[JBourquin]

I'd be more than willing to trade my 1100 for a 750 that runs right... I'd be the only one ever on the bike so I think a 750 would make for a fun little toy, maybe even chop it out a little bit.

 

[Jmplogin]

Thanks to everyone for your input, I'll forward my friend a link to this thread. I'm sure he'll appreciate the different points of view.

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[750Ace of Clubs]

My first bike was a 900 BMW 90/6. Had many others since and currently have the 750 Ace and a 2000 Valkyrie flat 6 cyl.

 

[pmoorhouse]

Having only just started, I can't really say 'if I started over' ... but there is part of me that is already thinking ahead to my next bike. My 750 is a lot of fun, and I have no regrets starting with it. But I think that I could have easily started again with a larger bike (1100), and I would have been fine. And it would have made the longer highway trips that I would like to take more appealing.


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[NuBeOnLI]

Money, sex and horsepower....a lot is good and more is better...you never hear anyone complain that they have too much of those three things.....go 1100

 

[TGCharlotte]

I had that exact decision to make - 750 vs. 1100. I found a 2009 750 that rode like a dream, but it was just too small. I kept pushing back in the seat to get more legroom. Being a new rider, I was intimidated by the size of the 1100, but I bought it anyway. Have been happy so far.

 

[halifax]

I have a question, a friend has caught the cruiser bug after seeing my Shadow ACE. After owning a Shadow would you go 750 or 1100? I went 750 because I just started riding again (so is he) but knew my wife wasn't coming along or that I was doing any touring right now (as I think he will). Thanks

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I say if you are 5'9" or shorter, the 750 is the better choice for the returning rider.

The 750 Shadow family is the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles, just as the inline 4 CB750 family was prior to v-twins becoming so popular in North America.

It does everything reasonably well and 750's are easy bikes to sell when you are ready for something bigger.

Over 5'9" or over 225lbs for the rider and the 1100 is a better choice of the two for the returning rider.

Of the 1100's, the Aero 1100 is 1 inch longer in the wheelbase than any other Shadow, which makes it the best choice of the lot for taller people and those riding two-up.

 

[Lordmik101]

My 750 is great. BUT if I were to start over I'd have kept looking til I found a nighthawk. The shadow is fine but to me less comfy. I miss that inline zip as well. If I were to come across a trade for one that ran as good as my shadow, I'd have to switch forums. LoL

 

[tugboat01]

I was looking for a 750 after riding a friends for a couple weeks, but purchased a Spirit 1100 @ a steal. So, being familiar with both bikes I would purchase the 750 instead of 1100 if you are under 5'9 or lower the bike like I have (1.5" lower by relocating shock & 1" with after market seat). Also the 750 has a wide range of after market parts available in comparison to the 1100. The 1100 is a better highway bike, but I think the 750 is underated as a highway bike. Also, the 750 is great around town, back roads bike & physically the 750 ACE & Aero look like 1100's in actual size. I will probably purchase a 750 for my wife when she bores of her 250.

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[Gtrman100]

I think the advice relating to the size of the rider is right on. I'm a newbie, just got my endorsement in January. The course instructor told me to start small, no bigger than a 650, but my buddy said that I could handle a bigger bike and I'd be wanted something bigger in no time(6'2", 205). I worried a lot about going "big" but found a good deal on a low mileage 2005 Sabre.

He was right; I got the 1100 Sabre, it fits me like a glove. The weight, size and power of the bike are no problem. After a month of riding, it was really comfortable and I feel very in control of the bike.

I really think that it's an individual decision based on your size and strength not the bike's power.

 

[Sharp1e]

I started off a few months ago with my 750 Ace and I don't see myself upgrading anytime soon. I just rode up to Virginia Beach and back, on 85 most of the time at 70-80 mph, and I didn't have any problems whatsoever. I do find myself looking for a sixth gear occasionally, but I think when I replace my chain, I'll just swap out the sprocket too. I think if I was starting over I *might* have gone a little bigger, but only as big as a 900, the 1100s just seem like a lot to handle weight-wise

 

[BootheatsBUGS]

If I could have found a bike as good looking as my phantom with 1100ccs+ I would have bought it, but I guess this just gives me another reason to own a second motorcycle

 

[John Hopkins]

I've never ridden a 750 shadow but I have a couple of 700s and an 1100..they are all good..

Do you remember when you started riding a bicycle and then you got confident and stood up on the pedals, then you moved side to side on the road, then you rode without holding on to the bars..Well the VT700s are like that..and they will do 100mph and 100 miles on a full tank.

The vt1100 has a solid feel about it but it will out run the VT700 and many other V twins, it will also do 100 miles on a tankfull..

My opinion?

If you are a confident person who is going to do a lot of riding get the 1100 but if the bike is only going out for short runs when the weather is nice and you are not going to put more than 1000 miles on it in a year, then get the VT750.

John.

 

[Somerset]

I started on a 1100 ace, after knowing lot of guys who have had 750's they all tell me they are not happy and wanting a bigger bike. Around town 750 is nice but if you are going to travel on bike rides then 1100 is the way to go.

 

[hypostang]

I'm a fat guy (about 265 ) I would definitely stay with the 1100

 

[woody6725]

I started out looking at the 750s, but down here in south florida there was no price difference between the two. the other thing that pointed me to the 1100 is I didn't want spoked rims. I didn't want to have to deal with them cleaning wise or tube wise. every 750 I saw had spokes so that was it for them.

 

[2edgesword]

I think size the riders physical size plays a major factor for a rider just starting out. After that it would be the type of riding you'll be doing most of the time. If you're under six feet/200 lbs and most of your riding is going to be an hour or less I'd say go 750. The price on a new bike will be few thousand less, you'll save on fuel cost and you'll have an easier time of learning to manage the bike.

If you're a larger individual where the riding is multiple hours then the 1100 is probably the better bike. You'll have a higher entry price (new), it will be more costly as far as fuel and more bike to manage, with the benefit of the larger engine typically being a more comfortable ride for the longer durations. And the larger individual doesn't have to be as concerned about handling the additional weight and power.

 

[bhaz413]

I started backwards. I started with a 78 kz1000 punched up to 1350cc and traded it for the vlx 600. Go figure lol

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[750shadowC2]

Factor in insurance costs as well.... Here, at 1099cc is a price jump. A fairly hefty one too. I am 6'2", 200 lbs and with a couple mods, new bars, forward extension and a carved seat, the bike fits me perfect and is comfortable as all hell on long trips. The price was right, insurance costs are low and it goes more then fast enough for what I need. 100 MPH is fast enough for me.

 

[vt500guy]

Dont think it matters much unless your carrying a passenger.

I started again 2 yrs ago with the 750, Im pretty happy about it, but thinking it might be time to move up.

I wouldnt recommend going any smaller than a 750.