration.
Dual Shotgun Exhaust System Produces Low Emissions
Glistening in thick polished chrome, the new Shadow Spirit’s eye-catching dual staggered shotgun exhaust pipes reach back alongside the engine and rear chassis to provide a powerful visual accent on the bike’s mean street rod looks, combining the attractive lines and sound of hard-charging boulevard cruising performance.
Each of these two pipe is equipped with its own oxygen sensor feeding back information to the fuel injections system’s ECU, and a 300-cell catalyser element. Both of components play integral roles in the Shadow Spirit’s new HECS3 low emissions system and its full compliance with strict new EURO-3 emissions regulations while still maintaining strong performance and a distinctive sound. A radiator bypass thermostat helps the engine heat up quickly to ensure optimal catalyser temperatures for the most efficient neutralisation of harmful exhaust gasses.
Chassis
Representing a new generation of Honda’s popular line of ‘Long and Low’ American Custom cruisers, the new Shadow Spirit offers riders the lowest seat height available in a large-displacement cruiser, and at 652mm, its new one-piece gunfighter seat is certainly the lowest in the 750cc class. Combining with its semi-drag-type handlebars and its easy reach to the ground, the Spirit providing a laid-back cruising experience without peer.
At the heart of this design is a lightweight and rigid double-cradle steel frame constructed around a large-diameter round-section single tube backbone and pressed steel pivot plates that combine to lower the overall height of the chassis, and by extension the fuel tank and seat. The design also features a cast sub-frame for the seat rails supporting the Spirit’s sleek new bobbed rear fender.
Suspension, Wheels and Brakes
The new Shadow Spirit handles as good as it looks. Its extended 41mm telescopic front fork is coupled to an eye-catching large-diameter 21" wheel for responsive handling and a relaxed ride, and its 115mm of compliant axle travel comfortably soaks up the bumps to ensure confident control in virtually all riding situations.
The Shadow Spirit’s rigid rear swingarm integrates its drive shaft into the left-side arm for a clean look, as well as clean and quiet operation. The absence of a drive chain also eliminates the need for a chain guard, thus offering a simpler an more attractive overall look. Rear suspension duties are handled by an attractive pair of chrome-plated conventional dampers, which are tilted forward for more progressive damping that maintains both a comfortable ride and precise control. Both rear dampers offer five steps of spring preload adjustment to ensure the best setup for weight and riding conditions.
Like the Shadow 750, the new Shadow Spirit rides on a fat 160/80–15 rear tyre that presents a wide footprint for both impressive looks and confident control. Up front, its large 21" chrome-plated rim mounts a slim 90/90–21 tyre for light and sure handling to match its impressive look, and is stopped by a large-diameter 296mm drilled disc mated to a responsive dual-piston calliper for strong and confident braking control. At the rear, a conventional 180mm leading/trailing drum brake works to slow things down in a hurry.
Honda Ignition Security System (HISS)
The new Shadow Spirit will also be equipped with Honda’s highly effective HISS (Honda Ignition Security System) for effective prevention against rideaway theft. The Shadow Spirit’s ignition switch is programmed to accept only the two keys that are originally supplied with each machine. Since the engine is totally disabled at the very heart of its digital ignition system, no other key can turn the switch or start the engine, and neither can the bike be hot-wired and ridden away. A blinking red indicator LED on the Shadow’s tank-mounted instrument panel warns off potential thieves with an attention getting display.
Optional Equipment
The new Shadow Spirit will also be equipped with an extensive selection of optional accessories, which have been specially designed by Honda Access Corporation for the finest in fit and finish. Among other offerings, these accessories include.
• A pillion backrest and carrier that enhances both pillion passenger comfort and convenience with a sturdy mount to lean on or load up.
• A large-coverage fork-mounted windscreen, which provides ample protection against the wind while featuring the attractive accent of chrome-plated stays.
• A handsome set of 18-litre black leather saddlebags with metal buckles, studs and chrome-plated mounting stays.
• A beautiful black leather tank belt which provides a stylish accent and features a small built-in pocket for extra riding convenience.
• A large-capacity 17-litre leather top case which locks onto the rear carrier for secure transport. Its black leather finish is highlighted by polished buckles for an appropriately ‘western’ look.
• Chrome swingarm pivot covers which provide an attractive accent by covering the swingarm pivot area with shiny discs that have been meticulously buffed and polished for a smooth, long-lasting finish.
• A compact and handy leather handlebar pouch, which provides a convenient place to store tools or other small belongings.
• A chrome-plated radiator guard set which helps protect the radiator from damaging impacts while also dressing up the bike. 
• A durable, water-resistant cycle cover designed to protects bodywork against weather and the sun’s UV rays. Manufactured from breathable fabric which allows the vehicle to dry while covered, it features lower ties to keep the cover from flapping in the wind and damaging paint. Two holes built into the lower front edge facilitate the attachment of a U-lock.
Technical Specifications
Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 6-valve SOHC 52° V-twin
Displacement: 745cm3
Bore x Stroke : 79 x 76mm
Compression Ratio: 9.6: 1
Max. Power Output: 33.5kW/5,500min-1 (95/1/EC)
Max. Torque: 65.1Nm/3,500min-1 (95/1/EC)
Idling Speed: 1,200min-1
Oil Capacity: 3.2litres
Fuel System
Carburation: PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with automatic choke
Throttle Bore: 34mm
Aircleaner: Viscous, cartridge-type mesh net filter
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.6litres (including 3.6-litre reserve)
Electrical System
Ignition System: Fully transistorised electronic
Ignition Timing: 8° BTDC (idle) ~ 50° BTDC (5,500min-1)
Sparkplug Type: DPR7EA-9 (NGK); X22EPR-U9 (ND)
Starter: Electric
Battery Capacity: 12V/12AH
ACG Output: 399W
Headlight: 12V, 55W x 1 (low)/60W x 1 (high)
Drivetrain
Clutch: Wet, multiplate with coil springs
Clutch Operation: Mechanical; cable-actuated
Transmission Type: 5-speed
Primary Reduction: 1.763 (67/38)
Gear Ratios:
1: 2.400 (36/15)
2: 1.550 (31/20)
3: 1.174 (27/23)
4: 0.960 (24/25)
5: 0.852 (23/27)
Final Reduction: 3.091 (34/11)
Final Drive: Enclosed shaft
Frame
Type: Double-cradle; steel tube
Chassis
Dimensions: (LxWxH) 2,424 x 837 x 1,107mm
Wheelbase: 1,653mm
Caster Angle: 34° 30'
Trail: 158mm
Turning Radius: 3.4m
Seat Height: 652mm
Ground Clearance: 132mm
Dry Weight: 230.5kg
Kerb Weight: 248.3kg (F: 114.3kg; R: 134kg)
Max. Carrying Capacity: 180kg
Loaded Weight 438.5kg (F: 155.5kg; R: 283kg)
Suspension
Front: 41mm telescopic fork, 115mm axle travel
Rear: Dual conventional dampers with 5-step adjustable spring preload, 90mm axle travel
Wheels
Front: Chromed steel rim/wire spoke
Rear: Chromed steel rim/wire spoke
Rim Size
Front: 21M/C x MT2.15
Rear: 15M/C x MT3.5
Tyre Size
Front: 90/90-21M/C (54S)
Rear: 160/80-15M/C (74S)
Tyre Pressure
Front: 200kPa
Rear: 200kPa (with passenger: 250kPa)
Brakes
Front: 296 x 6mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston calliper and sintered metal pads
Rear: 180mm leading/trailing drum
All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.
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