The Honda Shadow Black Spirit, ( or Phantom as it's called in Canada, ) so called as most of it's formerly chrome bits are blacked out, is the perfect next step from one's beginner / learner bike. It's a 750cc V-twin with fuel injection and a shaft drive, so the Honda just starts every time and runs smooth. But crank the throttle and you get pulled back by very satisfying acceleration accompanied by a lumpy low-down v-twin growl. Riding position is upright but low and comfy and is fine with a passenger too. It looks intimidating but it's just the opposite when it comes to riding and handling the bike at any speeds.
A few strikes against the Shadow; the seat gets uncomfortable after about 1 hour. Also, the mirrors are giant chrome rectangles that stand out on a bike where everything else is circular and matte black - small black round mirrors should have come with this bike.
For several thousand less than the HD 883 Iron and all the reliability and build quality behind Honda, I can't recommend this bike more.
Posted: 09/08/2011 at 00:38
