Honda’s Shadow line of cruisers was kind of falling behind the competition both in terms of performance and looks, so urgent measures were required to refresh the famous name and even add more salt and pepper to it. The solution comes with the all new 2010 Honda VT750C2A Shadow Phantom, a veritable midnight cruiser that not only brings a fresh new style next to Honda’s Shadow Aero and Shadow Spirit 750, but plenty more torque for very little money.
Introduction
The whole idea behind this all new cruiser was to definitely look and feel like a Shadow, while also add a touch of modernity to the already potent powerplant. So the 745cc, liquid-cooled, 52-degree, V-Twin engine featuring a single cam acting on each cylinder’s three valves gets Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection system with automatic enrichment circuit and one 34mm throttle body. From our experience on previous generation models, this should deliver even more low-to-mid rpm torque and also keeps things lively down the open road. Throttle response should also be instant now and we expect the new engine to feel like it finally got what it deserved.
A veritable cruiser, the Shadow Phantom comes with a wide-ratio five-speed transmission and a shaft final drive, but this is no news considering Honda’s tradition of providing powerful, but also very reliable cruisers.
Just looking at the 2010 Shadow Phantom you notice the 64.5-inch wheelbase and the fact is that engineers worked to provide a fairly long, low and highly maneuverable (for the class) motorcycle, so the center of gravity is very low too. You’ll find the seat positioned at only 25.7 inches from the ground and with all the controls at quick reach, the Shadow Phantom will be as comfortable as a Shadow Spirit, if not even more.
This thing meets the road with 17-inch front and 15-inch rear standard spoked wheels with Dunlop rubber on, while irregularities and bumps are absorbed by the 41mm fork offering 4.6 inches of travel and dual shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability capable of 3.5 inches of travel. For a midsized cruiser, this is more than acceptable. So are the brakes, which are composed from a single 296mm disc with twin-piston caliper up front and a rear drum.
All in all, the 2010 Honda Shadow Phantom weighs in at 549 pounds wet, but we trust in the now more modern engine to make it disappear once the rider opens up the throttle.
History
With the Shadow Phantom, Honda writes a fresh new page of history, which riders will decide if it’s worth reading or not. Meanwhile, check out the Honda Shadow history here.
Competition
Now that the Shadow got fuel injection it can be compared with bigger models such as the V Star 950, which is powered by also a fuel injected 942cc, air-cooled 4-stroke, V-Twin, SOHC, 4-valve engine. The Raven one looks the closest to the Phantom, but when we take in consideration the Star’s 612 pounds wet weight, we do realize how enthusiastic we got about the new Honda Shadow Phantom. Hmm, is the 2010 V Star Midnight Custom a more equitable contender? We’ll just have to say that our bike finds its place in between the two Star models.
Definitely a much more appropriate competitor is the Suzuki Boulevard M50. With a 584 pounds wet weight and a beefy 805cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, OHC, 45-degree V-Twin engine to move it around, this is precisely the kind of model that Honda goes against with their Shadow Phantom. The Suzuki engine is fuel injected as well and mates to a five-speed constant mesh tranny, so it’s hard to tip the scale on one side or the other because, quite frankly, both models look mean.
Exterior
Along the years, most Honda Shadow models were found as docile midsize cruisers staying truly faithful either to the classic or custom style, depending on model, but the 2010 Honda Shadow Phantom has come to change that and a look at it is all that it requires for you to realize that this is definitely the best looking standard Shadow you’ve ever seen.
The critics will say that this is nothing more than a blacked-out Shadow Spirit 750 and we tend to stand by their side although not totally. This thing was designed as a bobber and the fat wheels, thick fork arms, redesigned handlebar as well as the entire bodywork, blacked-out and matte finishes stand by the bobber (not custom) side of this very attractive motorcycle.
Everything from the small headlight, signal lights and to the taillight looks like bought from an aftermarket parts catalog (including the engine) and this adds an expensive touch to the bike. If you’re planning to buy this thing and hate inquiring people, be prepared to deal with them more often.
The Honda Genuine Accessories list includes backrests, a boulevard screen and even synthetic leather saddlebags, but these units will make it more comfortable and practical, not better looking.
Price
In order to be a completely competitive player in the midsize midnight cruisers category, the Honda Shadow Phantom needs to meet the affordability factor and with a $7,999 MSRP, we believe it does.
Conclusion
Honda launched this all new model to fill in a gap in their Shadow lineup and we’re expecting to actually get on it pretty soon and only then say if the Japanese manufacturer managed to do that entirely. Meanwhile, it looks tempting and powerful, just like you’d expect from a Honda.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Model: VT750C2A
Engine and Transmission
Engine Type: 745cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin
Bore and Stroke: 79mm x 76mm
Compression ratio: 9.6:1
Valve Train: SOHC; three valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, one 34mm throttle body
Ignition: CD with electronic advance, two spark plugs per cylinder
Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: Shaft
Chassis and Dimensions
Suspension
Front: 41mm fork; 4.6 inches travel
Rear: Dual shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability; 3.5 inches travel
Brakes
Front: Single 296mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Drum
Tires
Front: 120/90-17
Rear: 160/80-15
Wheelbase: 64.5 inches
Rake: 34°
Trail: 161mm (6.3 inches)
Seat Height: 25.7 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.9 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Curb Weight: 549 pounds
Features & Benefits
Honda Genuine Accessories
