Honda Shadow Insurance

The Honda Shadow series has been in production since 1983, a family of V-twin cruisers ranging from 500 to 1100cc. The most popular of the series has been the Shadow 750 — aka the VT750 — available in a vast array of trims and configurations, with the 745cc Shadow Phantom and Shadow Aero headlining today’s lineup, rivaling the likes of other middleweight cruisers like the Yamaha Bolt and Harley-Davidson’s 883 Sportster. The liquid-cooled V-twin offers plenty of power for weekend touring or around-town jaunts, complete with Honda’s bulletproof reputation for reliability.

The price for a brand-new Shadow 750 starts at $7500-8000, with pre-owned models available for much less. That said, you have to consider the cost of insurance, too. Being a cruiser, the Shadow is certainly cheaper to insure than supersport brethren like those of Honda’s CBR series, but rates vary widely from one company to the next — especially if you opt for full coverage. For that reason, it’s imperative to compare policies and rates before you buy. Fortunately, we can help.

Honda Shadow Insurance Rates

Rates vary widely based on an array of factors, from rider age and riding experience to location, coverage amounts, and the way a given company classifies the bike. Plus, the Shadow has been in production for more than three decades, meaning the age, displacement, and trim level of the given bike come into play. That said, we gathered real-world rates from a variety of Shadow owners to give you some idea of what to expect.

• Male, New Rider, Tennessee, Shadow Ace 750, Full Coverage: $408 / year.
• Male, 22, New Jersey, Shadow 700, Basic, Progressive: $114 / year ($144 through Riders).
• Male, 35, Minnesota, Shadow Spirit 1100, Full Coverage: $59 / year (multi-vehicle discount).
• Male, 41, New Jersey, VT1100C, Full Coverage, Riders Insurance: $490 / year ($175 for basic).
• Male, 41, New Jersey, VT1000C, Full Coverage, Progressive: $170 / year.
• Male, 45, Northern California, Shadow Sabre 1100, Full Coverage, AAA: $353 / year.
• Male, 49, Texas, VT1100C, Liability/Physical Damage/Medical, Progressive: $188 / year.
• Male, 62, Nevada, Shadow Spirit 1100, Full Coverage, Progressive: $600 / year.

As you can see, rates are highly variable. As one senior member of the main Shadow forum, Hondashadow.net, says:

“There are too many variables to ever compare one person’s insurance to another. Age, marital status, driving history, bike, bike size, zip code, gender, credit score… Only way to know if your getting a better deal is to compare yourself with several different vendors.”

Fortunately, we can help. Enter your zip code to begin comparing policies and rates from motorcycle insurers in your area.

Honda Shadow: History

In 1983, Honda launched the Shadow series of V-twin cruisers, with the VT500c and VT750c. These bikes used an engine configuration that’s been preserved to this day: a 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, narrow-angle SOHC V-twin, with three-valve cylinder heads and dual spark plugs. Said Cycle magazine of the Shadow 750:

“This 750 twin is built around what is arguably the most technologically sophisticated Vee ever designed.”

Over time, the Shadow series would grow to include the 1100cc VT class (VT1100), powered by a 1099cc engine. The Shadow Sabre 1100 would replace the VT1100 until this 1100 class was supplanted by the 1300cc VTX series. In 2011, Honda condensed the series to include only the Shadow 750, including the Spirit, Aero, Phantom, and RS models. Today, the Shadow Aero 750 and Shadow Phantom 750 are the two surviving members of the Shadow family. The company’s smaller cruisers fall under the Rebel brand, such as the Rebel 500, while their 1300+ cc “production customs” include the Fury, Stateline, and Interstate — descendants of the VTX series.

Honda Shadow: Popular Models

There have been a large number of Honda Shadow trim lines available over the years. Here are a few of the most notable:

• Honda Shadow 500 (VT500C): Introduced in 1983. Shaft-drive, 491cc V-twin.
• Honda Shadow 600 (VT600C): Introduced in 1998. Single rear shock, chain-drive, 52-degree V-twin with 39-horsepower.
• Honda Shadow 750 (VT750C): Introduced in 1983, originally with 45-degree V-twin and six-speed transmission. Replaced by 52-degree “RC44E” engine in 1997, with 5-speed transmission and chain-drive.
• Honda Shadow Aero 750 (VT750CA): Introduced in 2004 with re-engineered “RC50E” engine, shaft-drive, single carb and new steel frame.
• Honda Shadow Spirit 750 (VT750C2): Chain-drive, with stretched wheelbase for chopper-style look.
• Honda Shadow Phantom (VT750C2B): Introduced in 2010, shaft-drive with black, fuel-injected “RC53E” motor.
• Honda Shadow 1100 (VT1100C): 1099cc engine, shaft-drive, dual front disc brakes.
• Honda Shadow Sabre (VT1100C2): Introduced in 2000 with 1099cc engine, lower gearing for “street rod” performance.

Recommended: Full Coverage

In most states, motorcyclists are required by law to carry a certain amount of liability coverage — the specific amounts vary from state to state. As you probably know, liability covers damages to third parties and their property in the event of an accident. It does not cover you or your bike.

If you financed your Shadow, then the lender will require you to carry full coverage. Full coverage has various meanings, but basically, it refers to carrying not just liability coverage but collision, comprehensive, and possibly uninsured motorist. While full coverage is significantly more expensive than basic liability, we highly recommend that you consider such a policy. Why? Because motorcycles are much more vulnerable to theft and accidents (even the dreaded parking lot drop) than cars.

Fortunately, we can help you find a policy that won’t break the bank. Enter your zip code to start.