Honda VT1100C Shadow Sabre

Honda VT1100C Shadow Sabre
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	2000-04
Class	Cruiser
Engine	Four stroke, 45°V-Twin, OHC, 3 valves per cylinder.
Compression ratio	8.5:1
Ignition	Solid-state digital - two spark plugs per cylinder
Transmission	5 Speed
Suspension	Front: 41mm stanchions, 160mm wheel travel. Rear: Dual shocks, preload adjustable, 100mm wheel travel.
Brakes	Front: Single 315mm disc 2 piston caliper Rear: Single 276mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tire	120/90-18
Rear Tire	170/80-15
Wheelbase	1640 mm / 64.6 in
Seat Height	730 mm / 28.7 in
Weight	261.0 kg / 575.4 lbs (dry),
Oil Capacity	3.8 L / 4 US quarts
Recommended Oil	Honda GN4 10W-40
Fuel Capacity	15 Liters / 3.9 US gal
Manuals	Service Manual

Engine

The engine was a Liquid cooled cooled Four stroke, 45°V-Twin, OHC, 3 valves per cylinder.. The engine featured a 8.5:1 compression ratio.

Chassis

It came with a 120/90-18 front tire and a 170/80-15 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Single 315mm disc 2 piston caliper in the front and a Single 276mm disc 1 piston caliper in the rear. The front suspension was a 41mm stanchions, 160mm wheel travel. while the rear was equipped with a Dual shocks, preload adjustable, 100mm wheel travel.. The VT1100C Shadow Sabre was fitted with a 15 Liters / 3.9 US gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 261.0 kg / 575.4 lbs. The wheelbase was 1640 mm / 64.6 in long.

Photos

Overview

Honda VT 1100C Shadow Sabre

Honda introduces the 2000 Sabre to the press - we were there!The Sabre is Honda's new 1099cc, liquid-cooled, 45 degree, V-twin hot-rod cruiser for Y2K. As Honda calls it "a bold new street rod." The concept for this bike was developed by Honda years ago, but not put into full development until after the 1998 Bike Week in Daytona where a strong trend towards performance cruisers was visible. Built with new and existing parts, the new Sabre is built around an ACE frame and the same basic engine as the Spirit. The 1099cc V-twin engine is rubber mounted, has three valves and two plugs per cylinder and pumps out a claimed 64 bhp @ 5,500 rpm. Torque output is claimed to be 71.8 ft. lbs. @ 3,000 rpm. There are also some gearing changes and an advanced ignition curve for better roll-on performance. The first thing you'll notice when throwing a leg over the new Sabre is that the seat height is low, just 27.2 inches. The seating position is comfortable and the drag-bike inspired seat is isn't too wide nor too thin. The bars are low, wide and comfortable. Footpegs are forward mounted similar to Honda's other cruisers though they seemed a bit lower which we found a bit more comfortable than previous models. Shorter riders weren't quite sure how they liked the peg location. This Sabre is about performance, cruiser performance. This being the case, the natural question is how does the bike run. The answer is that it runs very well, though it doesn't posses the arm stretching power you'd expect from a company emphasizing power as much as Honda has. Aside from this, the Sabre's motor pulls smoothly and strong enough to allow for short-shifting and rolling on the power no matter what gear you've selected. The sounds produced by the bike are pleasurable though we'd like a little more exhaust note and a bit less intake noise. Even though this bike is supposed to be about power, what struck us most about the new bike is it's seemingly unflappable chassis, good suspension, strong brakes and what appears to be excellent comfort. It's no fun riding a bike that's all engine with second rate ergonomics or handling. This certainly isn't the case with Honda's new Sabre as these traits on this bike struck us as much, or more, than how the engine ran. While riding over terrible concrete surfaces, it was hard to upset this new package. The suspension was quite compliant with no discernable harshness or bucking over big bumps. Just straight and steady was our initial feel of the new Sabre. When it came to cornering, the new bike will hold it's own and then some. What we like most is that you won't find yourself scraping the pegs when you throw this cruiser into a serious corner. This means you should be able to make good time on roads like California's Pacific Coast Highway. We've experienced too many otherwise capable cruisers that are hampered by ground clearance on back roads. This simply won't be the case with the new Honda. Styling of the Sabre is ... well Honda. Though there are attractive changes, the overall effect is a bike that looks pretty much like Honda's other cruiser models. This left us wondering why Honda didn't go out of their way to create a different overall look for their new street rod, a theme they intend to carry over to additional displacement categories. Rest assured Honda will have you covered when it comes to accessories for the new Sabre. They already have 48 separate items developed and available from you local Honda dealer. These include items like billet ignition and clutch covers, light bars, floorboards and various luggage items. Unfortunately we didn't spend as much time on the new Sabre as we would have liked. Only a good deal more saddle time under various riding conditions will give us the complete picture. For now, we can conclude the new Sabre is a very competent and strong running cruiser offering a well rounded package in terms of chassis, suspension and comfort.

Make Model	Honda Shadow Sabre
Year	2000-04
Engine Type	Four stroke, 45°V-Twin, OHC, 3 valves per cylinder.
Displacement	1099 cc / 67.1 cub in.
Bore X Stroke	87.5 x 91.4 mm
Compression	8.5:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Oil Capacity	3.8 L / 4 US quarts
Induction	2 x 36 mm Keihin carbs.
Ignition	Solid-state digital - two spark plugs per cylinder
Starting	Electric
Max Power	67 hp / 49 kW @ 5500 rpm
Max Torque	91 Nm / 9.27 kgf-m / 67 lb-ft. @ 2700 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Shaft
Front Suspension	41mm stanchions, 160mm wheel travel.
Rear Suspension	Dual shocks, preload adjustable, 100mm wheel travel.
Front Brakes	Single 315mm disc 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 276mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tire	120/90-18
Rear Tire	170/80-15
Wheelbase	1640 mm / 64.6 in
Seat Height	730 mm / 28.7 in
Ground Clearance	140 mm / 5.5 in
Dry Weight	261.0 kg / 575.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity	15 Liters / 3.9 US gal

External Links

• http://www.motorsports-network.com/HONDA/mc2000/Sabre/sasidbk2.jpg