Honda 1100 Shadow ACE: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

Motorcycle touring simply means going on a long journey with your motorcycle. According to many professionals, road-based motorcycle trips where the focus is to enjoy road riding over traveling are actually called touring. Therefore, the touring motorcycles tend to be comfortable, road-focused, larger, and capable of carrying luggage easily.

If you are reading this post you might be a professional or a novice rider who loves to go on long motorcycle roads and explore scenic highways. To start your journey, all you need is a motorcycle. Not a random one but a special one that suits you best for the purpose. Only a motorcycle with a relaxed seating position, softer suspension, and powerful engine can provide you with the comfort you need while touring.

While talking about touring and comfortable motorcycles, the name that firstly rings in the mind is the Honda 1100 Shadow ACE also known as the Shadow ACE tourer. A motorcycle designed for riding all day, either at prolonged highway speeds or on twisting roads in the middle of nowhere. The Shadow ACE tourer is the best motorcycle in custom travel, featuring a large windshield and two color-matched weatherproof saddlebags, and a powerful V-twin engine.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the background, performance, specifications, and more about Honda 1100 Shadow ACE.

By the early 1980s, the American cruiser market was ruled by big brand names and big-price motorcycles. The Honda company was lacking a segment of American cruiser-type motorcycles. Therefore, Honda took a step to launch the Shadow series to address the needs of the American cruiser market in 1983. The company hit the market with two Shadow models, the VT500c and VT750c.

In 1984, the US imposed tariff restrictions on imported Japanese bikes having displacements larger than 701cc. To overcome the situation, Honda reduced the size of its VT750c to 700cc and sold the bike as VT700c. In 1985, the import limitation came to an end and the company expanded the line to an 1100 cc bike, the VT1100c.

In 1988, Honda replaced the VT750c with an 800cc version as VT800c. Also, the company launched a new entry-level shadow the VT600c though still slotted above the Honda Rebel. The Shadow line got little evolution until the introduction of the 750cc Honda Shadow Ace in 1997. The VT1100 was dubbed with Honda Shadow Sabre from 2000 to 2007 and was discontinued after this lifespan in favor of the new VTX line.

Back in time, the V-twin 1100 (VT1100) was presented by Honda in 1985 and stayed in production till 2007. All the models of its class used a 1099 cc displacement engine, the Honda VT1100 engine with few mechanical changes during its manufacturing years. The VT1100C model was the first model introduced as a larger model than the 750 and 800cc models.

The VT1100C model stayed in production from 1985 to 1986 model year. These models had signature dual horns below the headlight, square turn signals, dual front disc brakes, and one exhaust pipe on each side. Also, the dual gauges were on the bars for the speedometer and tachometer, while the fuel and temperature gauges were on the fuel tank. This bike had a 1099cc (67.1 cu in) SOHC liquid-cooled V-twin engine combined with a five-speed transmission and shaft drive. The 1985 and 1986 engines were higher in performance than the later models.

Afterward, there were different Shadow models introduced with the same engine and minimal mechanical changes. But, in 1997 the standard replaced the Spirit with more chrome on the engine but has the same basic engine as standard. This model had a five-speed transmission and a cable-actuated clutch. Also, there were a few frame and body changes including the horns being moved on the front of the bike, and the front exhaust was designed and followed the frame instead of cutting across the engine.

In the same year, the Shadow ACE tourer was also launched. The bike engine was based on Shadow Spirit but the ACE styling. The ACE tourer made its entry with a dual crank pin crankshaft, two-into-two exhaust system, and hard,color-matched saddlebags. The ACE tourer remained in production till January 2001.

The Honda 1100 is powered by a liquid-cooled, rubber-mounted 1099cc 45-degree V-twin engine which releases massive low-end and mid-range power. The engine is combined with a five-speed transmission for providing broad power delivery and exceptional rideability around town or on the open road. The three-valve cylinder head design employs two spark plugs per cylinder for effective combustion and extreme power at all rpm.

The engine has maintenance-free hydraulic valve adjusters which make the habit of routine valve adjustment part of history. Also, the other features like solid-state digital ignition and automatic cam-chain tensioners are maintenance-free as well. The engine offers a crisp throttle response with its dual 36mm CV carburetors and for starting this muscular engine the Shadow Tourer has an electric starter system.

The Shadow ACE 1100 engine uses an offset-dual-pin crankshaft for gaining more power and smooth performance for all-day rides. Its rubber cushion engine-mounting system adds even more smoothness to its overall delivery. There is extensive use of chrome finishing on engine parts, including the starter cover, crankcase cover, and clutch cover. This Shadow American Classic Edition Tourer is equipped with a specially designed steel frame that gives a long and low custom stance.

This bike has a wide 41mm extended front fork and dual chromed shocks feature a modern internal valve system that provides a comfortable ride. This bike has excellent stopping power which comes from its large-diameter front disc brake with twin-piston caliper combined with a rear disc brake. Moreover, the shaft final-drive system provides smooth operation while the best part is its long, low chassis and low 28.7-inch seat with a detachable passenger seat that provides a relaxed and comfortable riding position to every rider.

This bike enlightens the road with its powerful halogen headlight. Its convenient push-to-cancel turn signals and comfortable padded large-diameter handgrips give a modern feel. Above all, this bike has a large 16.8-liter gas tank that offers you unstoppable cruising on long uncharted roads. Additionally, this bike has many exclusive features including

• Its wide passenger seat is good for comfort on long-distance traveling.
• It has chrome front and rear fender-lower covers to provide protection and charming looks.
• Its wide, low-profile radial tires offer good grip, handling, and comfort.
• The bike's strength came from its cast aluminum 11-spoke lightweight wheels.
• This bike provides excellent weather protection with its large handlebar-mounted windscreen.
• The 1100 Shadow ACE has amazing engine sound coming from its specially designed free-flowing two-into-two exhaust system featuring right and left-side mufflers and long muffler extenders.
• The Shadow Ace tourer is simply the best asset in custom travel, it also features two color-matched weatherproof saddlebags.

The Honda 1100 is powered by a liquid-cooled, rubber-mounted 1099cc 45-degree V-twin engine which releases massive low-end and mid-range power. The engine is combined with a five-speed transmission for providing broad power delivery and allows a top speed of up to 107 mph (172 km/h).

The Shadow ACE tourer is the best motorcycle in custom travel, featuring a large windshield and two color-matched weatherproof saddlebags, and a powerful V-twin engine. Estimated this bike weighs around 628 lbs OR 285 KG.

Since the model has been discontinued by the company, it is difficult to mention any price for this bike. You can look for this bike on any online motorcycle selling website, or you can find it at any motorcycle auction.

The company designed this motorcycle by combining Spirit engine and ACE styling. The Shadow ACE Tourer has unstoppable power and excellent performance, no matter what the situation or weather, whether you are cruising, bending down on windy country roads, or clogging up the highway, this bike is always ready to perform.

Many riders love the classic styling and vintage looks of this bike while many want to customize it according to their comfort and riding style. There are a number of aftermarket parts available to make this bike perfectly suitable for you. Such as fairings, crash bars, handlebars, luggage racks, rider passenger backrest, etc.

This bike is made for touring and should be equipped with touring essentials. So if you take this beauty on a camping trip or any longer trip always mount a luggage bag to carry your traveling things along with you and attaching a sissy bar benefits you to keep your back relaxed. To enjoy a memorable journey, always choose good solo and passenger seats. You always have an option to recreate your bike with desired parts.