1.) coming from 600CC's will 750 be too much for me?

There is not a direct correlation in engine sizes between V-twin cruisers and inline sport bikes . If you want the same power you probably want to be looking at 1100s...seriously. The 750s will feel very slow compared to your 600cc sport bike. If you don't care about power then the 750 is a great choice.

2.) how comfortable and easy are the 750's are easy to ride?

Quite nice actually. The current late model bikes have a low center of gravity, and handle quite nicely.

3.) what year on the shadow series are the best?

You are going to get many different answers here. It really depends on what you are looking for. There is no correct answer.

4.) how are the maintenance on it?

Pretty simple actually if you pick a model with hydraulic lifters and shaft drive.

 

Thx for the input,

how do u guys keep track of how much fuel is used? since there is no fuel gauge?

Also i believe these bikes are not fuel injected so how is the CARB on them?

 

Welcome. Coming from a sports bike background, you may be seriously underwhelmed with the performance of the cruisers, especially the smaller displacement ones. The 750 Shadow weighs around 550lbs and the motor is making around 39hp. The 600cc (VLX) Shadow a bit less weight and hp. Strongly suggest you ride both and determine whether you can be happy with the slower pace. Our $.02.

We trudge on.

 

thx for your input, i used to love to be the fastest during my young days, now i am married with kids and would settle for more cruising then going fast... i am planning on testing both out, what would you recommend?

 

To answer your fuel question, on my SS750 (2003) there is a trip on the odometer. I just leave it on the trip and fill up around 100miles.

 

We have never owned a sports bike and we never raced or cared to. However, for us more hp is good. That means more displacement.

After a lengthy time away from riding, we started back about five years ago with a 750 Shadow. It was/is a great bike, but right away we wanted more power. We continue to feel that the 750 is just a bit light in the power department. Others on this forum disagree; and we freely admit that we are a naughty, naughty power junkie.

We recommend you consider at least a 1100 Shadow or one of the VTX machines. Bigger and heavier and a bit more to heft around in the garage, but more comfortable and with that (all important to us) extra power.

We trudge on.

 

The cruiser line is very anemic compare to the same size sport bike. The comfort is an other thing, you can ride longer with the cruiser when well trimmed to your fit.
If you ride 2 up go for the aero
if you ride alone go for the spirit if you prefer the look of it.
If you look at the 1100 line you will have more comfort, less buzy engin on highway. Top speed is not that much more than the 750's, but you will have more pull, mostly 2 up riding.
Keep in mind that there is lots of adjustment to do with a cruiser for you to be satisfied with it : wind shield, pegs, floor boards, forward controls, custom seats, remolding seats or buying corbin or mustang, handle bar risers, heated grips, saddle bags, lugage rack, light bar e.t.c. depending on your size, weight, inseam, arm length, physical condition.
So in your budget keep a bit for customising your cruiser to fit your needs.

maintenance is not a big deal on the 750 ACE and Spirit, chain lub (spray your chain with a can of chain wax) every 1k or so, adjust the loose every now and then (more than 1 inche play tighten the 2 screws to get 1/2 inch play), valve adjustment every 8k.

If you go for the 1100, there is no chain to care about, and no valve to worry about, they have shaft drive and hydrolic lifters auto adjust.

If you are a big or tall guy i would say to go for the 1100 shadows or 1300 vtx

 

You may want to consider the new NT700V.

Here's a link.

http://powersports.honda.com/2010/nt700v/innovations/FuelInjection.aspx

 

I was in the same boat as you. Started on an EX500, then a couple 600’s Katana/FZR/CBR, until graduating to an RF900 in my 20’s. I sold the Suzuki to help buy our first house.

In my 30’s I decided to get another bike, but started looking at cruisers for a more comfortable ride. I landed on a 750 Aero. It is very easy to ride and with V&H pipes sounds like a bigger bike. I would compare the power of my bike to my old EX500. It has to use allot of effort to merge into highway traffic… comparing to your CBR600, the 750 gets to the same point in 3rd gear as the CBR in 1st. However, I feel like a safer rider because my “lounge chair” doesn’t rocket me down the road, now it’s just a leisurely ride to the market.

Back when I would road trip with my sport bike buds, we would cruise between 80-100mph (no lectures please) with ease. The Aero750 feels best cruising around 60-70mph; anything higher feels like it is struggling a bit. I like the 750 because it’s super easy to throw around, but would suggest an 1100 VTwin for resale and longevity.

 

“lounge chair”

Exactly what i was thinking, i am not into going fast anymore but going on cruises more.. The bike would be for commuting to work 15 miles each way on roads not highway... The 750's are more in my price range, then the 1100.

Should i just wait for riding season to be over to get a good price?

What should i look for when going to buy one? I heard u have to rebuild the carbs after 8k miles? is that true?

I was in the same boat as you. Started on an EX500, then a couple 600’s Katana/FZR/CBR, until graduating to an RF900 in my 20’s. I sold the Suzuki to help buy our first house.

In my 30’s I decided to get another bike, but started looking at cruisers for a more comfortable ride. I landed on a 750 Aero. It is very easy to ride and with V&H pipes sounds like a bigger bike. I would compare the power of my bike to my old EX500. It has to use allot of effort to merge into highway traffic… comparing to your CBR600, the 750 gets to the same point in 3rd gear as the CBR in 1st. However, I feel like a safer rider because my “lounge chair” doesn’t rocket me down the road, now it’s just a leisurely ride to the market.

Back when I would road trip with my sport bike buds, we would cruise between 80-100mph (no lectures please) with ease. The Aero750 feels best cruising around 60-70mph; anything higher feels like it is struggling a bit. I like the 750 because it’s super easy to throw around, but would suggest an 1100 VTwin for resale and longevity.

 

Exactly what i was thinking, i am not into going fast anymore but going on cruises more

Keep in mind that "going fast" is not the only reason to have a more powerful bike. Merging, lane changing, getting out of someone's way, etc. are situations where more torque and/or horsepower is nice to have.

 

If you're looking for strictly a commuter bike then either bike would fulfill your needs.

You can pick up a decent VLX for around 2K or less.

 

None of the previous posts have considered the cost issue very deeply. This may be something you will want to research in your area.

I have been riding for 51 years, and have never owned anything larger than 650 CC.

You haven't described where you will be commuting on this bike. Will you be using interstate freeways to travel that 15 miles, or will it all be on city streets? If the latter, a large bike may seem like a beached whale to you, no matter how much more oomph it has than the 750 Aero or Spirit.

 

None of the previous posts have considered the cost issue very deeply. This may be something you will want to research in your area.

I have been riding for 51 years, and have never owned anything larger than 650 CC.

You haven't described where you will be commuting on this bike. Will you be using interstate freeways to travel that 15 miles, or will it all be on city streets? If the latter, a large bike may seem like a beached whale to you, no matter how much more oomph it has than the 750 Aero or Spirit.

Good point, my commute is about 16 minutes door to door, on long city streets.

What do you recommend 1100?

Also god forbid if the bike ever falls down will i be able to pick up a 500 lb bike? i weigh about 225. I was able to pick up the 600RR easily, which has a dry weight of 361 LBS.

I am looking for a smaller light weight cruiser where i can whip turns but also be releaxed while riding.

My experience with sports bike were very discomforting.

 

Yes, you can pick up a heavier bike, it is all in how you do it.
No, you do not have to rebuild carbs every 8K miles. The secret to a bike with carbs is to ride it. Sitting fuel becomes an issue.

I have a 750 shadow, a 2007 w/shaft drive. the maintenance is very minimal and the Bike will do everything I need it to do including 600 mile runs down the interstate at 75 plus mph.

 

Here's my 2¢:

I'm not really of the "bigger is better" thought. 25 years ago I rode a 500 Interceptor and LOVED it but sold it after my daughter was born.



I didn't ride again until a year or so ago when I decided to buy the VT750DC pictured below and in my sig. I asn't planning (at this point) to go on any long rides to see the country. I wanted it for cruising around town and going on the Natchez Trace since I live about 5 inches from it. After some research, I chose the one I have because:
1. It looked awesome with the bobbed rear fender, the drag bars, metallic orange color and lots of chrome.
2. The engine was strong and it had ample hp for my needs.
3. The price was definitely right.
4. Did I mention it looked awesome with the bobbed rear fender, the drag bars, metallic orange color and lots of chrome?
5. Of the 5 or 6 Hondas I've owned over the years, I've NEVER had one leave me stranded or have to go back to the shop because of mechanical problems - they are reliable! The ease of ownership is incredible!
6. And finally, and importantly, the Spirit handles wonderfully. I ride it, not the other way around.



The bike was used with 2,000 miles on it and not a single mark of use. While there aren't tons of add ons for this bike, there are quite a few out there that will enable me to customize to my liking. However, I'm quite pleased with looks and performance the stock exhaust system as well as other components on the bike. A buddy ofmine recently bought a used VTX1300 and was surprised at how well my little Spirit performed on the interstate. One thing I noticed, after having the Spirit for a year, I noticed the air cleaner was a little loose, one of the screws was not in the hole and had apparently fallen betweent the engine and the cleaner. Miraculously, the screw was still there! After putting it bac in, and snugging down the air cleaner, the bike ran EVEN BETTER! I can't say enough good things about this bike!

Now, that said if you might want to go on trips of 1,000 miles or more, get a bigger bike for obvious reasons. If price is an issue, only you can decide. If you plan on short cruises around town or short trips, the 750 will do you fine.

I'd go for the 750!

Oh, one other thing, I weigh over 200 lbs and my Spirit does just fine!

In it's present clothing:

 

i was going to buy the exact same year and color bike with 2400 miles last week, but got their too late and the guy already had a deposit from another buyer.

thx for the info... looking for 2006 shadow spirit...

Here's my 2¢:

I'm not really of the "bigger is better" thought. 25 years ago I rode a 500 Interceptor and LOVED it but sold it after my daughter was born.



I didn't ride again until a year or so ago when I decided to buy the VT750DC pictured below and in my sig. I asn't planning (at this point) to go on any long rides to see the country. I wanted it for cruising around town and going on the Natchez Trace since I live about 5 inches from it. After some research, I chose the one I have because:
1. It looked awesome with the bobbed rear fender, the drag bars, metallic orange color and lots of chrome.
2. The engine was strong and it had ample hp for my needs.
3. The price was definitely right.
4. Did I mention it looked awesome with the bobbed rear fender, the drag bars, metallic orange color and lots of chrome?
5. Of the 5 or 6 Hondas I've owned over the years, I've NEVER had one leave me stranded or have to go back to the shop because of mechanical problems - they are reliable! The ease of ownership is incredible!
6. And finally, and importantly, the Spirit handles wonderfully. I ride it, not the other way around.



The bike was used with 2,000 miles on it and not a single mark of use. While there aren't tons of add ons for this bike, there are quite a few out there that will enable me to customize to my liking. However, I'm quite pleased with looks and performance the stock exhaust system as well as other components on the bike. A buddy ofmine recently bought a used VTX1300 and was surprised at how well my little Spirit performed on the interstate. One thing I noticed, after having the Spirit for a year, I noticed the air cleaner was a little loose, one of the screws was not in the hole and had apparently fallen betweent the engine and the cleaner. Miraculously, the screw was still there! After putting it bac in, and snugging down the air cleaner, the bike ran EVEN BETTER! I can't say enough good things about this bike!

Now, that said if you might want to go on trips of 1,000 miles or more, get a bigger bike for obvious reasons. If price is an issue, only you can decide. If you plan on short cruises around town or short trips, the 750 will do you fine.

I'd go for the 750!

Oh, one other thing, I weigh over 200 lbs and my Spirit does just fine!

In it's present clothing:

 

For cruising to work any of your choices would do well. For cruising AND carving twisty roads the VLX is my choice. Lightweight, low center of gravity, and nice usable power band in 2nd and 3rd gear. Try one. Also makes a wonderful sound with stock exhaust. (not loud but throaty) I have ridden over 20k miles and never had to touch the carb. You do have to watch the odometer, at 120 miles or so it needs topping off. After an hour your butt needs to get off of that seat. I have also been told (but not proved) that a VLX will outrun a 750 off the line. However with two people on board it's working pretty hard. The passenger seat SUCKS big time. (according to my wife) She now has her own bike.

 

i have an 07 spirit and i LOVE it i think you will too, but from 2002 to 2007 all the spirits are the same(with the exception of 2007 C2 shaft drive)

plus if u like the spirit for the bobber look check out lowering the back end or even just a new tail light...world of difference

 

Go with the VTX1800.

 

bike choice

I would agree with oneirishpollack.
at 225 lbs you will be happier with a bigger bike.
If you are over 5'11 the Aero and Spirit will feel cramped.
Another thing to consider, is you will not be only using the bike for comuting you will for sure want to go out on some nice long cruises.

 

My .02 cents: go with at least an 1100, anything else will have you wanting more power in a very short time, especially if you travel the superslab often........ ask me how i know...lol

 

1.) coming from 600CC's will 750 be too much for me?

No, neither would a 1300. Cruisers tend to be a much smoother ride. I think at highway speeds you will regret not going bigger. I went with the 1100, and with the exception of getting better gas mileage I wish I went bigger.

2.) how comfortable and easy are the 750's are easy to ride?

Easy, super easy. They are much more comfortable than your sports bike.

3.) what year on the shadow series are the best?

2005 has been picked as the best year for the Shadow.

4.) how are the maintenance on it?

Very simple. Oil changes, air filters, and basic maintenance are easy.

5.) what is a good price for one?



THX in advance.[/quote]

 

None of the previous posts have considered the cost issue very deeply. This may be something you will want to research in your area.

I have been riding for 51 years, and have never owned anything larger than 650 CC.

You haven't described where you will be commuting on this bike. Will you be using interstate freeways to travel that 15 miles, or will it all be on city streets? If the latter, a large bike may seem like a beached whale to you, no matter how much more oomph it has than the 750 Aero or Spirit.

Good point, my commute is about 16 minutes door to door, on long city streets.

What do you recommend 1100?

Also god forbid if the bike ever falls down will i be able to pick up a 500 lb bike? i weigh about 225. I was able to pick up the 600RR easily, which has a dry weight of 361 LBS.

I am looking for a smaller light weight cruiser where i can whip turns but also be releaxed while riding.

My experience with sports bike were very discomforting.

A 100 pound girl can pick up a 500 pound bike if she does it right.

I'd recommend learning how.

 

I agree with the poster about your driving habits. If you are just driving to work and back, and it is in the city - go smaller. Hell, if all I was interested in was a city commute to work and back - I would get a 250. If you want to open it up for long rides on open road, get a 1100 at the bare minimum.