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Edition:
Honda VT 1100 C Shadow - [1988]
This edition of the Honda VT 1100 C Shadow is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1988. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E and the 1988 Suzuki TV 250 Wolf.This particular Honda VT 1100 has a 1099cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Horizontal In-Line Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Horizontal In-Line engine, Cruiser style motorbike includes the Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984]
The 1988 VT 1100 shares its Horizontal In-Line engine and Cruiser style configuration with the likes of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 Special. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the VT 1100's Cruiser style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura | 1984cc.1978 Yamaha XS 750 Special | 1978cc.
Weighing in at 265 kgs (584 lbs) this makes the Honda VT 1100 C Shadow in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple or the 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 RE, give or take 50kg.
The 1988 Honda VT 1100 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha T�n�r� 700 - [2025]
In terms of power the 1099cc 6 valve Horizontal In-Line 2 cylinder engine produces 67 bhp (49 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm] or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm].
The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 75.2 lb-ft (101.9 Nm) @ 3000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Honda VT 1100 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2022 Kawasaki ZX-25 R Ninja SE has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1988 Honda VT 1100 C Shadow.
The 1988 Honda VT 1100 C Shadow has a Power to weight ratio of 252.8 bhp per ton and 283.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1988 VT 1100 competing with the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-25 R Ninja SE [277.7 bhp\ton] and the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-25 R Ninja [277.7 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Honda VT 1100 generating around 283.8 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [307.6 lb-ft per ton] and the 1989 Yamaha FJ 1200�3SK1 [307.3 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 14.6 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 14.9 secs, this makes the Honda VT 1100 C Shadow similar in acceleration to the 2022 Honda CMX 500 Rebel SE (14.6 secs) and the 2022 Honda CMX 500 Rebel SE (14.6 secs). This Honda VT 1100 C Shadow also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1988 Honda VT 1100 C Shadow and the 2019 Kawasaki Versys-X 300
When talking about the performance of the 1988 Honda VT 1100 C Shadow on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2019 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 (0 secs) and the 2018 Yamaha Vixion R (0 secs).
The 1988 version of the Honda VT 1100 C Shadow has a maximum speed of 115mph.
Top Speed of the 1988 VT 1100 equals the 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 Stryker SE
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1988 Honda VT 1100 C Shadow then how about a 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 Stryker SE (126 mph) and the 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 Stryker Bullet Cowl (126 mph).
