1986 vt1100

I got the same bike! Full backrest though. I've bed-liner painted the tank and right side cover and fenders. Blacked out the motor and exhaust with matte black heat paint. And somehow also missing the left side cover. Got bars, mirrors, and grips on the way, too. Why are they all missing the left side cover, and why is it so hard to find them?

My left side cover just flew off one day(luckily I found it with only a few small scratches). I was certain that I put it on correctly. So I suspect that there is a certain very specific way that the cover goes almost all the way on then pops off.

Also, if the original "buckhorn" bars drive you crazy then I'll give you two options. I went with the t/C bros 7/8th black "mini-apes". You need to use the shims that they also sell, and drill two small holes in the new bars on the appropriate location. The bars look great. Comfort is about 7 out of 10. I did 375 miles the other day with only minimal discomfort.

Option 2, I'm thinking of going to next year. Called 7/8" Nighthawk bars. They are a little less high and maybe a bit wider. I believe they will be more comfortable. Good luck with the bike, you've got a real special one there!

So, I found another 86 shadow VT1100. I bought for $600 to use it as a parts bike, it had my missing left side cover, and raised straight handlebars on it. My buddy who took me to pick the bike up traded me a 2006 Ford Escape XLT for it after I got the couple parts off it that I wanted. It also came with a tub full of parts that we have put up in case either of us needs them in the future.