Honda Shadow

Background: This was my first cruiser and my first Honda. I owned a black 2003 Shadow Sabre 1100, which is functionally identical to the Shadow 1100 except for shorter overall gearing. I put approximately 10,000 miles on the bike.

Performance: The Sabre 1100 is relatively quick cruiser. With 55 RWHP, about 70 ft-lbs of torque, and a dry weight of 573 lbs, the Sabre can do 0-60 in the mid 5s and cover the 1/4 mile in high 13s. For a $8K cruiser, this is doing pretty good. The engine sounds like a glorified sewing machine, but it's smooth and will run well over a 100,000 miles with minimal maintenance (as will most Japanese bike engines today). The bike handles well for a cruiser, which is to say it's predictable and unintimidating. I wouldn't attempt to strafe canyons with it, but you could do some semi-spirited riding with it if your version of normal riding occurs at about 35-40 mph.

Reliability: The Shadow line-up, as a whole, are synonymous with reliability. The Sabre is no exception. I had zero problems and only had to change the oil and check the air pressure. The shaft drive is a blessing. Change the oil every 10-15K miles, and you're good to go. Sure beats the hassle of cleaning and lubing a chain cleaning every 500 or so miles (and adjusting for slack every few thousand miles). A belt drive is almost as easy to maintain as shaft drive and delivers power to the road smoother than does the shaft, which can be jerky at slow speeds, but if you ask me, all bikes should be shaft driven.

Comfort: No surprises here. Typical of most stock seats, the Sabre's seat should be replaced with an aftermarket seat if you plan on doing any serious riding. Otherwise, the seating position is tolerable for 150 miles or so on my pain scale. I wouldn't cross the country on this bike, but I know there are people who do.

Quality and Craftsmanship: Typical Honda quality. There's no Harley bling here. What you get is a functional, well-rounded motorcycle (Honda doesn't know how to build them any other way, it seems), that is easy on the wallet (and the eyes as well, if you ask me).

Overall: A great middleweight bike; although, with cruisers now pushing the 2 liter envelope, the 1100 is quickly becoming a lightweight, but this is a great middle-of-the-road cruiser for someone who doesn't need 100 HP or the bling (or the insurance and monthly payments) of a H-D.

If you're looking for a new or used motorcycle, this is the place to go.

I was looking specifically for a 2001 Honda Shadow Ace and found it at Hamilton Yamaha. The bike was clean and "like new" the way the add said. After I purchased it I had the battery tested and found that it was weak. I let Hamilton know and they sent me a new battery! They were also very helpful in helping me with the exhaust system. The previous owner modified the exhaust to make the bike louder. Hamilton sent me a baffle to make it quieter. Now I have a great looking, great sounding bike at a very reasonable price thanks to the help of a "great" dealer.

Thanks again Hamiltion Yamaha for making my biking experience a real pleasure.

John Piatek
President
Alliance Water Treatment Co.

This honda shadow is very nice and smooth with all the response you would expect from a four cylindar motorcycle, the company Ultimate Cycles went through it and added a new front tire which made it handle as if it was brand new. I recomend the company and bike for quality value,honest courteous sales and service with a penchance for going the extra mile. Thanks to Ultimate Motors and the Honda Motorcycle Company for a good product well kept at the standard Honda requires and is famous for. Marty.

I bought a honda shadow two weeks ago and was immediately impressed with the number of features available on this inexpensive bike. It has a great weight, good ride and plenty of pwer. The bike's size is perfect for long drives or short trips around town. My only complaint is that the the amount of fuel that the tank holds. Other bikes I've owned have wider range and better fuel capacity. Overall, I'd recommend the bike if you're looking for a great bike but are on a budget.

Got it runnung when it wasn"t. The bike had sat outside for some time and initially look pretty rough but with some TLC it is starting to come around

2002 Honda Shadow 750 ACE nice motorcycle, performs beyond expectations. Purchased for my wife who had not been on one in years but found this bike to be very comfortable and easy to get back in the groove and ride like she has always been riding. She rides to work and we take weekend get aways through the mountains without any problems. Love the paint (Gloss Black) and all the chrome add ons

I put 30k miles on my 95 Shadow until I wrecked it or I'd still be driving it now. This Aero is definitely heavier and took some getting used to. My girlfriend loves the passenger seat. All I do is change to oil, tires and it runs like a champ.

Very smooth ride! This is my first motorcycle and is easy to ride. I am very impressed with the quality and ease of maintainance. Great ride!

It was a error pushed buy it now when bidding people were good and I payed the relist fees they were satisfied to cancell bid made in error

We drove for (7) hours to another state to pick up the bike. Hadn't even saw it or heard it before we bought it.. I trusted this seller from the moment we talked over the phone. When we first saw it, we both (wife and I),grind real BIG! Then he started it up!!! Again we looked at each other and grind real BIG. Only this time we both gave the "Thumbs UP"!!! IT is like a NEW bike!! Couldn't even be more happier!! What a guy!!!!!<>< ><> He even loaded it on my truck for me as I've had shoulder surgery. Extreamly nice seller!!AAA++++