2023 Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit vs 2023 Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit

In our today’s article we are going to cover the comparison review of 2023 Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit vs 2023 Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit. The Honda Shadow is a popular cruiser series that was launched in 1983. Honda Shadow models were equipped with liquid-cooled 45-52° V-Twin engines with capacities ranging from 125 to 1,100cc.

The two most famous and popular cruisers in the Honda Shadow range are the Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit and the Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit. The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit, an improved version of the Honda VT750C, debuted in 2001. It had a front end, conventional taillights, and lower gears.

The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit had an RC44E engine and dual constant-speed carburetors. It was discontinued in 2007 and replaced by the Honda Shadow VT750C2 Shadow Spirit.

The chain final drive was replaced with an improved shaft final drive on the Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit. It also had a 750cc engine with constant-speed carburetors to feed the engine with gasoline. A programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) model was also introduced for markets outside of North America.

However, in North America, carburetor-equipped versions were phased out in 2012 in favor of PGM-FI fuel-injected models. The Honda VT750C2 Spirit Shadow received an anti-lock braking system (A.B.S.) upgrade 2013 and was called the Honda VT750C2S Spirit Shadow.

Also Read: 2023 Sportster 1200 Custom vs 2023 Street 750

The Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit is a chopper-style bike built on the Honda VT750C Aero frame. Several changes have been made to the motorcycle, including a more flared front end, a larger wheelbase, and a lower seat height. This article compares the Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit with the Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit in great detail.

2023 Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit vs 2023 Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit – Features Comparison

Design

The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit is a chopper-style motorbike with a raked-out front end and low-mounted, semi-swept back handlebars with rubber-mounted risers. It features a small, rounded headlamp, a bobber-style front fender, and a slash-cut, chopped rear fender with traditional taillights.

The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit also features a dragster-style seat that can be used for a two-up ride, providing the rider with lower back support. It sports a blacked-out frame and a chrome radiator. The chrome includes the front fork, wheels, separate two-by-two bullet-style mufflers, battery cover, air filter cover, cylinder heads, and dual rear shocks.

Due to its liquid cooling system, the Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit features a rounded rectangular air intake and a blacked-out radiator behind the front wheel. The chrome gauge cluster is connected to the teardrop-shaped 3.6-gal gasoline tank.

The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit has classic spoked wheels and wide chromed rims that wrap around a large, thin front and a fat rear tire. It comes in a black color scheme with red pinstripe flame patterns for an aggressive helicopter image.

Also Read: 2023 Honda CRF250F vs 2023 Kawasaki KLX230R

The Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit is quite similar to the Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit. However, as a modified version of the Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit, it has a few distinguishing elements, such as a teardrop-shaped air filter cover and a more raked-out front end, which gives it a helicopter look.

The Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit also features classic spoked wheels with wide chromed rims wrapped around 120/90-17 front tires and 160/80-15 rear tires. It has a bobber-style front fender and a chopped rear fender with L.E.D. taillights.

Thanks to its sleek single-piece, gunfighter-style seat, the Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit can also ride two-up. A teardrop-shaped 3.7-gal gasoline tank is mounted with a chrome gauge cluster. The Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit features a chrome circular headlamp nacelle, separate dual chrome mufflers, and mid-mounted, swept-back handlebars with standard risers in keeping with its traditional chopper styling. Since it has a liquid cooling system, it also has a radiator in front of the engine.

Engine and Performance

The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit is powered by a 745cc single-pin crank, liquid-cooled, 52° V-Twin engine that produces 60.5 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm and 43 hp at 5,500 rpm. Twin 36 mm diaphragm-type constant speed carburetors power the engine with a compression ratio of 9:1. It has a five-speed transmission with a wide gear ratio connected to the rear wheel via an “O” ring chain final drive. A multi-plate weight clutch with coil springs offers smooth gear shifting and light clutch action.

The 745cc 52° V-Twin engine produces plenty of horsepower and excellent low-end torque at all rpm ranges. The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit includes Electric Heater Carburetor technology that ensures smooth running even in cold weather. A three-valve per-cylinder layout, long engine stroke, and four spark plugs provide excellent ignition and power output. The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit includes an aluminum radiator with a cooling fan to maintain the correct engine temperature.

The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit has a 296 mm front disc with dual-piston caliper and a 180 mm rear mechanical drum brake to ensure adequate braking. It’s a simple, beginner-friendly motorcycle ideal for daily commutes, long highways, cruising on wide roads, and navigating traffic. The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit is a two-up motorbike popular among motorcycle enthusiasts for its reliability and affordability.

The Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit is also powered by a 745cc liquid-cooled, 52° V-Twin engine producing 43 hp at 5,500 rpm and 60.5 Nm at 3,000 rpm. The engine has a 9.6:1 compression ratio and a single 34 mm constant speed carburetor (for vehicles sold in North America). The CV carburetor was replaced in 2012 by a programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) system, resulting in improved fuel consumption and fuel delivery to the engine.

The final drive system distinguishes the Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit from the Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit. Unlike the belt-driven Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit, the Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit has a five-speed transmission with shaft final drive connected to the rear wheel. It boasts a more streamlined shape and lower center of gravity for better handling. Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit’s extended wheelbase and extended front wheel offer more linear performance. Despite having programmed fuel injection and a large frame, it’s a reasonably priced motorcycle suitable for city commuting, highway cruising, and riding through traffic.

The Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit’s 745 cc, 52° V-Twin engine delivers plenty of horsepower and torque for a comfortable two-up ride. It is also a beginner-friendly motorcycle with agile handling. The shaft final drive is durable and requires no maintenance, resulting in a quieter and smoother ride. The Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit is also a fuel-efficient motorcycle with a wide range of aftermarket components and accessories available.

The Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit has a 296 mm single front disc with a dual-piston caliper and a 180 mm mechanical rear drum brake, which provides ample braking power. The Honda VT750C2S replaced the Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit in 2013 with an anti-lock braking system (A.B.S.).

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit is a lightweight, comfortable helicopter-style cruiser with excellent handling and cornering capabilities. Because of the forward-mounted foot controls and semi-swept back handlebars, it has a comfortable rider triangle that’s perfect for taller riders. Because of its forward-mounted foot controls and slightly forward riding position, the Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit can be awkward for smaller riders.

It has a dry weight of 225 kg (496 lb) and is a light bike. The Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit’s engine does not produce excessive vibration, and the rider will not feel any vibration through the handlebars as they are set on rubber-cushioned risers.

Because of its more comfortable riding triangle, the Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit is a more comfortable cruiser than the Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit. Mid-mounted, swept-back handlebars are within comfortable reach of the rider, ensuring an upright rear position.

Because of its forward-mounted foot controls and low seat height of 25.7 inches, the Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit is perfect for both short and tall riders. It boasts a more grounded design with a low center of gravity, allowing riders to control comfortably when rounding tight turns.

2023 Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit vs 2023 Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit – Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)

How Many Types of Honda Shadows Are There?

The Honda Shadow is a classic cruiser lineup that first came out in 1983. The Honda Shadow portfolio has various models/variants, including Aero, Spirit, Sabre, Phantom, A.C.E., V.L.X., and American Classic Edition. Only the Honda Shadow Aero and Honda Shadow Phantom remain in production. The Honda Shadow lineup has engine sizes ranging from 125 to 1,100cc.

Can you tour the Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit?

The Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit is a big cruiser perfect for highway cruising and city riding. Adding a more comfortable stock seat, a larger windscreen, fairing, saddlebags, and back rests can also be converted into an ideal touring bike. The Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit has an excellent riding triangle, with a straight back and enough legroom to enjoy long distances.

2023 Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit vs 2023 Honda VT750C2 Shadow Spirit – Technical Specifications Comparison

Engine and transmission

Frame, dampers, brakes, and wheels

Weight and dimensions