Cruisers

2012Honda Shadow 400

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The 2012 Honda Shadow 400 is a classic-styled cruiser for the Japanese market. Its liquid-cooled 398cc V-twin makes 31 hp and 33 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and shaft drive. A low 660 mm seat and 14-litre tank make it comfortable for relaxed riding.

Capacity: 398.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 225.0 kg
Seat height: 660 mm
Power: 31.0 HP (22.8 kW)

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How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding65%

Daily riding60%

Touring40%

Two-up45%

Track10%

Best for: It's built for relaxed, low-speed cruising around town and short scenic rides rather than performance or distance touring.
Built for: It has a laid-back, classic cruiser character with easygoing V-twin torque delivery rather than outright excitement.
Not ideal for: This isn't the bike for riders chasing high speeds, aggressive cornering, or serious off-road adventures.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 660mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Honda Shadow 400, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 398.0 ccm
Power: 31.0 HP (22.8 kW)
Torque: 33.0 Nm (3.4 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1378 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 64.0 x 62.0 mm
Compression: 10.3:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 3

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Wet, multiplate

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1640 mm
Overall length: 2450 mm
Overall width: 925 mm
Overall height: 1085 mm
Seat height: 660 mm
Dry weight: 225.0 kg
Wet weight: 255.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 14.00 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swing arm, dual conventional dampers
Front wheel travel: 117 mm
Rear wheel travel: 89 mm
Rake (fork angle): 34.0°
Trail: 161 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 296 mm
Rear brakes: Expanding brake
Rear brakes diameter: 180 mm
Front tyre: 120/90-17 64S
Rear tyre: 170/80-15 M/C 77S

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2002	2006	2009	2012	2013	2016
Capacity	398 cc	398 cc	398 cc	398 cc	398 cc	398 cc
Dry weight	225 kg	225 kg	225 kg	225 kg	225 kg	225 kg
Seat height	675 mm	675 mm	660 mm	660 mm	660 mm	660 mm
Fuel capacity	14 L	14 L	14 L	14 L	14 L	14 L