Honda are claiming that the VT750C was not only the highest selling cruiser in Australia during 2003, but was also the biggest selling road bike in the country.  If these figures prove to be correct then I think it would be fair to say that many of the bike buying public would certainly be gob smacked at that revelation.

However, a new 750 Shadow will be arriving in showrooms shortly and Honda has made some major changes to the machine for 2004.

The previous model already had a low 676mm seat height, but the new model aims to instill even more confidence in new riders, or riders returning to the fold, by lowering the seat further to a really low slung 658mm. Another significant change is the move to shaft drive and lower transmission ratios.

The powerplant is essentially the same liquid-cooled 750cc unit fitted to the previous model. This efficient three-valve per cylinder design required a few revs onboard to get the best out of it in the previous model. Honda have switched from the previous pair of 36mm carburetors to a single 34mm item which they must have found produced more torque in the lower and middle ranges. Certainly helping that cause will be a boost in the compression from 9.0:1 up to 9.6:1, which along with the new computerized ignition timing and throttle position sensor should provide for quicker throttle response.

To further help with the low slung look the engine has also been redesigned in order to allow the frames main backbone to be situated lower and thus providing the lower seat height and fuel tank. New engine side covers make the engine look bigger while the crankshaft now spins in larger journals to further aid longevity.

But cruisers are so often sold on looks alone, and Honda have done plenty of work to increase the appeal of what already was quite an attractive machine. The changes seem to focus on making the machine look bigger and more imposing. The fork tubes are now shrouded and surround a 120/90-17 tyre. At the rear a 160/80-15 provides the traction.

The rubber damped bars are now swept back much further and rise sharply from the triple clamps to provide a clear view of the road ahead from the riders low perch in the machine.

Deeply valanced front and rear fenders now grace the machine and contribute further to the larger look of the machine. While the radiator of the machine was redesigned so it is not apparent from side-on.

Available accessories for the new machine will include the following; pillion backrest and carrier, fork mounted windscreen, 18 litre saddlebags, tank belt with pocket, 17 litre top case, chrome swingarm pivot covers, handlebar pouch, chrome mudguard rails and a chrome radiator guard.

The new VT750 arrives in a traditional solid black or a dark Candy Wineberry Red.

FAST FACTS
Model – Honda VT750C
Engine - Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 6-valve SOHC 52 V-twin
Bore x Stroke - 79mm x 76mm
Compression Ratio - 9.6 : 1
Induction - 34mm VE-type carburettor w/throttle sensor
Ignition - Fully Transistorised electronic
Starter - Electric
Transmission - Five-speed
Final Drive - Enclosed Shaft
Wheel Base - 1639mm
Dimensions - (LxWxH) 2,505 x 965 x 1,123mm
Seat Height - 658mm
Fuel Capacity- 14 litres, (inc. 4ltr reserve)
Front Tyre - 120/90-17M/C 64S
Rear Tyre - 160/80R-15M/C 74S
Front Suspension - 41mm telescopic fork; 116mm axle travel
Rear Suspension - Dual conventional dampers with five-step adjustable spring preload; 90mm travel
Front Brake - 296 x 6mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston caliper and sintered metal pad
Rear Brake - 180mm leading/trailing drum
Dry Weight - 237.9kg
RRP - $10,990