2005 Honda Cruiser Motorcycles Revealed

Kicking off a month that promises to bring lots of new-model announcements from cruiser manufacturers, Honda showed off 2005 versions of several of its cruiser motorcycles, including a new entry in VTX1300 series (making three variations of the VTX1300), and the revived Shadow Spirit 750, which was not in the 2004 Honda line. Also shown were the 2005 versions of the Shadow Sabre 1100, Shadow Spirit 1100, Shadow Aero 750, Shadow VLX 600, and the Rebel 250, none of which have significant changes, just new colors and graphics. Obviously these machines are not all of Honda's 2005 cruiser offerings, just minor-change models.

The new retro-style VTX1300R shares the traditional full-fendered styling of the VTX1300S as well as the same color choices but comes with with cast wheels and tubeless tires instead of the S-model's wire-spoke wheels. Like the other two VTX1300 models (the VTX1300C and S), pricing for the R starts at $9299, a $100 increase on 2004 VTX1300s. The base-price colors for the R and S models are metallic silver or black, with candy red or metallic magenta for $100 more.

The standard colors for the VTX1300C are black, titanium or bright blue metallic, with candy red an additional $100. Like the other VTX1300s, it gets a new chrome tank badge.

The chain-drive Shadow Spirit returns to Honda's 750 V-twin line after a year hiatus. That gives the firm two V-twin entries again. Pricing for the Shadow Spirit 750 starts at $6099 in black or, for $100 more, you can get a choice of a black/red or pearl blue/metallic silver flamed paint schemes.

The shaft-drive, single-carb Shadow Aero 750, introduced in 2004, has also seen a $100 price increase. The Aero comes in two solid colors—red or black—for 2005 for $6299. For $6599, you can also get the any of the four two-tone flamed schemes seen here.

At $8299, the suggested price for the stalwart Shadow Spirit 1100 has climbed by $200. Because of its roominess, good power and comfort, this close descendant of Honda's original Shadow 1100 V-twin of the late 1980s is still one of the best rider's bikes in the 1100 V-twin cruiser class—and one of the best buys. For the 2005 model year the Shaodw Sprit 1100 is available in two monotone color choices—black or red.

The basic black version of the street-rod-styled Shadow Sabre 1100 is the same as last year at $8299, though the only graphic alternative, a black-with-flames version, is $100 more than last year's multi-colored offerings at an $8599 suggested price.

The 600cc Shadow VLX V-twin has also gotten $100 fatter in the price tag, either for the basic model in black ($5099) or the Deluxe rendition ($5399) in candy orange, pearl white, or pearl blue. You get more chrome on the engine covers, however.

The eternal 250cc Rebel vertical twin, which now has an orange option, remains $2999, either in that color or the inevitable solid black.

Honda is expected to announce additional 2005 models in the near future. Suzuki, Yamaha, and possibly Victory will also have 2005 announcements for additions to their cruiser line-ups this month.

For more breaking motorcycle news, visit the home page of www.MotorcycleCruiser.com.