Which Shadow for a beginner that needs to travel long distances

[nuclear_engineer]

Hi everyone,

I am about to purchase my first motorcycle and I was wondering if I could get input from more seasoned bikers.

I am a graduate student at Texas A&M so it is fairly warm year-round. I am looking for a good starter bike that can get me to and from my office (~10 miles each way) every day but that can also get me to different national labs in the summer time (in Knoxville, TN, San Fran, CA, Chicago, IL).

Basically, I need a bike that is reliable and not too powerful for a beginner but also have enough power to keep up with freeway speeds for a prolonged period of time. I have been looking at the Honda Shadow 750 but am not sure what specific year/model would best suit my needs.

Thanks.

-nuclear_engineer

[neal alexander]

I learned on a shadow 750, and after borrowing and such a few other bikes settled on a shadow 1100 - you want the extra power to get around semis on the hwy and on windy days and such, but better to learn on a 750 - also depends on weight - the 750 is a bit more easy to handle for a 180lb person....well after two kids and 15 years of better food - 200 lbs .......

[vzshadow]

A Shadow 750 would be a great bike for your needs. Get a late model, the last five years. I'm sure you'll be able to find one at a good price. Any model will do, whatever strikes your fancy. I got a 2008 Aero, mostly because my wife liked it.

[Shadzilla]

If you're a big guy go with an 1100.
If you are average at best & more of a conservative rider go with the 750

have fun shopping, great time of year to be buying a bike!

[Corigan]

If your looking to tour look into the aero as it already has floorboards. Might need to add some highway bars/pegs, more comfy seat, windshield, grips, throttle lock, and bags to turn it into a touring bike for longer hauls. The 750 is fine for touring, even for bigger guys.

[DRVMN]

I'm 6'2" 220 lbs. and my 2009 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 fits me perfect. One of the first things I did was to invest in a windshield and Mustang seat.

Good Luck!

[Bens06Sabre]

I started back into riding on 09 Shadow Aero 750, the good is it was easy to handle, didn't find power a problem, got about 57 mpg , had it about a year and put 13000 miles on her, bad found I a bit small for a person 6'1 230, by small I mean leg room for stretching out on longer rides, have sense gotten a 06 Sabre 1100, just fits me alot better, more power, not much heavier then the 750, about 40 mpg, have had this bike sense mid july and put almost 8000 miles on it and love it

[harpomatic]

I vote for ACE 750, although if I found the same deal on Aero, with the same mileage & condition, I think I'd like it just as much. Similar bikes with equal number of minor pros & cons.

[justinmahn]

If you are looking for used, go for the best engine sound you can find. A strong engine will make or break your wallet. Past that, if you can find one with luggage rack and windshield already installed, you'll save big bucks.

[nuclear_engineer]

Thanks for all the information everyone. I only weigh about 160lbs so it sounds like a newer model of the 750 should suffice. I can't wait to get riding!