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.

This my 5th Honda since 1974. Have been without one for only 3 of those years. I have had two 1100 cc in the past 6 years and it is just the greatest bike. Low maintenance, dependable, great resale value and just a joy to ride. I use the motorcycle for local joy rides and have not had on long trip yet, so I can not speak to the long term comforn level. Planning a 18 hour trip in several weeks. As long as Honda continues to make quality motorcycles I will continue to purchase until I can't ride anymore.

This is a great bike for a beginner like myself. It has a nice, low seat height and enough power to get me where I want to go around home. At times, though, it feels as if it ought to have a fifth gear.

Bought the motorcycle for gas mileage and commuting but also like its size and performance. I moved up from a Suzuki S40 boulevard that was really too small for my wife and I both to ride. Now we can take off on the Honda anytime we want. My wife loves it so much that she now wants to learn to ride and ride the Suzuki by herself.

This bike was just what I was looking for at the price I wanted to be at.There was a couple of minor problems that after talking to the previous owner we resolved the issue to my satisfaction and I love the bike

I bought the bike for my husband. He is so excited with the look, the ride, he has already had his biker buddies over to test drive it. I can not say enough about the communication with the seller, very nice people, it was a pleasure to meet them. I'm sure the bike will get all the attention it deserves. It has been very well taken care of. This will be a big gas saver for short runs and for going on bike rallies.

Seller was great! Even coming through with part that he had ordered for the bike! Transaction went well. Bike was a good value for what I paid.

I love this bike. It has plenty of power and a ton of torque. It looks and sounds brand new. I bought it b/c for the money you cant beat it. 4000$ for a 1100 with 9000 miles. I have already put 900 miles on it, I love it. I would say if your going to buy, buy local. Win the auction and go see it. Make sure its as the seller said. I won the auction went and saw it the next day. Came back the folowing day and paid cash for it. Also if you pay cash GET A BILL of Sale. If you get a bike I will see you on the road. Keep the tires on the pavement.

The entire auction and subsequent attempts to inspect and acqire the vehicle were a fraud! I am presently attempting to recover my $300 deposit.They or the seller, to my knowledge, have never had a clear title. The last I heard from the owner who incidently was not the listed seller in the e-bay auction has laft the country. You, e-bay should take corrective action on this fraud!
I participated in the auction because I trusted e-bays listing integrity.

I've been looking for a nice used bike that I wouldn't have to spend a fortune to purchase. I ran across this bike and am really pleased with the appearance, ride and performance. For a ten year old bike it is in excellent shape. Honda has such a great reputation in cars and motorcycles I don't think you can go wrong with them.