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In 1988, the [[Yamaha XV535]] beat the Honda VT600 Shadow into the market. The former turned out to be more popular than the latter; it had less customer appeal Nevertheless, Honda was no stranger to the world of medium-capacity custom bikes. In 1979 it had launched the [[Honda CX500C|CX500 Custom]], followed by the [[Honda VT500C|VT500C]], which gave way in 1987 to the Shadow. This time, [[Honda]] didn't do things by halves, presenting a genuine Low Rider whose specification lacked for nothing. | In 1988, the [[Yamaha XV535]] beat the Honda VT600 Shadow into the market. The former turned out to be more popular than the latter; it had less customer appeal Nevertheless, Honda was no stranger to the world of medium-capacity custom bikes. In 1979 it had launched the [[Honda CX500C|CX500 Custom]], followed by the [[Honda VT500C|VT500C]], which gave way in 1987 to the Shadow. This time, [[Honda]] didn't do things by halves, presenting a genuine Low Rider whose specification lacked for nothing. | ||
==Looking the Part== | ==Looking the Part== | ||
With its tiny (0.3 gallon) tear drop tank, sparkling bodywork, softly curving dual seat and a V-twin engine, the Shadow looked great. However, its all-American look concealed the latest Japanese technology. Though it appeared to have a rigid frame, in fact it possessed an effective cantilever suspension. The 52-degree v-twin had offset cranks rather than the more common forked connecting | With its tiny (0.3 gallon) tear drop tank, sparkling bodywork, softly curving dual seat and a V-twin engine, the Shadow looked great. However, its all-American look concealed the latest Japanese technology. Though it appeared to have a rigid frame, in fact it possessed an effective cantilever suspension. The 52-degree v-twin had offset cranks rather than the more common forked [[connecting rod]]s in the interest of the best possible balance, and a single overhead camshaft per cylinder controlled three valves, a favorite technology of Honda's since the [[Honda CB400T|CB400T]] of 1978. It was the secret of the excellent torque of the engine, which meant that four speeds were sufficient. | ||
==Modifications== | ==Modifications== |