This review will cover the 2005 Honda Shadow 750. I did not own it. Rather, I borrowed it from a friend to test ride it, and it was quite the test ride. I had a good mix of city, highway, twisties, and slow speed experiences. It has been a few years since I rode, it, but I remember the experience.
The test ride took me all over Arizona. Started in Phoenix and went to Payson. From there we went to Show Low. Next was Globe, then back to Phoenix. The route was through the deserts, across mountains, and through several valleys. From Phoenix to Payson was a great introduction to the bike. We rode east on surface streets for about 10 miles. The weather was cool and the sky was clear. The ride down Shea Blvd to the main highway let me explore the rev range of the bike, as well as it braking power. The bike's calm demeanor was very welcoming, and this continued when we got on to Highway 87 to Payson. Many parts of Highway 87 are nice and flat with gentle curves. I learned how to corner on the bike, which behaved a little differently because of the shaft drive. I was used to a chain drive, which has noticeable differences in behavior. Once I became accustomed to the shaft drive, however, it became apparent how beneficial it was. Chain-driven rear wheels are very responsive to throttle changes. The noise of the chain and the slight vibrations it causes are ever-present, and stronger at high speeds. The shaft drive was smoother, quieter, and smoother with throttle changes. The elevation gain to Payson was modest, and the carbs kept up with the altitude. Payson is only about a mile high, so the bike did not have any strain. Payson to Show Low was a different story, as it showed areas in which the bike is weak. The road to Show Low, the 260, is curvy and full of hills. The biggest challenge was the ascent up the Mogollon Rim, which is over 7000 ft high. The 260 tops out at just under 8,000 ft a few miles after the Rim is behind you. The air is thin and cold. Snow piles still littered the shoulder and the forest beyond was a mix of green and white. My leathers kept me warm, so I was happy. The bike, however, was not. The thin air led to a noticeable drop in power. I had a hard time making 70 mph on straight and level parts of the road, and 70 was a nice dream going uphill. Eventually, though, we made it to Show Low. From Show Low to Globe was mostly downhill, and we made excellent time on the 60. Parts of it were curvier than I thought and I scraped the pegs a time or two. No damage to the bike, thankfully. The Salt River valley was beautiful, and the elevation was low enough for the engine to take full breaths. The road back up the valley was nice and uneventful. From Globe to Phoenix, still on the 60, was an opportunity to see how well the bike behaves at high speed. I will not say how fast I got it to, but I was able to keep up with some of the sportier bikes in the group. All in all, it was a great ride and gave me an appreciation for what Honda can do.
What I liked: The shaft drive is what I liked best. Smooth and quiet, with no chain links or sprockets to get fouled up. The transmission was also nice. It was more closely spaced that my Harley's 4-speed, but the 5th gear was taller than my 4th gear and the final drive ratio was also better, in my opinion. The revs were high at 70 mph, but at least I did not feel like the engine was going to shake itself apart. I was able to use my mirrors without engaging the clutch and coasting the bike, which was what my Harley needed. Speaking of the clutch, I liked how it had a very light pull. Two fingers was enough for quick gear shifts. Fuel efficiency was also nice, as I averaged 55 mpg for the whole trip. The bike's slow speed handling was also great, as negotiating parking lots and gas stations was done with ease. Street riding was where the bike seemed to be in its element. Sure, highway riding was nice and comfy, but the nice torque curve and good brakes made for easy stoplight hopping.
What I did not like: Engine power, especially at high altitudes. This bike is not designed to melt asphalt, sure, but a little extra power would make getting up to highway speeds easier. Except for this, I really have no problems with the bike. It is designed for commuters and it does a superb job. It may not win many speed races, but it is very well suited to getting a person from point A to point B.
My overall opinion: The Honda Shadow is an excellent choice for somebody who commutes on two wheels who also enjoys a nice jaunt out of town. As long as that jaunt does not involve hills at high altitude, the rider should have no problems with this bike. New models include fuel injection, which may negate some of the high-altitude problems I referenced here. If I ever get a chance to try one out, I will certainly let you know here.
My next review: 1983 Honda Goldwing Interstate
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