2010 Honda VT750RSA Shadow RS Review and Specs

The Honda VT750RSA Shadow Motorcycle is one bold, liquid-cooled son of a gun...

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...and we have the specs to prove it.

As a Baby Boomer, nothing gives me greater pleasure than supporting a company whose legacy is as old and as true as I am, and Honda is one such company.

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Video Source: Srkcycles YouTube

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You may be thinking, If you’re truly a Baby Boomer, wouldn’t American-made products speak to you most? To an extent, yes. On weekends, my energies are devoted entirely to the NFL, drinking PBR, and/or moseying around the yard on my J.D. E100.

Still, I’m no stranger to a savory plate of French fries (which were invented in Belgium, by the way, not France) or the occasional Nintendo game with my grandsons. All of this is to say that the things we enjoy most may not always have US origins.

For me, a Honda motorcycle is the epitome of ‘tried and true,’ of authenticity and consistency, all of which are important features in not only a brand, but a bike, too. The 2010 Honda VT750RSA Shadow RS embodies all of these characteristics; it’s a classicist’s dream.

While there have been many variations in the VT750C Shadow line, the 2010 Honda Shadow RS is distinct for many reasons:

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Honda VT750RSA Shadow Motorcycle Pros & Cons

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Pros

At the heart of this Japanese-bred cruiser is a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 52-degree V2. Its 745cc displacement exceeds expectations by providing linear power delivery and a five-speed gearbox. Its decisive throttle response is equally impressive, and the Sportster styling and riding position reminds riders of Honda’s flat-track racing roots (in fact, many have noticed the RS’s uncanny resemblance to H-D’s Iron 883 Sportster; you know where your loyalties lie).

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Video Source: Motorcycle.com YouTube

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Sporting a traditional motorcycle chain as opposed to a driveshaft like its Shadow cousins, the RS could be an ideal starter bike for beginners, just be wary of its engine size (600cc is typically the highest displacement suggested for a first-time rider). Additionally, while plastic bodywork may seem a sin to old-school enthusiasts, this feature makes the RS lightweight and not as susceptible to corrosion or cosmetic damage. It encourages more aggressive riding with footpegs that are placed higher and farther back than on most cruisers, as well as with its upright seating position.

Horsepower peaks at 38.6 at 5,300 rpm, sure, but the 2010 Honda Shadow RS is a pleasantly comfortable and reliable ride for all intents and purposes.  

Cons

If you don’t appreciate a minimalist aesthetic or performance, then this Honda cruiser is not the bike for you. The 2010 RS does not feature a tachometer, storage space is basically nonexistent, and the LCD display is missing a few bells and whistles. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of opportunities to customize the RS, but you could be spending more than you initially bargained for.  

Also, even though power delivery and throttle response make this bike a respectable road companion, its suspension travel leaves much to be desired at 4.6 inches in front and 3.5 inches at the rear. The wheelbase is 3 inches shorter than other VT750C Shadows of the same year, and preload adjustability exists only in the rear, making for limited damping and harsher riding conditions on rough pavement (I’ve been told the Shadow RS is not suitable for pillion riders).

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Video Source: Motorcycle Experience YouTube

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Finally, the peanut-styled fuel tank caps out at 2.8 gallons, so you can expect to fill up more frequently during those longer boulevard jaunts.

2010 Honda VT750RSA Shadow Motorcycle Specs

• Engine: 745cc, liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-Twin
• Bore x Stroke: 79.0 x 76.0mm
• Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
• Valve Train: SOHC, 3 valves per cyl.
• Fuel System: PGM-FI (Fuel-Injected)
• Transmission: Manual, 5-Speed
• Final Drive: O-Ring Chain
  
  
• Front Suspension: 41mm male-slider fork, no adj., 4.6-in. travel
• Rear Suspension: Single shock, adj. for spring preload, 3.5-in. travel
• Front Brakes: Single 296mm disc w/ opposed 2-piston caliper
• Rear Brakes: 180mm drum
  
  
• Front Tire(s): 100/90 R19
• Rear Tire(s): 150/80 R16
• Wheelbase: 61.5 in. / 1562.1mm
  
  
• Wet Weight: 507 lbs*
• Fuel Capacity: 2.8 gal.
• Seat Height: 29.4 in. / 746.8mm *as reported by the manufacturer