Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2011 Honda Shadow RS. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Originally introduced back in 1983, the Shadow was Honda’s attempt to create a cruiser specifically for the American market. It evolved into a large lineup ranging from 125cc to 1,100cc, but by 2011 in the US Honda had slimmed the offerings down to only 750cc with multiple trims: Spirit, Aero, Phantom, and RS. The RS was particularly interesting as it was an homage to Honda’s flat track racing efforts with Bubba Shobert on the legendary RS750.
With that in mind, the RS differed from the rest of the Shadow lineup thanks to mid controls, a taller seat height (29″), different gas tank, lower bars, less rake, a shorter wheelbase, a serious diet (40 pounds) and chain drive. As noted in this Rider Magazine review, the RS was originally designed just for the Japanese market, but “when American Honda executives caught a glimpse of it, they said, “We gotta have that!””
The seller of this bike notes that “the Shadow RS has a 745 cc 52° V-twin with a single pin crank (a bit of a departure from their other 52° twins which used split pin cranks to achieve and even firing order). The motor is water cooled and fuel injected from a single throttle body (the fuel pump, interestingly, is submerged in a dedicated tank below the actual fuel tank).”
2011 was the sole year that Honda offered up a patriotic Red/White/Blue livery for the RS, making it the best tribute to Bubba’s flat tracker.
The seller of this example (VIN: JH2RC5888BK000266) acquired it four years ago from a private party. The “previous owner put very few miles on the motorcycle and sold it due to a lack of time to ride.”
Since then, the seller has covered just 250 miles. “Unfortunately neither of us have as much time as we’d like to ride, and we both hate to see a vehicle go unused. It’s an excellent and very rideable bike in good condition, and it’s gorgeous (in our opinion).” The odometer shows 2,597 miles.
It is completely stock except for a “lockbox behind the rear plate for insurance & registration documents, and a battery charger quick-connector.”
When he purchased the bike 4 years ago, the seller had the bike serviced by a local shop, including new tires (100/90-19 Dunlop D404F front, 180/80-16 Dunlop D404 rear) and tubes. “Regular service intervals were kept since then despite relatively low mileage accumulation. I recently performed all of the recommended service based on mileage and time since last service as per the owner’s manual. This included oil and filter, coolant flush and refill, chain clean & wax, and general inspection.” He adds that there are no known mechanical issues. “The motor cold starts well. It can be a little touchy on cold mornings if you immediately attempt to ride from cold, but once it’s warm it runs without issue.”
Cosmetically, the seller notes “some scuffing/spotting on the front forks, some spotting on the front and rear wheels and shocks, and some scuffing on the left side cover near the key cylinder (presumably from keychains). One mirror has scuffing in the chrome on the outside. The paint and metal is all in excellent condition for a 10 year old bike.”
The sale includes the original tool kit, owner’s manual, and Honda’s “motorcycle riding tips.”
Currently located in Catonsville, Maryland, this Honda is offered on a clean Maryland title.
The seller sums up his bike by saying, “overall it a very pleasant motorcycle to ride. Horsepower is more than sufficient for spirited cruising, torque is adequate, and the ride is smooth. The handling may actually surprise a rider hopping on with a preconceived bias – lean in is crisp and responsive (for a cruiser) and it encourages you to drag the foot pegs.” Have any Shadow stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
