Had a 87, VT1100 shadow that i bought new in 87.Loved the LOOKS, & bike. Picked up a GL1100 with Vetter fairing set up for possible rain & cooler riding. Ride was so much better as far as my bad back went, found the shadow was ridden less than the old 1100 wing was. When i took the 1500 for a test ride as was going to upgrade to bigger wing with cruse, & reverse. Came sat back down & traded BOTH in on the 1500,& NEVER regretted the purchase,& trade off of the Shadow for the 1500. The 1200 standard is a better hooligan bike than the 1100 Shadow ever was, much more RARE an animal, & better in EVERY real way. Brakes, handling, suspension, everything but looks, the 87, 1100 shadow was, & is a beautiful bike to look at. I would deal with any of the potential 88 issues, the carbs being on the top of my list, spare parts from parted out bikes are pretty plenty full, & reasonably priced most of the time. The shadow might like a new home where it has a higher priority in the garage, & the 1500 would have a better place as well.