2016 Honda VT750 Shadow Aero for Sale – Rare Florida Import in the UK

Looking for a classic mid-size cruiser with genuine American style and Honda reliability? This 2016 Honda Shadow VT750 Aero might be the perfect bike for you. Freshly imported from Florida by American Cruiser UK, this 745cc V-twin cruiser is a rare find on British roads, since Honda discontinued the Shadow 750 line in the UK after 2015. Below, we’ll dive into the Shadow Aero’s rich heritage, what makes the Aero model special compared to other Shadow variants, and the details that make this particular bike an enthusiast’s dream.

The Honda Shadow VT750: A Storied Cruiser Line

The Honda Shadow series has been an icon among cruiser motorcycles since its debut in the early 1980s. Honda introduced the first Shadow, the VT750C, in 1983 to enter the American cruiser market dominated by Harley-Davidson. This original Shadow was a 750cc liquid-cooled V-twin with classic cruiser styling (round headlamp, chromed fenders, etc.) available in black or Candy Wineberry Red. It featured a shaft drive and six-speed transmission, emphasizing smooth performance and low maintenance – traits that still define the Shadow 750 today.

In 1984, a U.S. tariff on imported bikes over 700cc forced Honda to adapt; the Shadow’s engine was downsized to 694cc and sold as the VT700C “tariff-buster” to dodge the tax. Once the tariff was lifted, Honda returned to the 750cc format and even expanded the Shadow family – introducing larger siblings like the 1100cc Shadow in 1985 and smaller variants like the 600cc VLX in 1988. The Shadow 750 itself saw a renaissance in the late 1990s with the Shadow ACE (American Classic Edition) and continued evolving into the 2000s.

By 2010, the Shadow 750 lineup had diversified into multiple models to suit different rider tastes. In fact, Honda offered four variants of the Shadow 750 around 2010: the Aero, the Spirit, the Phantom, and the RS. This speaks to the popularity and versatility of the platform. Over the years, Honda refined the 745cc V-twin with modern updates like fuel injection and maintained the Shadow’s reputation for bulletproof reliability. Even as of 2018, the Shadow 750 remained in production in select markets, with the Aero and Phantom being the last two variants still offered, both built around the same engine architecture that originated back in 1983. Few motorcycles can boast such a continuous heritage – the Honda Shadow is truly a living legend in the cruiser world.

What Sets the Shadow Aero Apart? (Aero vs. Spirit vs. Phantom vs. RS)

One of the reasons the Shadow 750 line is beloved by enthusiasts is the variety of styles it offers under the same mechanical platform. Let’s break down the key Shadow VT750 variants and how the Shadow Aero stands out among them:

• Shadow Aero (VT750C) – The Aero is the classic cruiser of the Shadow family. It sports a retro look with large valanced fenders and a wider, more rounded fuel tank, giving it a long and low profile reminiscent of a vintage American cruiser. The Aero typically features plenty of chrome and spoke wheels for that old-school appeal. Notably, from 2004 onward the Shadow Aero came with shaft drive (versus the older Spirit’s chain drive) for smoother power delivery and less maintenance. It’s the bike for riders who love traditional cruiser styling – think of the Aero as the Shadow’s “mini Harley” homage with Honda’s engineering.

• Shadow Spirit (VT750DC/C2) – The Spirit is the Shadow’s “street rod” or chopper-inspired variant. Especially in earlier models, the Spirit had trimmed-down fenders (a slim front fender and bobbed rear fender) and a narrower front tire (19-inch or even 21-inch wheel) that give it a lighter, sleeker look. The riding position is a bit more aggressive and the styling more minimalist compared to the Aero. Early Shadow Spirit models (VT750DC, 2001–2007) used chain final drive, while later Spirit 750C2 models switched to shaft drive but kept a raked-out front end and custom cruiser feel. In short, the Spirit caters to those who prefer a slightly more bobbed, street-cruiser style – lower weight, less chrome, and a bit of hot-rod attitude.

• Shadow Phantom (VT750C2B) – Introduced in 2010, the Phantom is the blacked-out bobber of the Shadow lineup. Honda essentially took the Aero’s platform and gave it a dark, custom treatment: virtually all chrome was replaced with matte black finishes (engine, exhaust, wheels, frame) for a mean, understated look. The Phantom retains the Aero’s basic dimensions and shaft drive, but with shortened fenders and a solo-seat style vibe to nail the factory “bobber” aesthetic. In fact, the Phantom’s frame and bodywork were based on the Aero 750, just murdered-out in black. (Fun fact: in some markets like Europe, the Phantom was even called the Shadow Black Spirit.) With its low 25.8-inch seat and stripped-down design, the Phantom is perfect for riders who want a stealthy, minimalist cruiser that still packs the Shadow’s proven 745cc punch.

• Shadow RS (VT750RS / VT750S) – The RS is a very different take on the Shadow: it’s a retro-standard “roadster” version of the 750. Honda launched the VT750S/RS around 2010 to echo the style of a Harley Sportster – upright seating, higher footpegs, and a standard teardrop tank instead of the usual feet-forward cruiser stance. The RS models used chain drive (unique among Shadow 750s of that era) and had a slightly taller seat (~29.5 inches) and shorter wheelbase, making them more agile. With its vintage standard ergonomics and smaller peanut-style fuel tank, the Shadow RS targeted riders who wanted a bit of classic standard bike feel from the Shadow platform. It was only produced for a few years (circa 2010–2013), so it’s a rarer variant. Think of the RS as the Shadow’s versatile younger sibling – part cruiser, part standard – bridging the gap between a cruiser and a standard commuter bike.

In summary, the Shadow Aero distinguishes itself with true classic cruiser looks and comfort – it’s the one with the big retro fenders, ample chrome, and relaxed riding position. The Spirit caters to custom/cruiser fans who prefer a lighter, chopped style, the Phantom appeals to modern bobber aficionados with its all-black mystique, and the RS was an outlier aimed at standard bike lovers. This particular bike we’re offering is the Aero model, which means you get that timeless “old-school” cruiser design combined with Honda’s modern engineering and reliability.

A Rare 2016 Shadow Aero – Imported from the USA

If you’re a UK rider, you might not have seen a Shadow Aero this new on the road – and for good reason. Honda stopped offering the Shadow 750 in the UK after the 2015 model year, largely due to tightening EU emissions regulations (Euro 4 in 2017 forced many older-model bikes out of production). In other words, this 2016 Shadow Aero is a true rarity on British shores – it’s a model that wasn’t officially sold here at that time. American Cruiser UK specializes in hand-picking desirable cruisers from the USA, and this bike is a prime example: a one-year-newer model than anything you could buy new in the UK back then, now fully UK-registered and ready to ride.

Being a Florida import, the bike has benefited from a warm climate and gentle use, which shows in its condition (no harsh winters or salty roads to corrode it). It’s essentially a piece of Honda history that you can own and ride – a cruiser that combines the retro appeal of a classic Shadow with the novelty of being one of the few 2016 models in the country. For Honda Shadow enthusiasts or anyone looking for a mid-sized cruiser that stands out, this is your chance to own a nearly one-of-a-kind bike in the UK.

Immaculate Condition and Features of This Bike

Figure: Our 2016 Honda Shadow VT750 Aero in metallic red – a like-new mid-size cruiser with classic styling. Note the large passenger backrest and chrome saddlebag rails, enhancing comfort and touring capability.

This 2016 Honda VT750 Shadow Aero is in excellent condition throughout, with very low mileage and some great accessories already fitted. Here are the key highlights of this bike:

• Ultra Low Mileage: Only 4,676 miles on the odometer – this Aero has seen very light use, translating to plenty of life left in its reliable V-twin engine. (For context, the 745cc Honda V-twin is known to be long-lasting and easy to maintain. It’s liquid-cooled and fuel-injected for smooth power delivery, and it even still uses a shaft final drive, meaning no chain maintenance.)

• Metallic Red Finish: Dressed in a gorgeous metallic red paint, the bike has a head-turning presence. The color gleams in the sunlight and accentuates the Aero’s classic lines. (Honda’s fit and finish are top-notch, and it shows – the paint and chrome on this machine are in fantastic shape.)

• Passenger Backrest: A large passenger backrest/sissy bar is installed, which is a huge plus for two-up riding. This padded backrest provides comfort and support for your passenger on longer rides, and it maintains the cruiser look. It’s a practical add-on that touring riders will love, and it’s detachable if you ever prefer the solo look.

• Saddlebag Rails: The bike comes with chrome saddlebag support rails already fitted. These rails not only add a touch of style but also make it easy to mount saddlebags for your gear. If you plan weekend trips or motorcycle rallies, you’re all set to strap on some luggage. (Saddlebag brackets are one of the most common upgrades for cruiser owners – here you’ve got them from the get-go.)

• Excellent Overall Condition: As a 2016 model with such low miles, the bike is extremely clean, mechanically sound, and cosmetically beautiful. The engine runs smoothly, the exhaust note is a nice throaty rumble (without being obnoxious), and all components are intact and well-maintained. It’s not an exaggeration to say this Shadow Aero looks nearly showroom-new. You’d be hard-pressed to find a 2016 cruiser in better shape.

• Great Value Price: We’re offering this rare import at £5,995. Considering the condition, low mileage, and uniqueness of this Honda Shadow, it’s an excellent value for a bike that will provide years of enjoyable cruising. £5,995 gets you a head-turning 750cc Honda cruiser that’s ready to roll – with no additional setup or accessory costs needed.

On top of these points, you get all the benefits of the Shadow Aero model: a comfortable low seat, easy handling, and that classic vibe that newer bikes sometimes lack. The bike’s size is very rider-friendly too – the 750 Aero is big enough to handle highway cruising with ease, but nimble enough for city rides. Whether you’re upgrading from a smaller bike or downsizing from a heavyweight cruiser, the Shadow Aero hits a sweet spot.

Finance, Warranty & Viewing at American Cruiser UK

Purchasing through American Cruiser UK means you can buy with confidence. We offer finance options to help you ride away on the bike you want, as well as a warranty for peace of mind after the sale. We also welcome part-exchange – if you have another motorcycle you’d like to trade in, let us know and we can work out a fair deal.

Interested in this 2016 Honda Shadow Aero? We operate viewings by appointment, so give us a call or drop us an email to book a viewing. Our team is friendly, professional, and just as enthusiastic about bikes as you are – we’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you get a closer look at this beautiful machine. Don’t miss the chance to own this rare Honda Shadow 750 Aero – a classic cruiser with unique pedigree, waiting for its next adventure. Contact American Cruiser UK today to schedule your test ride or viewing, and let’s get you on the road with this stunning Shadow Aero!