Tell me more about the Honda Shadow. How is it as a beginner bike?

[SpatiallyAware]

I'm not arguing that a V-rod is a good starter bike, I just find it surprising that you'd class it with a busa.
Though if you cranked the rev limiter down to 5k, a v-rod would be down right tame, and still to heavy for a first bike.

Right... and a new rider will promise promise to keep that gsx-r1k at half throttle or less. The v-rod is a bigger cruiser, I'm using it to make a point.

Bottom line is that you are better off starting small and working your way up, rather than buying a bike that will 'last awhile' before you get bored in 3 days and turn off the rev limiter or whatever.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Because every time "us" seasoned riders recommend something less than a 'busa or v-rod as a first bike there are the 1-2 trollish members who come on here insisting on 1000cc++ bikes as a first bike. These are the same guys running cars into ditches and all that, not surprisingly.

I completely understand where jules is coming from. If you come on here recommending full gear and a 650cc starter bike you have the same 1-2 diligent posters insisting to just buy a literbike and 'be done with it'.


Your life is trusted in this motorcycle. Your skills are not honed yet, and just because 50% of people are 'lucky' enough to not wreck their r6 doesn't mean it's for everyone. I personally know at least 4 guys who will spend the rest of their lives in wheelchairs from wrecking their first bike. 2 started on 600cc sportbikes, the other was a literbike, the 4th was a 250 who was t-boned.

Riding a motorcycle is no joke. Any idiot can pick up some gear, MSF, and a 600cc sportbike. It's a very very dangerous combination.



Be patient. Learn to love the ride rather than the power. I've posted about this many many times, but the person who starts on a starter bike and moves up slowly turns out to be a MUCH better and safer rider compared to someone who starts out on a 1000cc+ (even a cruiser......)

This is the man you want to listen to if you need advice on riding a sportbike like a cruiser. His bike has never seen mph over the speed limit or even sniffed a racetrack yet he looks so cool and boy people think he's dangerous. Keep shining up your garage queen son. One day you might just get you a bike and ride it like it was intended.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

This is the man you want to listen to if you need advice on riding a sportbike like a cruiser. His bike has never seen mph over the speed limit or even sniffed a racetrack yet he looks so cool and boy people think he's dangerous. Keep shining up your garage queen son. One day you might just get you a bike and ride it like it was intended.

Ah here's the butthurt one. I've done countless trackdays, etc etc etc. I've owned at least 20+ sportbikes, including 1098 etc. You know this, though, and are just looking for places to poke

There's nothing wrong with pushing limits on the street if you're smart about it. The issue is when you're a new rider, it's the very last place you need to be pushing limits.

 

[hanoverphist]

There's nothing wrong with pushing limits on the street if you're smart about it. The issue is when you're a new rider, it's the very last place you need to be pushing limits.

i agree.

Like I said, I love my Sporty, but it's not what I'd consider a great beginner bike.

ZV

also, this. the sporty is a nice ride, but you dont want to be learning on it. the first bike i rode was a triumph 900 and it was a bad idea. i have no idea why my dad let me take control of that sucker when i was 10. when i did get my first, it was a 1969 CB350 honda. easy peasy to toss around and get used to, and with the right tires was a decent enduro as well. i graduated to the CB750 with a bit of... modifications. that sucker was really a rocket in a rusty coat. my best friend learned how to ride on a VLX600 shadow, that sucker was too small for me to ride tho. had decent power for what it was tho, but not enough to ride his woman with us. now hes on a night train tho, no probs with that at all now. im bikeless. i still have my CB750 but its a pile in the backyard.

 

[pauldun170]

Shadow 750's are "ok" bikes.
They are pretty simple bikes with a very low seat height and are fine for cruising.
As a beginner bike, it will be fine.

Pretty sure these are not the friendliest bike for tall folks so if you are in the 6's you may want to skip it.

They aren't really great at anything but for cruising they are fine.
Out of the factory the suspension was on the mediocre side and with a couple of miles on it you'll be dealing with floaty ride.
Brakes are ok for the type of bike but stainless steel brake lines are a plus.
You will probably be getting a lesson in Carb cleaning with just about any used bike in your price range but and I would highly recommend you pick up a shop manual or at least scour the interwebz for write ups. Shouldn't be too bad.

Unfortunately its tough to find a used cruiser without an obnoxious aftermarket exhaust. the issue with that (besides the obnoxious noise) is that there is no guarantee that the carbs are properly jetted for the pipe.

Older models have a chain drive so whatever bike you look at, check the chain.

Check the condition of the hoses.

They aren't powerhouses in the highway passing department but have enough power for cruising around.

 

[Ns1]

5-8 145 pounds. GF is 100 pounds. I'm sure our combined weight is less than many fat people lol

 

[Onita]

This is the same bike I've been looking for and about the same conditions as you. Something "smaller", and a cruiser and its been fairly well narrowed down to the Shadow. If you do get one, please update the thread.

 

[Ns1]

This is the same bike I've been looking for and about the same conditions as you. Something "smaller", and a cruiser and its been fairly well narrowed down to the Shadow. If you do get one, please update the thread.

Bike seems perfect. I'll scrounge up 3k this winter to buy one of these.

4k-
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant/mcy/3170657207.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/mcy/3108991474.html

less than 4k-
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/3167397150.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/3160075758.html
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/3133983652.html

 

[pauldun170]

Keep in mind that certain versions have shaft drive.
Lower maintenance than a chain.

 

[pauldun170]

2004 @ edwards looks good and has the shaft drive.
2003 in oakhills is worth a look.

 

[Angeloazzurro]

Hello,
I am ready to buy my first bike, have been riding scooters for long time (50cc, 125cc, 200cc), but never a bike with gears.
I am a small guy, 5,5", 145lb, and not sure if I should go with a 250 Rebel, or a 600 (650) Shadow, as my first Bike.
What do you guys suggest?
I am concerned that the Shadow could be a little too big/heavy for a small beginner guy, but at the same time, I worry that the Rebel would have not enough power (I am going to use it to commute to work, 40 miles round trip)

Thank you for your advice!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Hello,
I am ready to buy my first bike, have been riding scooters for long time (50cc, 125cc, 200cc), but never a bike with gears.
I am a small guy, 5,5", 145lb, and not sure if I should go with a 250 Rebel, or a 600 (650) Shadow, as my first Bike.
What do you guys suggest?
I am concerned that the Shadow could be a little too big/heavy for a small beginner guy, but at the same time, I worry that the Rebel would have not enough power (I am going to use it to commute to work, 40 miles round trip)

Thank you for your advice!

If you aren't getting on the freeway the Rebel would be plenty of bike to start out on. The Shadow would be a bit better on the freeway.

Both would make excellent first bikes.

 

[nOOky]

I'd consider a Ninja 250 or 500 a great beginner bike also. The wife is smaller than you and she started out on a 250 Ninja, but soon wanted a bit more zip. The 500 I think would probably have more life expectancy than a 250, it's just enough power without being too over the top.

 

[twinrider1]

If you aren't getting on the freeway the Rebel would be plenty of bike to start out on. The Shadow would be a bit better on the freeway.

Both would make excellent first bikes.

lol, I saw this person's question in another thread and gave nearly the exact same answer. Ugh, running a 250 on the freeway for hours would be Hell.

 

[Angeloazzurro]

lol, I saw this person's question in another thread and gave nearly the exact same answer. Ugh, running a 250 on the freeway for hours would be Hell.

Thanks for the answer, I won't be going on highway for long trip, maybe at most 20/30 miles.
I have no doubt that the shadow would be better for highway, but my question was about safety, as a beginner, would be the shadow suitable, or would you recommend a smaller bike?

 

[twinrider1]

A big Shadow is perfectly safe. The Shadow engine isn't going to hurt you. It's 600cc, but it's only 40hp. Compare that to their sport bike, the CBR600RR. Same size engine, but it has almost 100hp. So you have to look beyond just the size.

 

[Denly]

I am ready to finally check this off the bucket list, is S40 a good starter? I read both good and bad about this bike, looks like a good price for a starter.

edit 5'10 160lb if that matter.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Im not a bike guy, but I want a Honda Super Cub some day.

 

[dawp]

Im not a bike guy, but I want a Honda Super Cub some day.

that got me thinking about getting a piper super cub, but first i need to get my license.

 

[Ns1]

as a 4 year update to this thread, I'm still on my scooter, still w/o proper gear. I suck, I know.

I need a bigger scooter now...and gear.

 

[OutHouse]

I taught my wife to ride a few yeas go starting with a 1981 Honda Twinstar 200. she rode it all summer to work. when she got enough confidence i gave her my Vulcan 900 and i bought a BMW 1200RT.

The 200 is a great learning bike. light, max speed about 65-70 and very forgiving.

my son turns 17 this summer and thinking about getting him started on it when he gets his license.

 

[OutHouse]

fricken necro.

 

[OutHouse]

not sure if I should go with a 250 Rebel, or a 600 (650) Shadow, as my first Bike.
What do you guys suggest?

i would go with the 600.

 

[Echo.Park.LA.Joshy]

Who ever says the Honda Shadow 750 is a turd or a lame bike is a complete idiot. I've rode many bikes and I got a 2008 Honda Shadow Spirit C2 and this bike rides like a sports bike and cruiser. Sure, it's not as fast as a sports bike but I litteraly ride 100mph on a daily and I haven't had any issues. Sure, would I rather have a sports bike? Of Course I would! But this Shadow is good enough for me. Hell, I blast past scared fools on their sports bikes everyday splitting lanes like a mad man on the I5 and 710 freeways here in Los Angeles and my bike has over 70,000 miles on it and still runs strong! For $65 I can take apart the clutch and change out the plates.....how is that a bad thing? Obviously people who say the Honda Shadow is a beast don't know what they are talking about! The bike only weighs 506 pounds dry! Morons! And it has the Honda Racing Motor they use in race bikes so go blow me! Yhe Honda Shadow 750 is a bad ass bike that you can customize like a chopper or bobber or anything you want also! I'm 6ft 2in tall and I weigh 200 pounds and this bike hauls ass! Change the oil and she will run forever!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Who ever says the Honda Shadow 750 is a turd or a lame bike is a complete idiot. I've rode many bikes and I got a 2008 Honda Shadow Spirit C2 and this bike rides like a sports bike and cruiser. Sure, it's not as fast as a sports bike but I litteraly ride 100mph on a daily and I haven't had any issues. Sure, would I rather have a sports bike? Of Course I would! But this Shadow is good enough for me. Hell, I blast past scared fools on their sports bikes everyday splitting lanes like a mad man on the I5 and 710 freeways here in Los Angeles and my bike has over 70,000 miles on it and still runs strong! For $65 I can take apart the clutch and change out the plates.....how is that a bad thing? Obviously people who say the Honda Shadow is a beast don't know what they are talking about! The bike only weighs 506 pounds dry! Morons! And it has the Honda Racing Motor they use in race bikes so go blow me! Yhe Honda Shadow 750 is a bad ass bike that you can customize like a chopper or bobber or anything you want also! I'm 6ft 2in tall and I weigh 200 pounds and this bike hauls ass! Change the oil and she will run forever!

Nice thread bump.

Just an FYI, the Honda Shadow doesn't have a "racing motor used in race bikes." It has a V-twin motor, like Harley uses, except it is liquid-cooled and it makes around 45hp at best. You might attain speeds approaching 120mph tops on a bike like this.

A "race bike" (I'm going to assume you mean a street legal sportbike and not an actual race bike) has an inline 4 cylinder making anywhere from 130hp (600cc) to 180hp (1000cc) and is capable of speeds approaching 200mph.