The Phantom has arrived. This Phantom is shrouded in darkness and mystery, but it isn’t blacked out in order to hide something hideously grotesque like those phantoms we are used to seeing on TV. 

This Phantom is shrouded in darkness because it’s a rough and tough machine. And because Honda thought it would unsightly to paint this thing bright pink.  I agree.

After 30 years of manufacturing in America, Honda’s motorcycle lineup is brought one step closer to being truly American with the release of the new 2010 Honda Shadow Phantom. The Phantom brings an old-school chopper feel to the lineup through the use of sleek styling; brought out by bobbed fenders and blacked out pretty much everything with the exception for just the right amount of satin-silver accents.

 

The Honda Phantom is tough. Well, it looks tough anyway. The shorter front fender, beefed up fork, and thicker front tire is the main reason for this appearance. Powered by a fuel-injected 745cc V-twin engine, power is respectable, but maybe not as tough as it could be, or should be with looks like that. The five-speed transmission sends power to the rear wheel, not through a manly chain or masculine belt, but through a calm, graceful drive-shaft.

The low-slung saddle height of 25.7 inches coupled with the position of the handle bars and foot pegs keep the rider upright. A wheelbase of 64.5 inches and a curb weight of 549 lbs make this ride manageable for most riders.