VT750c Shadow

**Jay** · 14th December 2005, 17:18

Hi everyone,
The name's Jay (from Geelong in Victoria - over the ditch):slap: and this is my first post. I've been reading some very good stuff and learning to find my way around. My query of the moment is, how good are Honda 750 Shadows?

I am still on my 'L's and am researching what bike to get when I'm free. The Shadow sure looks a terrific bike

and I think I might get one but I need to get some answers from owners/riders - or maybe look at a 1300cc or other bike. So here goes and be kind, eh?
Are they easy to ride?

How do they handle U-turns?

How fast do they take off?

What's the time like for 0 - 100kph?

What are they like on overtaking, i.e., from say 100ks to 130ks.

How's fuel consumption?

Are they good in town traffic?

And anything else you think I should be aware of?
Many thanks in advance, guys 'n' gals
Aussie Jay

**SlashWylde** · 14th December 2005, 18:51

Hi Jay,

I've not ridden a VT750C so I don't have a first person perspective BUT...they do rate highly in reviews for representing great value for money for a low to mid size cruiser.

Check out:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/800s04/

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/800comparo/

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/800comp97/

These are some of the articles I read before settling on my Kawasaki VN800. Reason being it had more performance and value for money than the Suzuki Volusia 800, Honda VT750C or Harley883.

Also check out the PDF attachments for comparisons between bikes for BHP, rear wheel torque and quater mile times.

I think the VT750C represents great value for money if you have about NZ$10,000 to spend on a new bike and no more, but for a few more dollars you can get a lot more bike.

Happy hunting.

**Hitcher** · 14th December 2005, 19:54

Only buy a VT750 if you only ever plan to ride it short distances around town. They're seriously underpowered, particularly if you want to overtake something at 100kmh. They look the goods -- particularly the new red ones. Good Honda build quality -- apart from the stupidly located ignition. But you had better enjoy cleaning spokes. Go for an 800 at least. In the current new market I'd probably go for the Kawasaki VN800, but the new Boulevard M50 is worth a look (no spokes to clean). Kawasaki has a VN900 coming out soon. On my list of cruisers to ride is the new Hyosung 650. The plastic chrome is a bit off-putting but they look like they shoud go OK.

**Virago** · 14th December 2005, 22:41

Originally Posted by Hitcher

......they shoud go OK.

Should go okay.....

**Virago** · 14th December 2005, 22:46

I'd agree with Hitcher - the 750 Shadow will run out of steam for serious highway use. Have you checked out the new VTX1300?

**simo j** · 3rd April 2006, 23:29

regards your questions on vt 750c. i have now done over 6000ks. on mine which i bought in jan.2006. i am av.build. height 80kgs. 5-10. bike fits like aglove. power--one up plenty .two up just adeqate.bike is very smoothe and handeling is a breeze. this is a crusier not a sports bike and will cruise at 120-130 ks all day. bad points-- seat needs more padding or my arse. bike is low to ground so watch boot heels on tight turns. could do with a 6th gear or bit higher 5th reliability 10 points build-finish 10points value for money 10points bike is very light to steer and is fogiving of most rider faults. shaft drive a bonus plus -small learning curve initially after a chain drive .so go buy a honda you wont regret it im sure. happy bikeing mate.

**simo j** · 4th April 2006, 00:15

regards your questions on vt 750c. i have now done over 6000ks. on mine which i bought in jan.2006. i am av.build. height 80kgs. 5-10. bike fits like aglove. power--one up plenty .two up just adeqate.bike is very smoothe and handeling is a breeze. this is a crusier not a sports bike and will cruise at 120-130 ks all day. bad points-- seat needs more padding or my arse. bike is low to ground so watch boot heels on tight turns. could do with a 6th gear or bit higher 5th reliability 10 points build-finish 10points value for money 10points bike is very light to steer and is fogiving of most rider faults. shaft drive a bonus plus -small learning curve initially after a chain drive .so go buy a honda you wont regret it im sure. happy bikeing mate.

**Cordaz** · 8th April 2006, 20:21

Hi There.
I own a 2002 ACE which i bought brand new in OZ and moved it to NZ with me.I have done 15000 ks and have never had a problem with it yet.It is good on fuel 220ks to the tank, i have taken my wife with me on nearly every ride.It is nice and light easy to handle and a joy to ride. The only thing i dont like is the chain drive, it is a bit slow on the take off compared to shaft drive,but it is great around the 100 mark.I intend to keep it and have no future thoughts of selling it. I would recomend the new models as a great buy
Cheers
Darryl

**Waylander** · 8th April 2006, 21:55

Originally Posted by Cordaz

Hi There.
I own a 2002 ACE which i bought brand new in OZ and moved it to NZ with me.I have done 15000 ks and have never had a problem with it yet.It is good on fuel 220ks to the tank, i have taken my wife with me on nearly every ride.It is nice and light easy to handle and a joy to ride. The only thing i dont like is the chain drive, it is a bit slow on the take off compared to shaft drive,but it is great around the 100 mark.I intend to keep it and have no future thoughts of selling it. I would recomend the new models as a great buy
Cheers
Darryl

Not the only cruiser rider in Tauranga on here anymore... Wicked.