1986 Honda Shadow

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

To see her back on the street where she belongs

What motivated you to start your project?

When many others failed to get her to run, I knew she deserved another chance.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?

Sealing the fuel tank by temporarily changing the molecular structure. Removed the carbon buildup on the pistons without removing the jugs.

What are you most proud of?

Quality to Detail

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

“Beautiful, I want her!”

4 Comments

Dale Edwards says:

June 18, 2025 at 10:19 am

Wow! She looks like my 750. I just bought one that has been totally redone, inside and out. All new rubber hoses and tires, professionally polished metal. Has 7500 original kilometers, (4660 miles), she’s been a show bike and is gorgeous! Just got the collector plate and am planning on riding her and enjoying this beautiful bike! I looked for 3 years before I found her, and as soon as I saw the ad and her sparkling burgundy beauty, I knew she was meant for me. I rode a 1983 Shadow 500 for almost 30 years and when I gave that away 6 years ago, I knew another Shadow was the only one for me. Feel so lucky to have found a 1986 in such good shape!

Reply
- Maarten Broekhuis says:
  
  February 17, 2026 at 3:04 am
  
  Great build! I will take some inspiration from it for my shadow vt750c 1986.
  Where did you find the forward controls? Are they custom? I’m looking all over for them but can’t find any for the shadows from the mid 80’s.
  
  Reply
Nick says:

October 2, 2025 at 12:44 pm

Hi, Does it say 749 on the cylinder, is it RC14 engine ? frame JH2RC1403GM, if so, where can I fined Manual?

Reply
Maarten Broekhuis says:

February 17, 2026 at 3:35 am

Great build! I will take some inspiration from it for my shadow vt750c 1986.
Where did you find the forward controls? Are they custom? I’m looking all over for them but can’t find any for the shadows from the mid 80’s.

Reply

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Submitted by: James S

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Specifics

Classification: Classic/Restored

Make, Model & Year: 1986 Honda Shadow

Fondly known as: VT 700 C

Time spent: 144

Motorcycle cost: $750

Money spent: $1,300

Engine: New Fuel Hoses. Replaced Fuel Filter with original filter plus bought a Reusable Fuel Filter as a 2nd option. Upgraded Dot 3 to Dot 4 Clutch Fluid. Full Carburetor rebuild with increased fuel volume. New Floats & Seals. Tuned carbs to their perspective cylinder. Removed Rust from gas tanks then used my innovative technique to stop flash rusting. Packed all connectors with Dielectric grease.

Intake: Hiflo Filtro high quality motorcycle air filter. New Intake Boots. Changed air volume.

Exhaust: Added Stainless Steel Locking Tie to Exhaust Heat Shield.

Transmission: New Ignition Coils. Upgraded Spark Plugs. Upgraded differential gear oil to Bel-Ray gear oil.

Frame: Realigned lower fuel tank bracket.

Suspension: Upgraded to high performance fork oil. Used Lucus water resistant grease under swingarm caps & both front & rear axels.

Wheels, tires and brakes: New Front & Rear Touring tires.

Finish – Paint: Removed all rust from Chromed surfaces. Buffed & Polished all Aluminum & Magnesium parts by hand. Refreshed paint with buffing compounds. Used Leather patch kit to repair hole in seat.

Accessories: Added adjustable Aluminum Brake & Clutch levers.