News – A new Shadow 750 for next year – A new Shadow 750: the RS

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A new Shadow 750 for next year

News - A new Shadow 750 for next year - A new Shadow 750: the RS

On the sidelines of the Milan show, Honda presents a new motorcycle for the coming year: the Shadow RS. Based on Spirit, this new model will try to ride the wave of Europeanized customs, in vogue lately.. Discovery.

A new Shadow 750: the RS

Road repression, mortality in two-wheelers, the average age of the motorcyclist, prices: everything is increasing! So much so that a significant share – but not a majority either! – French bikers are turning to wise motorcycles, easy to take along and affordable.

We therefore understand why, a month after dropping its VFR1200F bomb (read), Honda presents a Shadow "RS" less explosive but not trivial for all that. Harley-Davidson’s Nightster and Iron success sparked jealousy ?

Derived from the famous Shadow Spirit which leaves the Honda catalog in France, this RS wants to be even more accessible with its perfectly upright driving position, its 19-inch front wheel, its reduced weight and its perked up and economical V-twin. About what "appeal to all types of bikers", as Honda understands ?

Aesthetically, the new Japanese custom takes on European air: a clever mix that results in a motorcycle with very classic lines, especially in this first black color "Heavy Gray Metallic" !

Naturally, chrome is present on all floors: from the mirrors to the double pot, through the cylinder head cover, the air filter cover, the left engine crankcase or the suspension elements, lights and other indicators…

With its compact size, its 19-inch front wheel limited to 123 mm, its full weight reduced to 229.5 kg (against 248 kg for the Shadow Spirit), its wide handlebars and its saddle raised to 737 mm , the Shadow RS and its driver should be enjoyed in town.

In addition, Honda claims to have worked the low and mid-range of its valiant twin-cylinder. Almost irrefutable proof of the improvement at these levels: the drop in maximum power! Thus the 744.7 cc V-twin develops a maximum of 43.1 hp at 5,500 rpm against 45.5 hp the Spirit version.

But going down 2000 revs lower, we notice that the torque is also slightly lower: 61.8 Nm at 3250 rpm for the new RS, 65 Nm for the Spirit…

Yes, but the essentials are not there for a motorcycle which is above all intended to be economical and easy, "an alternative to the roadster that can provide the same services, with the spirit and the custom look", summarizes Sebastien Pernel, press manager at Honda France..

The manufacturer also ensures that with its shortened gear ratios, the new version of the Shadow generates "powerful and exhilarating acceleration at any engine speed". Beginners will surely appreciate it, more experienced bikers will be content to go to work, wander for a weekend or travel quietly..

The "Touring" will however be limited, the tank containing only 10.7 liters: despite a consumption estimated by engineers at only 24.4 km / l (or 4.1 l / 100km), the autonomy will no doubt exceed not 250 km.

Finally, we note that the final transmission of the Shadow RS is made by chain – of the "O-ring" type, with O-rings if you prefer – and not by cardan shaft. Likewise, braking is provided at the rear by a 180 mm drum – single disc of 296 mm double piston at the front – which in fact eliminates the adoption of the C-ABS system present on the Spirit (not available in France), yet very useful on this type of mount required to ride everywhere and in all weathers !

So many signs that point to a tight price for this new 2010 product … Unfortunately, Honda France "just knows that the Shadow RS is scheduled for the first half of 2010 and that its price should be interesting". No price bracket, or even a rake to communicate to us … So be patient. !

Matthieu BRETILLE – Manufacturer photos

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