Honda Shadow Aero ABS VT750CS: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

It is said that “classic never gets old” and these words ring true when talking about motorcycles. When starting something new, you just need to look back in time for inspiration to make your present design perfect. Thereby, Honda designed a bike with a combination of old-school style and modern design trends known as Shadow Aero ABS VT750CS.

As a part of the Shadow family, which represents the cruiser motorcycles built by Honda, the Shadow Aero serves as the most soul-satisfying ride and one of the most popular cruisers on the road. The factors which make this bike a favorite among enthusiasts are its low seat height, power-packed V-twin engine with sophisticated programmed fuel injection and smooth handling at a comparatively suitable budget.

In this article, we’ll be discussing specifications, background, performance, and more about the Honda Shadow Aero ABS VT750CS.

By the early 1980s, Honda had established itself as a manufacturer of motorcycles able to race on dirt and road. The company was only lacking American motorcycles known as cruisers which were largely ruling the market under Harley-Davidson. So the company launched the Shadow series in 1983 with two models, the VT500 and VT750. These motorcycles had V-twin engines, but instead of 45° separating the cylinders, a 52° format was utilized. The engine was also liquid-cooled, unlike the Harley-Davidson air-cooled V-twins. Honda used cast-alloy wheels instead of spoke wheels, with both models having teardrop gas tanks and chrome plating.

 Shortly after the time of release, the tariff was increased on imported motorcycles with a displacement of 701 ccs or more. Honda reduced the size of the VT750 Shadow in 1984 and made it available in 700 ccs. In the same year, Honda also introduced the VT1100 Shadow. Despite having a larger displacement and five-speed transmission, the 1100 Shadow was similar to its smaller cousins.

In 1987, Honda brought significant changes to the Honda Shadow line with the all-new VT1100 Shadow. The bike was completely redesigned with staggered mufflers both located on the right side of the motorcycle, more chrome, a four-speed gearbox, and a low seat height. These changes brought the Shadow much more in line with the look and feel of a cruiser.

In 1995, Honda introduced the Shadow ACE (American Classic Edition), the final model after a decade of work to make the Honda Shadow into an American cruiser motorbike. The Shadow ACE was a bike with retro styling, with  Honda emulating  Harley-Davidson’s sound and vibration by taking advantage of a single-pin-crank design.

With the release of the Honda Shadow ACE, the company finally captured the cruiser style. Afterward, Honda introduced different Shadow models with every passing year.

• 1997:  the Honda Shadow Spirit
• 1998:  the Honda Shadow Aero
• 2000:  the Honda Shadow Sabre

In 2004, Honda dropped the ACE and Spirit models from the 750 cc Shadow line and manufactured a new VT750 Shadow Aero model. This new bike had the engine with the same 52°, liquid-cooled V-twin, single-pin crankshaft configuration. Also, the SOHC cylinder heads had two spark plugs and three valves with the only thing that changed was the increased compression ratio.

In 2008 and onward, Honda replaced the two-into-one exhaust with a two-into-two system, especially  for the 2008-2009 Shadow Tourer VT750T model equipped with a passenger backrest, windshield, and saddlebags. Except for North America, the 2008 VT750C models throughout the world had PGM-FI (programmed fuel injection) replacing the carburetors. Later in 2011,  Shadow Aero models in North America received PGM-FI.

Honda also offered ABS (Anti-lock brake) for the 750 cc Shadow Aero. The VT750CS was the successor of the early VT750CA models, which had front-wheel ABS only. The VT750CS model replaced the rear drum brake with a hydraulic disc brake, required for the combination of Honda’s ABS (C-ABS) with independent control of the front and rear brakes.

Honda’s line of Shadows are some of the most charming and popular motorcycles on the road.  One look at the Shadow Aero VT750CS ABS will tell you why. The bike is powered by a 745 cc V-twin engine, which is specifically tuned for low-revving torque and shaft final drive for reduced maintenance. This bike has spoked wheels, full fenders, and long, chromed mufflers that give a classic, retro style. The Aero also provides you with a big-bike ride without the big-bike price. Jump down to read its additional key features.

• Its big V-twin engine has no match in terms of torque and provides power while cruising both around town and on long rides.
• This bike has a programmed fuel injection system (PGM-FI) which provides you a hassle-free experience while starting the ignition on cold mornings or at high altitudes, with high-end performance in any condition.
• The engine is built with a wide-ratio five-speed transmission, allowing you to travel down the boulevard at a low, unhurried pace, while also allowing you to jump onto the highway without pushing the engine to its limit.
• This bike has a low seating position with a seat height of 25.9 inches and a narrow seat/tank junction to make it even lower.
• This bike comes with a broad, low-slung solo seat, featuring a detachable passenger seat.
• If viewed from the front, this bike has a wide metal front fender that gives the classic styling touch.
• The Shadow Aero has a lot of chrome on parts like the cylinder-head cover, engine side covers, air-cleaner cover, brake, and clutch-lever brackets, handlebar, rear brake pedal, rear shock covers, shift lever, and more.
• This bike can stop quickly thanks to its 296 mm front disc brake.
• This cruiser has sleek new pipes that feature bullet-style mufflers for classic styling and a  combination of large-diameter head pipes and two -into two system designs that produce a soul-stirring sound.
• The Shadow Aero VT750CS completes its retro look with its spoked wheels.

If you are ready to turn some heads in a big way and adore a bike that’s never going to go out of style, the Aero is the machine for you.

Yes, Honda also offered ABS (Anti-lock brake) for the 750 cc Shadow Aero. The VT750CS was the successor of early VT750CA models which had front-wheel ABS only. The VT750CS model replaced the rear drum brake with a hydraulic disc brake, required for the combination of Honda’s ABS (C-ABS) with independent control of the front and rear brakes.

The bike is powered by a 745 cc V-twin engine, which is specifically tuned for low-revving torque and shaft final drive for reduced maintenance. Estimated this bike can lift the speedometer needle to 95 mph.

It is estimated that the Honda Shadow Aero VT750CS can give you 56 miles per gallon.

The Honda Shadow Aero ABS VT750CS is perfectly designed with retro styling and cruiser personality. Many riders admire the classic looks of their bikes and keep them in stock condition, while many love to create their bikes according to their riding style and preferred level of comfort. There are a wide variety of aftermarket parts available at VikingBags to modify your bike. (such as fairings, crash bars, handlebars, and backrests)

Customizing a bike is part of owning it. So, if it's your bike and you are in habit of going on camping trips or long motorcycle roads for touring and exploring the scenic highways, installing a good quality sissy bar will be quite convenient for you to serve as a  backrest and then mounting a luggage bag for carrying your items.

Riders who use their cruiser motorcycles for daily commutes, always have the option to install a pair of premium quality saddlebags to carry their essentials with them. There are several options available for customizing your bike, but it all depends on the rider’s choice.