Honda 1100 Shadow Aero: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

Honda has a large variety of motorcycles to pick from. The most common types are cruisers and touring motorcycles. A cruiser is a great option if you are looking for a motorcycle good for daily commutes or for traveling on panoramic highways. Only a motorcycle with a low seat height, softer suspension system, and a relaxed foot-forward position can provide you with the comfort and confidence you need while riding around the block or on long motorcycle roads.

Honda offers a number of cruiser motorcycles to pick from the Shadow series. The Shadow lineup represents the cruiser-type motorcycles produced by Honda. Among the wide variety of models, the 1100 Shadow Aero has the best classic styling and a high level of comfort. From its stretched overall length of 2502 millimeters to its ultra-low seat, every feature is of the highest quality. This bike is known as VT1100C3, “a perfect antidote for a weekend in the office”.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the specifications, background, performance, and more about the Honda 1100 Shadow Aero.

The world first saw the Shadows in 1983 after being introduced by Honda. The Honda Shadow belongs to a family of cruiser-type motorcycles and featured a liquid-cooled 45 or 52° V-twin engine ranging from a 125 to 1100 cc engine displacement.

Honda introduced the Shadow series VT500C and VT750C to compete in the American cruiser market. However, after the U.S. imposed the limitations on the import of Japanese bikes over 701 ccs, the company decreased the VT750C’s engine size from 750 ccs to 700 ccs. In 1984, this bike was sold as the VT700C. The tariff was lifted in 1985, and the company expanded the line with the 1100 cc bike, the VT1100c. And in 1988, the VT750C was replaced by an 800 cc version of the VT800C.

In 1988, the VT600C was launched as Honda’s new Shadow model, though still positioned above the Honda Rebel. The Shadow line went in a new direction with the introduction of the 750 cc Honda Shadow Ace in 1997. The Honda Shadow Sabre succeeded the VT1100 from 2000 to 2007, after the 1,100 cc class was phased out in favor of the new VTX series, specifically the 1300 cc offering termed as the VTX line. As of 2011, the Shadow line has been narrowed to a single 750 cc cruiser available in Aero, Spirit, Phantom, and RS. All other offers are lying under the VTX or Rebel brands.

Honda introduced the V-Twin 1100 known as the VT100 in 1985. The VT Class remained in production from 1985 to 2007. All models from this class used a 1099 cc displacement engine, with the Honda VT1100 engine receiving very few mechanical changes during its production years.

In 1998, Honda launched the 1100 Shadow Aero known as the VT1100C3 Aero. The engine of this bike was based on the VT1100C2 ACE with a single pin crank, but a larger two-into-one exhaust with  a more retro appearance. The 1100 Aero remained in production from 1998 to 2002.

The Honda 1100 Shadow is powered by a 1099 cc liquid-cooled 45° V-twin engine that features a  smooth-running, offset dual-pin crankshaft, producing enough power at any speed. This powerful engine works with a five-speed transmission that offers exceptional rideability around the blocks and on the open roads.

• The rubber engine mounting decreases unwanted vibrations and provides a smooth ride.
• Three-valve cylinder head design takes the advantage of two spark plugs per cylinder and provides efficient combustion and excellent power at any rpm.
• Also, its 36 mm CV carburetors supply the crisp throttle response at all speeds.
• It has a two-into-one exhaust system loaded with a heavy chromed finish that produces a rich V-twin sound.
• The bike provides an appealing look with its low solo slung seat and stylish fishtail tip.
• Its smooth-shifting five-speed gearbox with chromed heel-to-toe shifter enhances the engine power and looks.
• The reliable electric starter system adds more comfort.

The bike has the classic stretched look with its overall length of 2.17 meters and a low seat height. This large bike is adorned with a beautifully finished 16-liter gas tank that offers a long touring range without any hassle. The bike also comes with a custom, wide saddle and detachable passenger seat that provides a high level of comfort to riders and passengers.

• It has balanced front and rear fenders with a chrome accent trim and fisheye-shaped turn signals on chrome mounting bars, giving a sleek and retro look.
• Its polished aluminum footboards feature a coupled design,  providing more comfort and functionality.
• Chrome can be seen from any angle on a number of parts. Its chromed brake pedal has rubber pads for perfect grip.
• The electric speedometer is housed in a beautifully chromed headlight nacelle with a large white face and easy-to-read classic digits.
• This bike provides excellent lighting through its lightweight and computer-designed multi-reflector headlight with a plastic lens.
• The choke lever is placed on handlebars and its push-to-cancel turn signal switch is much more convenient to use.
• Also, this bike has comfortably padded large-diameter handgrips.

The Honda 1100 Shadow is powered by a 1099cc liquid-cooled 45° V-twin engine that features a  smooth-running, offset dual-pin crankshaft that produces enough power at any speed.

The Honda 1100 Shadow Aero is a cruiser-type motorcycle built by Honda. It is estimated that this bike weighs around 279.0 kg (615.1 pounds).

In 1998, Honda launched the 1100 Shadow Aero known as the VT1100C3 Aero. The engine of this bike was based on the VT1100C2 ACE with a single pin crank, but a larger 2-into-1 exhaust and a more retro appearance. The 1100 Aero remained in production from 1998 to 2002.

The Shadow Aero is one of the best motorcycles ever made by Honda. This bike has a low seating position with a detachable passenger seat, which attracts many riders who love to ride solo or riders who love to travel with a friend. However, the bike has been discontinued from the company, yet is still the primary choice of many riders.

Customizing a motorcycle is a part of owning it. So if it's your bike, you have a wide number of options to modify it according to your comfort and riding style. If you are dreaming of taking your bike on long trips or camping trips, nothing is more suitable than installing a sissy bar to keep your back relaxed. Try mounting a luggage bag for the ease of carrying travel items along with you.

Many riders love to keep their bikes fresh and in stock with very few customizations. They always have the option to attach a pair of premium quality saddlebags to carry their daily essentials while cruising around.