Honda Shadow RS750 custom

Honda has Harley-Davidson squarely in its crosshairs, gunning for the American brand's Sportster 883.

Honda's new custom bike, the 2010 Honda Shadow RS750, has broken cover and the Japanese vehicle maker has started a drip feed of information.

The new custom bike will be powered by the same 745cc engine – though possibly in a different state of tune – to that found in the Honda Shadow cruiser. Expected output will be around 42hp and 61Nm of torque.

The fuel-injected four-stroke V-twin engine looks to be water-cooled, despite having an air-cooled appearance, and should feature three-valves per cylinder and single overhead camshafts.

But perhaps the most important aspect of the new RS750 custom will be the look.

With a low seat height and higher bars than the Shadow cruiser, Honda's new custom bike has an upright riding position (not to mention a look) much like the Sportster 883.

Together with its low 737mm seat height and compact wheelbase, the new Honda RS750 should be a fairly agile two-wheeler. It features 41mm forks hooked up to a 19-inch front wheel.

Check out the fresh photos and we'll keep you updated when Honda decides to proffer more info on the appealing new custom.