My Bike

I thought it was about time I introduced you to my other passion, motorcycling. This bike is a 2000 Honda Shadow A.C.E. Tourer VT1100T that I bought new in November of 1999 from Shenandoah Honda in Winchester, Virginia. It is the second Honda motorcycle I've owned. My first Honda was a 1987 Shadow VT700C which I also bought new.

The Shadow Tourer model was manufactured at Honda's Marysville, Ohio plant from February 1997 and released as an early 1998 model, through January 2001. During this four year production run Honda produced approximately 6,164 Tourers. In my opinion and the opinion of a lot of other Tourer owners this was and still is one of the best middle weight bikes ever produced by any manufacturer. The Tourer is as much at home craving up twisty mountain roads as it is running highway speeds hour after hour after hour on interstate roadways. This bike is as close to perfect as any bike can get.

Here are the specs and features of the Tourer, per Honda:
· The Shadow Tourer engine uses an offset-dual-pin crankshaft for added power and smooth performance for all-day rides.
· Engine smoothness is further enhanced with a rubber cushion engine-mounting system.
· Specially designed free-flowing two-into-two exhaust system featuring right and left-side mufflers and long muffler-extenders.
· Large handlebar-mounted windscreen offers excellent weather protection.
· Large-capacity, 35-liter color-matched, locking hard saddlebags offer secure, weatherproof luggage space protected by chrome bars.
· Unique cast aluminum 11-spoke wheels feature strength and light weight.
· Wide, low-profile radial tires offer good wear characteristics, handling and comfort.
· Chrome front and rear fender-lower covers provide protection and great looks.
· Wide passenger seat gives good long-distance comfort.

Engine
· The Shadow's liquid-cooled, rubber-mounted 1099cc 45º V-twin engine pumps out massive low-end and mid-range power.
· The engine's broad power delivery and five-speed transmission offer exceptional rideability around town or on the open road.
· Three-valve cylinder head design utilizes two spark plugs per cylinder for efficient combustion and high power at all rpm.
· Maintenance-free hydraulic valve-lash adjusters make routine valve adjustments a thing of the past.
· Other maintenance-free features include solid-state digital ignition and automatic cam-chain tensioners.
· Dual 36mm CV carburetors offer crisp throttle response at all rpm.
· Reliable electric starting system.
· Extensive use of chrome finishing on engine parts, including crankcase covers, clutch cover and starter cover.
· Black-finished crankcases and cylinders with buffed fin edges complement chrome finishes.

Chassis/Suspension
· Specially designed steel frame gives the Shadow American Classic Edition Tourer a long, low custom stance.
· Massive, 41mm extended front fork provides 150mm of plush yet responsive travel.
· Dual chromed shocks feature an advanced internal valve system for a comfortable ride.
· Large-diameter front disc brake with twin-piston caliper combined with a rear disc brake provide excellent stopping power.
· Shaft final drive system provides smooth, low-maintenance operation.
· Relaxed, comfortable riding position results from a long, low chassis and low, 28.7-inch seat height.

Additional Features
· Comfortable riding position with low, wide handlebar, broad, deep rider's seat and removable passenger seat.
· Powerful halogen headlight.
· Convenient push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.
· Comfortably padded large-diameter handgrips.
· Polished aluminum handlebar switch housings and triple-clamp assembly.
· Large, 16.8 liter gas tank offers extended range and added custom styling.
· Transferable one-year unlimited-mileage limited warranty.

Specifications:

Engine - 1099cc liquid-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, dual off-set crankpin

Bore and Stroke - 87.5mm x 91.4mm

Compression Ratio - 8.0:1

Valve Train - SOHC; three valves per cylinder, self adjusting hydraulic

Carburetion - Twin, 36mm, diaphragm-type, CV

Transmission - Five-speed, wide ratio

Final Drive - Shaft

Front Suspension - 41mm fork; 150mm travel

Rear Suspension - Dual shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability; 95mm travel

Front Brakes - Single 316mm disc with twin-piston caliper

Rear Brakes - Single 276mm disc with single piston caliper

Front Tires - 130/80R-18 radial

Rear Tires - 170/70R-16 radial

Wheelbase - 1656mm (65.2 in.)

Seat Height - 730mm (28.7 in.)

Dry Weight - 285kg (626.0 lbs.)

Fuel Capacity - 16.8 liters (3.7 Imp. gal.)

If you want to learn more about the Tourer or talk to other "T" owners please stop by the Honda Shadow ACE Tourer Forum. The HSATF is a discussion forum I host for owners of the ACE Tourer. Click here to visit the group.

In the next entry about my "T" I'll talk about some mods I've done and accessories I've added to the bike.