Honda returns to the root of the motorcycle verb "To Cruise." From the June 1997 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser
cruise: 1. to sail about touching at a series of ports
2. to be on one's way
3. to travel for the sake of traveling
4. to go about the streets at random on the lookout for possible developments
5. to travel at a speed suitable for being maintained for a long distance, esp. aboard a motorcycle.
Since we're writers, words can sometimes have a dramatic effect on us. For example, at the press introduction of the Shadow A.C.E. Tourer, we heard Honda motorcycle representatives use a term that sent chills down our editorial spines. Market positioning, while an important term for people working in corporations to explain their decisions to bean counters, is not a phrase we want to hear when we're being presented with a new motorcycle. We couldn't help remembering recent detuned engines -- designed to shudder instead of perform -- foisted upon us because "studies showed that's what the public wants."
Our nightmare visions of accountants and statisticians determining the Tourer's personality were interrupted by Honda's next statement: The bike was designed with an emphasis on touring; cruising was secondary. "Heresy!" we wanted to shout. Instead, we decided to listen to what the folks at Honda had to say.
To help our pulse rates subside, we looked at the pictures of the Tourer in our press packet: A 45-degree V-twin. Lots of chrome. Paint scheme and colors that could only be called classic. Relaxed riding position. Lots of cruisers have windscreens and hard bags. What kept this bike from being a cruiser first and foremost? Now Honda had us intrigued.
As we listened, we realized why Honda thought the latest Shadow was primarily for touring. The Shadow A.C.E. Tourer was designed to be ridden all day, either at extended interstate speeds or on remote winding roads, but not at the expense of around-town fun. Imagine...a cruiser meant to be ridden long distance in comfort, meant to excite people to try riding beyond their local watering hole, to help them become enthusiasts who can't help but find new places on the map and say, "Let's go." Had Honda stumbled into the neighborhood of the Holy Grail? Were those of us who like to ride motorcycles -- and ride them for days at a time with the odometer counting the smiles - seeing the debut of a cruiser that catered to us? Was Honda giving us the style of bike we love with a level of performance that didn't make us feel like it was tough love? We were the first out the door to claim a bike.
Our fears evaporated when we first saw the bikes. For the intro ride, Honda had neatly arranged 1100 Shadows of all varieties on the tarmac. The Tourers were up front with Spirits and A.C.E.s behind. We loaded our gear in a jade green Tourer, locked the bags and pocketed the key. We had staked our claim.
Viewing the Tourer in the presence the rest of the 1100cc Shadow clan, all of which are built in Marysville, Ohio, reveals the family resemblance, but the Tourer definitely takes after the A.C.E. side of the family. The Tourer's frame comes almost directly from the A.C.E., but the swingarm spent some time at the gym with a personal trainer getting more torsional rigidity for the additional loads it is expected to carry. The fenders and seat look like A.C.E. pieces, but they underwent subtle changes for touring duty. The fenders received durable chrome lower covers to protect the paint from gravel likely to be encountered on all the long road trips the Tourer is designed for. The seat retains a reshaped A.C.E. look while pumping up with firmer foam to support the rider's weight for longer stints. The passenger accommodations are also roomier. From the Spirit side of the family tree, the Tourer receives the Spirit's engine-but styled like the A.C.E. motor. In the transition from Spirit to A.C.E., the engine's crankcase covers underwent some chrome cosmetic surgery. The cases and cylinder barrels now wear a satiny black finish, and the fins were buffed to complement the extra chrome.
What most obviously sets the Tourer apart from other 1100 Shadows are the windshield, color matched hard bags and cast wheels. The Tourer's windscreen hits new high notes. Almost all of the details, from the chrome-capped bolts to the Tourer nameplate above the headlight, are finished to perfection. Only the rough, stamped back side of the brackets and a slight distortion in the Lexan just above the headlight detract from the pilot's view. Removing four nuts easily frees the windshield from the triple clamp for those who want a little more breeze when they use their Tourers commuting or around-town trips. We suspect you'll see lots of unshielded A.C.E. Tourers on boulevards on warm summer nights.
The 37-quart ABS bags are same found on the new Valkyrie Tourer, but the lines more accurately match those of the A.C.E. Tourer's rear fender. In fact, the stylistic treatment of the entire rear end of the Tourer gives the motorcycle a sleek, integrated look, with the chrome bag guards, fender cover, clean billet-style taillight and extended mufflers providing a counterpoint to the paint. Finally, the cast aluminum 11-spoke wheels give added strength, allow the fitment of tubeless radial tires for better handling, ride and blow-out resistance, and complete the Tourer's purposeful look.