The VT750S Shadow is Honda’s take on the entry-level cruiser for the rider with a full licence. The Shadow has been around in one guise or another since the early 1980s, when it was introduced to try to compete in the American market. The range has grown in capacity from 500 to 600 to the current 750cc capacity over the years, but the v-twin configuration has stayed the same throughout it’s lifespan.
A brand new bike, like the one we borrowed from Johns of Romford retails for £6,075 (September 2011, UK prices). For that you get a low, heavy bike (658mm/25 inch seat height, 262kg weight), with straight bars and an easy riding position.
I refer to the riding position as being ‘easy’, as it isn’t set up with the usual “wind up your trousers” scenario. The pegs are placed slightly forward of centre (I found I put my feet down just behind them at standstill), and with the straight bars it makes for a relaxed riding position. You can just lean back and go with the flow, or lean easily into a more involved placement if you prefer, the peg/bar placement allows for both.
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The Honda VT750S Shadow is an ideal bike for the newly qualified rider, who wants to go down the cruiser path. It wants to take care of you, it is easy to ride and forgiving. Likewise, if you like your riding to be laid-back and relaxed, it’ll fit the bill nicely. And oddly, given some of it’s traits, it will handle mile after mile on the motorway, so sling on some luggage and let it glide you off into the sunset, gently.
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