Honda Hasn't Messed with Success
Written: Dec 26 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Honda's made the same bike for 16 years - there must be a reason for it.
Cons: Acceleration dies after 85 MPH
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| Pbartley1's Full Review: 2000 Honda Shadow Spirit |
Honda introduced the VT1100C (the original 1100 Shadow, now known as the the Shadow Spirit) in the mid-80's, shortly after Harley-Davidson introduced its Evo twin engine. The engine, with three valves per cylinder, overhead camshafts, and two spark plugs per cylinder, is technologically superior to the Evo, and defines the term "bulletproof", but it never really caught on with the American public.
In 2001, the name has been tweaked, the color choices are different,the gas tank is slightly larger, and the transmission introduced as a 5-speed and changed to a 4-speed for a few years, has returned to 5-speeds. Other than that, this is essentially the same bike that it was 15 years ago, right down to the 5-spoke wheels, the rear drum brake, and bobtailed fender.
I was looking for a cruiser in the Spring of '96 and was put off by the premium price wanted for used Harleys. In a local publication, I came upon an '88 Shadow with 2100 miles for $4600. I bought it with the intention of riding it a year or two and then trading it in on something newer. I still have it, with some 24,000 miles on the odometer, and I do have something newer (a 2001 BMW K1200RS) and something older (a 1975 Kawasaki Z-1) in the garage along with it.
Obviously, I like this bike. What do I like about it? First and foremost, it is a great bike for riding around town. I'm 6'3" and I enjoy both its ample legroom and low seat height when riding in the city. Low-end power and acceleration are exceptional, though like most large twins, acceleration begins to die out abruptly at about 85 MPH. It has a 65 inch wheelbase, but a very wide (170mm) 15-inch rear tire and a 19-inch front tire add tremendously to low-speed maneuverability. The stock Dunlop tires have been replaced by an Avon front and Metzelaer rear, which was a great handling improvement.
Reliability has been well above average. I have had to have it towed once, for what turned out to be a bad stator, this past summer. Given the longevity of this model, it is becoming easier and easier to find used parts as well as secondary sources for replacement parts other than Honda. (A new stator was purchased through Dennis Kirk for $129, the Honda part was $339). I would advise anyone who thinks they might need a battery for this bike to give some time to looking around in advance. It is a shape that is exclusive to this bike, so a battery for less than the $80 price at a dealership might not be immediately available if you wait until you absolutely have to have it.
Some things get better with age, and the exhaust note of the Shadow is one of them. I am still running the original pipes, and they sound better with each passing mile. For the first 12,000 miles, they were way too quiet for my tastes.
Handling is excellent for a cruiser, which still means that it is disappointing if you are looking for a sportbike. You won't be canyon-carving on a Shadow, but you don't have to worry about dragging your pipes or footpegs like a lot of other cruisers either. Straight-line stability is excellent, and you will feel only a manageable amount of headshake if you go into a turn hot. Brakes are adequate. Gas mileage is in the high 40's on the highway, and will hit the low 50's if you stay right at 55 mph on long, flat roads. In town, mileage dips to 37-39 mpg.
If you want a reliable, easily-maintained cruiser, The Shadow Spirit is an excellent choice. I use mine as a daily commuter, but have logged up to 1100 miles on a weekend, without suffering any significant discomfort.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Pbartley1
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Member: Parker Bartley
Location: Kingston, PA
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 2 members
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