- E SHADOW

Transcription

1 E 1

2 Introduction The 125cc motorcycle class has been the fastest growing segment of Europe s diverse motorcycle market for several years running, partially owing to standardized licensing regulations that initially limit new, younger riders to this class, and partially because the wide array of new models introduced by all manufacturers since these regulations went into effect have served to spur renewed interest among both new and experienced riders in the unique offerings available. Rather than being a pool of bargain basement models geared only toward meeting regulatory requirements, the 125cc class often brings together top-class technological innovation and style in well-balanced, economical machines that offer an easy-tohandle size and level of performance that virtually anybody can enjoy. One market segment that has enjoyed especially strong growth in all motorcycle classes over the last few years has been the American Custom cruiser segment. As sales of Honda s recently released VT1100C3, VT750C and long-popular VT600C Shadows continue to show, more and more riders have passed over the aggressive performance of Super Sports-oriented motorcycles in favour of the laidback look, lower seat height and relaxed, easy-riding disposition of the American Custom cruisers. Even in the 125cc class, Honda s low-riding Rebel 125 has won a broad group of devotees who are attracted to its relaxed power delivery and low, comfortable proportions. Recent marketing studies have also found that most buyers of 125cc motorcycles like Honda s own Rebel 125 have no previous riding experience and are often car drivers venturing into motorcycling for the first time. Also, these riders are often far more interested in the style and image that the motorcycle projects than in its technological features. In fact, nearly three-quarters of the Rebel riders interviewed made their selections on looks alone E 2

3 Introduction Taking all these factors into consideration, Honda s design team set out to build upon their growing success by incorporating the most popular elements of Honda s larger classic American Custom models into a 125cc-class machine that would offer a broad appeal, especially to the large numbers of novice riders for whom style is all-important. First and foremost on the agenda was the development of an all-new V-twin engine that would not only provide the central point of focus for the new machine, but would also produce ample power and the low, staccato V-twin sound most often associated with the custom cruiser. The next priority was to reproduce the curvaceous neoretro American Classic look and roomy riding proportions of the bigger cruisers in a small-displacement motorcycle. The result of the team s efforts is the new Shadow 125. A long-and-low, easy-riding cruiser that combines the broad, sweeping lines of American Classic styling, the look and feel of a modern V-twin engine, and the satisfaction of Honda s renowned production quality and reliability in an entry-level factory custom motorcycle that offers small bike convenience and riding confidence coupled with the spacious proportions and feel of a larger machine E 3

4 Styling Concept The Full-Featured American Classic As Honda s newest and most exciting small-displacement cruiser, the Shadow 125 was designed on the long-and-low lines of Honda s popular retro -styled American Classic Edition models, with its strongest resemblance being to the VT750C. Featuring a modern, curvaceously sculpted design that focuses attention on its large, prominently displayed V-twin engine, the Shadow 125 s main styling features include deeply valanced fenders draping over widebodied tyres, a broad, large-volume fuel tank that catches the eye with its striking chrome-plated meter pod, a wide saddle-type solo seat with detachable rear pillion pad, wide, low-positioned handlebars fronted by a large chrome-plated headlight, and two beautifully chromed exhaust pipes joining together into a single, large, straighttube silencer that provides a brilliant underline to this elegant cruiser s classic look. Although the Shadow projects a look and feel of imposing volume and breadth, careful attention was also given to ensuring that its weight was kept low and its handling was kept light and easy for even novice riders to enjoy with confidence E 4

5 Colouring Concept The new Shadow 125 rolls onto the boulevards in three gorgeous colours that emphasize its quality and prestige while complementing its lines with deep, luxurious base hues that bring out the brilliance of its chrome-plated parts. These three colour variations are lead by a dark metallic black that sparkles with multi-coloured highlights under the bright lights and the sun. In metallic grey the Shadow projects a silvery look of mechanical splendour, while candy red places an accent on its youthful charms and friendly demeanour. Colours Mute Black Metallic Future Grey Metallic Candy Glory Red E 5

6 Engine All-New 124cm 3 Liquid-Cooled V-Twin Engine The V-twin engine has been synonymous with the custom cruiser motorcycle scene since its very inception. With its narrow width and impressive side proportions, the V-twin engine provides a strong central point of focus for the motorcycle s overall design. Also important to the cruiser concept are the engine s strong sensations of throbbing power and a rumbling sound that emphasizes the individual pulses of its two cylinders. Still, while the sensation of the engine s combustion is important to the overall cruiser feel, vibration should never become a distracting annoyance. Therefore, the 90 V-twin configuration was selected for its inherent vibrationcancelling characteristics. The engine s low vibration also permits it to be rigidly mounted in the frame without concern about excessive vibration sneaking up through the seat and handlebars E 6

7 Engine Besides adopting the V-twin configuration, another key consideration in the design of the Shadow 125 s new engine was achieving the highest power rating possible within the limitations of the class. Although A1 class regulations now limit power output to 11kW or 15PS, nearly all the motorcycles offered in the class put out considerably less power than the permissible limit. With this in mind, the Shadow 125 s engineers sought to give this new two-valve-per-cylinder, SOHC engine the maximum amount of top-end performance possible while concentrating on providing a solid surge of low-to-midrange power for full-bodied riding enjoyment. Although the engine is liquidcooled for assured operating stability and long-term durability, the Shadow 125 s new V-twin engine features classic finned cylinders that project an impressive look of size and strength while clothing the engine s modern, reliable design in the comfortable look of the past. Also, so as not to detract from the engine s clean, purposeful design, both the water pump and the oil filter were concealed behind the right-side case cover. Engine Performance Curve! Power Torque curve # Power Output (kw) $ Torque (Nm) Engine Performance Curve % Engine Speed (rpm x 1,000)! $ E % 7

8 Engine Dual Digital CDI The Shadow 125 s new V-twin engine also features the latest advances in ignition design. Its digital fully transistorized ignition features not just one, but two separate systems that deliver precisely timed high-voltage charges independently to each cylinder. This dual system combines with the push-button electric starter to ensure quick and easy starts, and dependable long-term performance. Operating stability is further ensured by a compact maintenance-free (MF) 12-volt battery. Low-Emissions Air Injection System To ensure that the new Shadow 125 s engine stays abreast of current trends to reduce emissions while at the same time maintaining both its full performance potential and the sound and feel desired in a V-twin engine, its designers made sure to incorporate the same simple yet effective air injection system used on several of Honda s larger new models. The injection system directs a stream of fresh air from a small unit mounted atop the head covers directly into each cylinder head s exhaust port just behind the exhaust valve. This shot of air provides the extra oxygen needed to prolong the combustion process beyond the combustion chamber and into the exhaust port, thus ensuring more complete combustion of exhaust gases and emissions figures that easily exceed Europe s strict EURO-1 emissions control standards E 8

9 Engine Heated Carburettors To ease starting and ensure more stable operation throughout a wide range of climatic conditions, the Shadow 125 s piston-valve type carburettors feature a specially adapted heating system that circulates coolant heated by the engine around the carburettor bodies to bring them up to a stable operating temperature. The system features a thermostatcontrolled bypass that diverts the coolant flow exiting the rear cylinder head away from the radiator while the engine is cold and initially warming, and through the carburettors to the water pump. Since coolant is not being circulated through the radiator, the engine, coolant and carburettors warm up more quickly. When the target temperature of 82 C is reached, the thermostat closes the bypass and permits coolant to flow through the radiator normally. Since this quick-heating system prevents fuel from condensing and freezing inside the carburettors, it helps ensure easier starting, and smoother performance and drivability over a wider range of climates and temperatures. Although the system is common in the automotive world and has been adapted to a few large-displacement motorcycles, such as a Honda s own CBR900RR, VTR1000F, VFR and new CBR1100XX, this is the first time such a heating system has ever been used in this class of motorcycle. Carburettor Riser System! & * ( # % ^ Carburettor Riser System! Throttle Engine # Pilot Outlet $ Heater % Hot Coolant (in) ^ Hot Coolant (out) & Bypass Outlet * Bypass Plug ( Pilot Screw E 9

10 Engine Eye-Catching Exhaust System The Shadow 125 s impressive, chrome-plated 2-into-1 exhaust system features a long, classically designed straight-tube silencer. The silencer s triple-pass baffle construction provides a quiet, yet distinctive V-twin sound output. The front exhaust pipe features a two-ply tube design that resists bluing, and the rear pipe uses a decorative cover to protect against burns while enhancing the system s attractive look. The system is also complemented by a large-volume aircleaner to ensure low noise output coupled with an impressive V-twin rumble. Smooth-Shifting 5-Speed Transmission The Shadow 125 s rugged 5-speed transmission features carefully selected gearing ratios that further maximize the engine s feel of lowto-midrange acceleration while offering a light-pull clutch and smooth-shifting operation. Exhaust System Comparison E 10

11 Chassis Classic Cruiser Configuration The new Shadow 125 departs from every other motorcycle in its class by taking on the classic lines and large proportions of the American Classic motorcycles that have recently enjoyed a dramatic surge of popularity in Europe. If anything, its spacious form gives the strong impression of a much larger machine than might be expected for its class. Epitomized by such bestsellers as Honda s own VT1100C3 and VT750C, the Shadow s style expresses its long, low and wide design in a broad fuel tank, deeply valanced fenders and wide handlebars while offering an easy, upright riding position for carefree cruises up the boulevards or down empty country roads. The Shadow s light and easy handling comes by way of a simple yet rigid double-cradle frame that features a single backbone tube reaching back from the steering head to the swingarm pivot to encompass the solidly mounted V-twin engine. Its long proportions and low 680mm seat height ensure a comfortably laid back reach from the wide solo seat to the gently curving handlebars and highway pegs for riders of most all shapes and sizes, as well as an easy reach to the ground that gives beginners an extra boost in riding confidence. Shadow125 VT600C Riding Position Comparison E 11

12 Chassis Plush, Low-Riding Suspension The new Shadow s suspension settings have been tuned for the best balance of comfort and riding control. Its compliant 35mm hydraulic fork features an extra-wide span of 214mm between stanchion tubes for a broad, settled look in keeping with its Retro-Classic proportions. Extended forward with a 32 caster angle, the fork s 130mm damper stroke provides 110mm of compliant vertical axle travel and is equipped with a rigid fork brace plate under the front fender to further assure light and easy control in all traffic conditions. At the rear, a pair of conventional dampers are mounted in laid-down fashion to provide a clean look, progressive performance through their 80mm range of axle travel, and a comfortable ride in combination with the Shadow s fat rear tyre and wide, plush, thickly padded seat. The dampers also offer 5-step spring preload adjustability to match most loads and riding styles E 12

13 Chassis Wheels and Brakes The Shadow 125 s classic retro looks are complemented by traditionally styled wire-spoked wheels with wide-bodied tyres mounted on attractive chrome-plated rims. Braking duties are ably handled by a front disc brake featuring a compact dual-piston caliper gripping a 240mm drilled stainless steel rotor between resin mould pads. The front brake s settings were finetuned for easier operation with adjustments made to lever angle and brake pad material. At the rear, the Shadow s 130mm leading/ trailing shoe drum brake provides smooth, capable braking control E 13

14 Equipment Traditional Style and Quality Details For the rider, the Shadow 125 s wide, classically shaped fuel tank assumes the central point of styling focus for its traditional boulevard cruiser look. Topped by a gorgeous, chrome-plated meter pod that integrates a fully electronic speedometer, an LCD trip/odometer display, indicator lights and the filler cap into its beautifully sculpted design, the tank s gentle curves are framed by the wide handlebars and the large, chrome-plated headlight pod ahead. Its 14.5-litre fuel capacity combines with the 4-stroke V-twin s excellent fuel economy to offer over 100km of riding freedom between fuel stops, or about a week s operation under normal urban riding conditions. The new Shadow 125 s fully integrated American Classic design provides luxurious evidence of Honda s worldrenowned attention-to-detail, and quality of construction that is second to none. An important aspect of the American Classic image is the extensive use of chrome and metal to highlight its timeless urban style, and the new Shadow wins admiring glances with a blaze of chrome-plated brilliance. From its traditionally styled headlight pod, turn indicators and controls to its rear dampers, chain guard and distinctive rear fender rails, the deep lustre of chrome catches the eye wherever one looks E 14

15 Equipment Behind the wide, deeply padded solo saddle seat, the Shadow s broad rear pillion pad provides a comfortable perch and easy view of the road ahead. For solo riding, the pillion pad can be easily detached, leaving only one bolt showing at back that doesn t distract from the Shadow s clean custom look. The Shadow 125 s wide and low handlebars feature a riser-type design solidly mounted to a diecast aluminium upper tripleclamp. Its standard switch gear is easy to use and the bars gently curving shape places all controls within easy reach. The Shadow also features large rectangular rearview mirrors, aluminium levers, and a stainless steel rear brake pedal. The Shadow s large headlight mounts a 55/65W halogen bulb within its chrome-plated housing. At the back, a large, newly designed taillight and chromeplated bullet-shaped turn indicators command attention from the rear. With the battery and all major electrical components concentrated in one area behind the sidecovers under the seat, the right-side cover removes to expose the Shadow s tool pack and the left-side cover holds the Shadow s combination switch E 15

16 Equipment A wide range of optional parts and equipment has also been planned for the Shadow 125 that will give its owners an easy starting point for customizing their machines to their own personal taste. Designed to blend in perfectly with the Shadow 125 s total image rather than looking like mismatched generic afterthoughts, these parts include: - A large front windscreen for enhanced wind protection. - A large, convenient rear carrier for easily strapping down cargo. - A chrome-plated sissy bar with padded backrest for enhanced pillion passenger comfort. - A set of traditional fringed and studded leather saddlebags. - A chrome-plated headlight visor. - A set of bolt-on chrome-plated front fork covers that lend an extra look of size and traditional American Classic style to the forks. - A set of chrome-plated tubular radiator guards that offer both protection against impacts and decorative style. - A brilliant, chrome-plated front fender. - Chrome-plated brake and clutch levers. - Chrome sidecovers. - A set of bolt-on emblems that further emphasize the Shadow 125 s look of prestige E 16

17 Specifications Specifications Shadow 125 (ED-type) Engine Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 4-valve SOHC 90 V-twin Bore Stroke 42 45mm Displacement 124.7cm 3 Compression Ratio 11.8 : 1 Carburettors 22mm VP-type 2 Max. Power Output 15PS/11,000rpm (DIN) (11kW/11,000min -1 ) Max. Torque 1.09kg-m/9,000rpm (DIN) (10.7Nm/9,000min -1 ) Ignition Dual digital transistorized with electronic advance Starter Electric Transmission 5-speed Final Drive Roller chain Dimensions (L W H) 2, ,113mm Wheelbase 1,524mm Seat Height 680mm Ground Clearance 163mm Fuel Capacity 14.5 litres (including 3-litre reserve) Wheels Front/Rear Steel rim/wire spoke Tyres Front 110/ S Rear 130/90 15M/C 66P Suspension Front 35mm telescopic fork, 110mm axle travel Rear Swingarm, dual dampers with adjustable preload, 80mm axle travel Brakes Front 240mm dual-piston caliper disc Rear 130mm leading/trailing drum Dry Weight 145kg E All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice. 17