I've had the Sportster & the Shadow. I can tell you: Harley invented the cruiser; Honda perfected it. The Honda is so smooth that is seem like you're going slower. When you look down at the speedometer, You see that you're going faster than you thought because it's so well balanced &smooth. There is no way I would go back to Harley after having a Honda.
Yup. I don't understand people's obsession with brand and status. That is literally the last thing on my list, I could not care less what some AH thinks of my ride, I just want something reliable and fun that won't break the bank.
As you said, the Shadow/VTX bikes, along with the Boulevards, Vulcans and V Stars, were obviously the Japanese companies trying to get in on the enormous demand for the classic American cruisers from H-D and Indian. But I think the Shadow evolved into its own thing. Water-cooled was unheard of on American bikes until Victory and the V-Rod came on the scene (as was durability, reliability and affordability), and I don't think any American brand has ever used shaft drive. I have an 04 Aero, and there's no denying that it's trying really hard to pretend it's a 1950's Indian, but I think the Phantom is definitely its own thing. Anyone who knows motorcycles even a little bit would never mistake it for a Harley or Indian. It's its own animal. All that having been said, I think the Shadow (in any trim) has earned the same iconic status as the Sportster. Oh, and as to whether a Shadow can be a tourer, I have an Aero. With the addition of a windscreen, it had no trouble chewing up a 432 mile, single-day ride for me recently. Comfortable and cruises happily all day long at 75MPH and will bop up to 85 no problem when necessary. The handlebars o the Phantom would probably make it more problematic for longer rides like that, however.
I have 2015 Shadow Aero and I absolutely love it. It certainly is trying to exude classic styling more than it probably needs to, but as someone else said, shadows really have become their own thing at this point. Incredible simplicity mixed with modern convenience features and comfort level nearing or exceeding bikes triple its power and price. With just a few simple upgrades you can get about as close as possible to a small tourer without having to spend an arm and a leg. Not to mention the reliability. the only non-common maintenance I've had to do was replace the spark plugs, witch was 16 dollars for all 4 and 20 minutes of easy labor. Absolutely awesome and bulletproof bikes. And, controversial opinion here. Even though you don't get near as many controls or conveniences as a equally priced bike from most other manufacturers, what you do get is a bike that will outlive you of old age. Simplicity often means reliability, and the Honda Shadow models are hard to beat in that regard. Edit 1: As I'm watching through (great video btw!) one thing I did notice that you got "wrong" is the added paid feature is ABS. Unfortunately, for Honda that is, hehe, ABS has been an extra option for almost 10 years now. My 2015 has ABS. However, something that is new for 2024 is a rear disc brake. 2023 and before has a drum brake in the rear. Edit 2: From what I can tell, shaft drive is used for it's reliability and technical simplicity. Where as a chain, although being much cheaper, has hundreds of failure points from each link, pin, and pivot, a shaft has only around 3-5 failure points, depending on design (right angle off of engine, ujoint, right angle to wheel, and bearings). And ease of maintenance, only needing a lube chance once in a blue moon, and never needing to be anymore than hosed off since its completely covered.
Older rider here, over 60 and I would buy this bike rather than the Aero for my cruiser bike. I have ridden a lot of sport bikes in the past and now so this is probably a influencing factor.
Yeah, the phantom looks so absolutely cool, Aero looks classic and it looks gorgeous too but Phantom is peak cruiser design. Also smooth and reliable 😊
The shorter fenders throw up a lot of sand... forward, and into the wind, to come back at you. And all over the license plate. I know, I have the Spirit. You're actually better off with the Aero. I know it looks like your bike has bell bottoms, but yeah, I'm looking at Aeros now as a second bike.
Living in Texas where you need to go on an interstate to even go to work, freeway speed stability is a necessity unfortunately. If speed wobbles are an issue then it can only ever be a neighborhood bike for me.
I do have a 2020 Honda Shadow Phantom, 750 cc, and have never experienced any speed wobbles while riding on the highway at 75 to 80 mph. I haven't gone faster because I haven't had the need. I invite you to visit my channel and check out my bike. 👍🏾👍🏾😁
Vibration? I just purchased one yesterday. Took it for a 2 hour drive. There is no excessive vibration on my bike. Keep in mind its a 750 not a 1100. Also, cruisers are supposed to vibrate a little. Shaft drive Has 90% less maintenance. less vibration less slack line on acceleration Wont break a link leaving you stranded or snap a tooth causing chain to derail or break. its quieter and smooth on acceleration. Japanese are about efficiency. This is more efficient than chain. Personally I like the shaft drive vs my old shadows chain
Bike on the video also just had 2 miles on the odometer, weird that it would vibrate so much for being so new. Maybe he's just not used to cruisers so he felt more vibrations than his own bikes?
Absolutely! It kinda pissed me off that Honda would slap Harley colors on their bike. So I opted for the grey one that I’m still not in love with and will eventually either paint it or have it wrapped.
Chain's blow chunks. Shaft drive is definitely the way to go, from someone who has both. It's worth any loss in power in exchange for never having to grease a chain, never having to change a chain, or change a sprocket. Chain and sprokets wear out and replacement kits cost money. And the mess, always the mess. The good: it's pretty, the engine is overbuilt, low seat height, the shaft drive, and it's low cost. The bad: feet pegs too far forward, key dangling off side, lots of chrome to polish (on other models), no 5th gear light, heavy, no blinker turn signal sound, no frills at all anywhere other than safety kill switches... bog standard universal japanese motorcycle. You don't want a sport bike, you can't haul anything on a sport bike, so this is a better buy but it's pretty spartan riding experience.
i live in north LB Ca i live in north LB and work is Downtown im single ao i just want something to cruise but with a cool factor im between this and the ninja kawasaki motos would be my first bike if i decide to get one.
The Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 its much more bike and technology advanced motorcycle for the price than that one. I prefer the Rebel model 500 or 1100, by far.
Had to stop this vid short, ..... First off, your idea of a liquid-cooled cruiser is Heracy. Air cooled is way more efficient from a stand-point of thermodynamics.... Period ! . .... Secondly, I presume your personal acquaintance to the water-cooled crowd is due to the whining of riders that their legs get too hot and water cooled engines are more forgiving..... give me a break. Aside from the whining..... Belt Drive is the way to go if you want maintenance free drive, and it garners the most appeal. Also, going back to the dynamics of the bike itself...... Honda might want to change that rake angle of both bikes down to 29' degrees to make it more nimble.... Nuff said for now. Stay Safe
@@emadreviews sorry everything else of the video was great. I just wanted to get to the point. Didn’t need all the history lesson. Just wanted to know about the 2024 Shadow phantom
I've had the Sportster & the Shadow. I can tell you: Harley invented the cruiser; Honda perfected it. The Honda is so smooth that is seem like you're going slower. When you look down at the speedometer, You see that you're going faster than you thought because it's so well balanced &smooth. There is no way I would go back to Harley after having a Honda.
Yup. I don't understand people's obsession with brand and status. That is literally the last thing on my list, I could not care less what some AH thinks of my ride, I just want something reliable and fun that won't break the bank.
As you said, the Shadow/VTX bikes, along with the Boulevards, Vulcans and V Stars, were obviously the Japanese companies trying to get in on the enormous demand for the classic American cruisers from H-D and Indian. But I think the Shadow evolved into its own thing. Water-cooled was unheard of on American bikes until Victory and the V-Rod came on the scene (as was durability, reliability and affordability), and I don't think any American brand has ever used shaft drive. I have an 04 Aero, and there's no denying that it's trying really hard to pretend it's a 1950's Indian, but I think the Phantom is definitely its own thing. Anyone who knows motorcycles even a little bit would never mistake it for a Harley or Indian. It's its own animal.
All that having been said, I think the Shadow (in any trim) has earned the same iconic status as the Sportster.
Oh, and as to whether a Shadow can be a tourer, I have an Aero. With the addition of a windscreen, it had no trouble chewing up a 432 mile, single-day ride for me recently. Comfortable and cruises happily all day long at 75MPH and will bop up to 85 no problem when necessary. The handlebars o the Phantom would probably make it more problematic for longer rides like that, however.
Very accurate description of Honda Shadow!! Thanks for watching and ride safe!
Your enthusiasm is selling this bike for me. I love it .
Thanks for watching!
I have 2015 Shadow Aero and I absolutely love it. It certainly is trying to exude classic styling more than it probably needs to, but as someone else said, shadows really have become their own thing at this point. Incredible simplicity mixed with modern convenience features and comfort level nearing or exceeding bikes triple its power and price. With just a few simple upgrades you can get about as close as possible to a small tourer without having to spend an arm and a leg. Not to mention the reliability. the only non-common maintenance I've had to do was replace the spark plugs, witch was 16 dollars for all 4 and 20 minutes of easy labor. Absolutely awesome and bulletproof bikes. And, controversial opinion here. Even though you don't get near as many controls or conveniences as a equally priced bike from most other manufacturers, what you do get is a bike that will outlive you of old age. Simplicity often means reliability, and the Honda Shadow models are hard to beat in that regard.
Edit 1: As I'm watching through (great video btw!) one thing I did notice that you got "wrong" is the added paid feature is ABS. Unfortunately, for Honda that is, hehe, ABS has been an extra option for almost 10 years now. My 2015 has ABS. However, something that is new for 2024 is a rear disc brake. 2023 and before has a drum brake in the rear.
Edit 2: From what I can tell, shaft drive is used for it's reliability and technical simplicity. Where as a chain, although being much cheaper, has hundreds of failure points from each link, pin, and pivot, a shaft has only around 3-5 failure points, depending on design (right angle off of engine, ujoint, right angle to wheel, and bearings). And ease of maintenance, only needing a lube chance once in a blue moon, and never needing to be anymore than hosed off since its completely covered.
Absolutely fantastic review my friend, and fantastic bike too. Its one of my dream bikes, behind the Rebel 1100, hopefully ill own them some day
I'm going to get one
Same
Older rider here, over 60 and I would buy this bike rather than the Aero for my cruiser bike. I have ridden a lot of sport bikes in the past and now so this is probably a influencing factor.
Yeah, the phantom looks so absolutely cool, Aero looks classic and it looks gorgeous too but Phantom is peak cruiser design. Also smooth and reliable 😊
The shorter fenders throw up a lot of sand... forward, and into the wind, to come back at you. And all over the license plate. I know, I have the Spirit. You're actually better off with the Aero. I know it looks like your bike has bell bottoms, but yeah, I'm looking at Aeros now as a second bike.
@@choppergirl I bought a 2024 Honda Phantom ABS just before Thanksgiving. I love the feel of the bike and the bobber look and feel.
Living in Texas where you need to go on an interstate to even go to work, freeway speed stability is a necessity unfortunately. If speed wobbles are an issue then it can only ever be a neighborhood bike for me.
I do have a 2020 Honda Shadow Phantom, 750 cc, and have never experienced any speed wobbles while riding on the highway at 75 to 80 mph. I haven't gone faster because I haven't had the need. I invite you to visit my channel and check out my bike. 👍🏾👍🏾😁
Drove from VA to FL maintaining speed between 85 - 95 mph was no problem on my ‘23 shadow phantom. Very planted, no speed wobble.
Nice review. Interesting how this is probably more affordable and a quality bike while looking very similar in ways to a Harley.
That’s this bike in a nutshell yes! Thanks for watching!
Vibration? I just purchased one yesterday. Took it for a 2 hour drive. There is no excessive vibration on my bike. Keep in mind its a 750 not a 1100. Also, cruisers are supposed to vibrate a little. Shaft drive Has 90% less maintenance.
less vibration
less slack line on acceleration
Wont break a link leaving you stranded or snap a tooth causing chain to derail or break.
its quieter and smooth on acceleration.
Japanese are about efficiency. This is more efficient than chain. Personally I like the shaft drive vs my old shadows chain
Bike on the video also just had 2 miles on the odometer, weird that it would vibrate so much for being so new. Maybe he's just not used to cruisers so he felt more vibrations than his own bikes?
These 750s and vtx 1300 run forever
Wish Honda offered this in all black like the previous generation Shadow. That orange is pure ugly.
Absolutely! It kinda pissed me off that Honda would slap Harley colors on their bike. So I opted for the grey one that I’m still not in love with and will eventually either paint it or have it wrapped.
I LIKE THE ORANGE.
They made it orange to piss off harley
It looks really good and it comes in another color
Chain's blow chunks. Shaft drive is definitely the way to go, from someone who has both.
It's worth any loss in power in exchange for never having to grease a chain, never having to change a chain, or change a sprocket. Chain and sprokets wear out and replacement kits cost money. And the mess, always the mess. The good: it's pretty, the engine is overbuilt, low seat height, the shaft drive, and it's low cost. The bad: feet pegs too far forward, key dangling off side, lots of chrome to polish (on other models), no 5th gear light, heavy, no blinker turn signal sound, no frills at all anywhere other than safety kill switches... bog standard universal japanese motorcycle. You don't want a sport bike, you can't haul anything on a sport bike, so this is a better buy but it's pretty spartan riding experience.
Do you plan to review a SUZUKI BOULEVARD C50?
i live in north LB Ca i live in north LB and work is Downtown im single ao i just want something to cruise but with a cool factor im between this and the ninja kawasaki motos would be my first bike if i decide to get one.
Im eyeballing this bike
No idea why Honda doesn't bring these to Canada. I have no interest in the Rebels
I’m sure if enough people email Honda to export this bike to Canada they will!
So Harley or Honda?
Harley. Honda riders are gay.
The Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 its much more bike and technology advanced motorcycle for the price than that one. I prefer the Rebel model 500 or 1100, by far.
Show shado arrow
I like it
Had to stop this vid short, ..... First off, your idea of a liquid-cooled cruiser is Heracy. Air cooled is way more efficient from a stand-point of thermodynamics.... Period ! . .... Secondly, I presume your personal acquaintance to the water-cooled crowd is due to the whining of riders that their legs get too hot and water cooled engines are more forgiving..... give me a break. Aside from the whining..... Belt Drive is the way to go if you want maintenance free drive, and it garners the most appeal. Also, going back to the dynamics of the bike itself...... Honda might want to change that rake angle of both bikes down to 29' degrees to make it more nimble.... Nuff said for now.
Stay Safe
Same bike just a different color.
Phantom is better than Aero
He lost me on driveshaft rhetoric
@@Abouthf you and the other viewer who found the driveshaft conversation very informative should have coffee some day.
Just Skip to the 3 minute mark. The rest is just boring filler talk
@@gs1zzwmr2 I worked hard for that intro:(
@@emadreviews sorry everything else of the video was great. I just wanted to get to the point. Didn’t need all the history lesson. Just wanted to know about the 2024 Shadow phantom
@@gs1zzwmr2 That is true tho! If you are here for the bike you always have to skip the first few minutes 😅
@@emadreviewsI enjoyed the intro for what it's worth!
@@smalahove1930 thank you😅 🙏
Hard pass is not a Harley!
Bro got MONEY!