Back In the late ’80s, Japanese manufacturers began developing cruiser-style bikes in an attempt to corner the U.S. market, resulting in a generation of cruisers like the attractive Honda Shadow that combined Japanese engineering and reliability with American style.
Known as the Honda Steed in Asia, the Shadow has come in a variety of sizes over the years, ranging from 125cc to 1,100cc. The relatively affordable Honda Shadow VT600C was introduced in 1988 with a 583cc V-twin engine producing 41hp and 51Nm. It featured sloping forks, backswept bars and a rear swingarm layout that mimicked the aesthetics of the classic Harley Softail, but used a conventional monoshock arrangement under the bonnet.
The Shadow is cuter than most classic Japanese cruisers, but this neatly bobbed Indonesian Shadow proves it’s packed with untapped potential. Based on a 1990 Honda Steed VLX600 (its official name in the east), it’s the work of Frontwheel Motors of West Java, and despite its modest appearance, it looks like it’s worth a million dollars.
The inspiration for the Frontwheel Honda Shadow Bobber came from the iconic 1949 Indian Model 249 Scout. We thought that by stripping it of its original bodywork, we could give the cruiser a minimalist, vintage look. And we were right.
Before Frontwheel could get serious about customizing the Shadow, it first had to be brought back to life. The bike had been sitting for six years and was in dire need of an engine rebuild. This turned out to be one of the most tedious parts of the project, as parts were hard to find.
Working on the frame proved to be easier, as the Shadow chassis was cut to the proper silhouette right out of the box, so once Frontwheel cut out the rear fender struts, we were good to go.
While Frontwheel didn’t make any significant changes to the stock suspension and brakes, he did make two modifications that dramatically affected the Shadow’s stance. First, he fabricated a set of classic Harley Softail-style fork covers. Second, he replaced the wheels with 16-inch wheels with 5-inch-wide Shinko tracks.
Compensating for the lack of a front fender is a beautiful ducktail rear fender mounted on custom struts that ends in a small boxed section with a mesh panel covering the recessed taillight.
Atop the Shadow is a handcrafted fuel tank whose design takes inspiration from vintage Scout and Harley-Davidson peanut tanks, and holds just 8 litres. [2.1 gallons]— but it was a deliberate move on the front-wheel side, as they wanted to expose the engine as much as possible, and there are also new louvered side covers, and a stylish, custom-made saddle.
The cockpit features classic “dogbone” risers that grip one-inch tracker bars and is fitted with minimal controls. The front wheel has a small chrome headlight mounted up front and the bike’s LED warning lights are recessed into the top yoke.
The exhaust system is a custom 2-2 system that curves along the right side of the bike and exits through a pair of bold inverted-cone mufflers. Other modifications include new foot controls that are positioned further back than standard, a polished surround for the liquid-cooled Shadow’s radiator, and a handcrafted battery tray.
Frontwheel chose to finish the bike in traditional black paint, earning the bike the nickname “Black Steed”. The glossy paintwork is interrupted only by the sides of the tank, which are emblazoned with white feathered wings over a matte black. Masterfully executed by RSSQ, these paintworks are a clear homage to Honda’s heritage.
We would never have chosen a Honda Shadow as the starting point for such a sleek bobber, but we clearly lack front-wheel vision. We were surprised and impressed.
Front Wheel Motors Instagram | Image by Indiga Ikhlasani x Kelas Pagi Indonesia
