Honda VT700C Shadow, 1984-1987
 

The VT700C Shadow is among a class of motorcycles (including 700cc Honda Sabre and Magna models) known as "tariff-busters."
Honda introduced the Shadow 700cc model in 1984 exclusively for the US market in response to tariffs (to protect Harley-Davidson) on Japanese motorcycles with engines over 700cc. Honda took the RC14E 45-degree V-twin and reduced its bore size by 3 millimetres to create the smaller displacement RC19E enginewhich was not subject to the import tariff.

The VT700C for 1984 was available in either Black or Candy Scorpio Red; for 1985 the color choices were Black or Candy Glory Red. Both years had painted side covers with a Shadow 700 decal

For 1986 Honda altered the frame and appearance of the VT700C which included lowering the seat, stretching the wheelbase, increasing rake and trail, switching the front brake from dual disks to a single disk and replacing ten-spoke with five-spoke cast wheels.
The new frame was designed to suppress engine vibrations, and a new camshaft improved low-rpm performance with a slight reduction in peak power. The engine was no longer painted black, the front fender was painted instead of chrome plated, and side covers were chrome instead of paint. Side covers displayed the single word Shadow and Honda's wing logotype was showcased on the tank. The passenger backrest was eliminated. Color schemes for 1986 were either Black or Candy Brilliant Red and then Black or Candy Glory

1987 was the last model year for the VT700C.