2010 Honda Shadow 750 RS

[stan wagenaar]

I just noticed this bike online the other day, and it looks to be available in Canada this year. At first glance, it looks like a Sportster copy, right down to the peanut-shape tank. Yet, the Honda seems to be laid out better for all round riding. The pegs are pulled back, the bars are not too high, and the seat is set at a reasonable height(longer shocks), not ass-draggin' like the Sportster Iron. I love the Iron, but I cannot get past the stupid "low" riding position with those "short" shocks, like a dog trying to drag worms out of his ass on the carpet!
If I recall, the VT 750 motor is a competent, if mild mannered, powerplant now placed in a bike with a better riding position, and retro-styled to boot. It even looks a bit like the cool Japanese-market VRX 400 Roadster of a few years ago. Google the Honda Shadow 750 RS and let me know what you think (I am unable to provide links as I am a computer idiot!).

[Malks]

The RS is nice, but I like this version.
http://www.honda.ca/MCPE/Motorcycle/Models/ModelOverview?L=E&Type=Cruiser&Year=2010&Model=VT750C2B10

This site lets you check all of the Honda line for 2010.

[stan wagenaar]

I see what you mean Malks, looks sweet. I'm just not a huge fan of the foot-forward riding position. I'm too heavy to put all that weight on my tailbone. The RS version looks to be more sensible, and easier on my aging frame, while still retaining a classic/cruiser style. Sure, it won't cut hot laps at Daytona or make the cut for 1st choice in the Iron Butt, but it will most likely do everything in-between good enough to make my cut as a possible future choice. Now, have I got the balls to put my money where my mouth is? We'll see.

[Malks]

I like the looks of that particular version because it appears to have a more aggressive edge to it; however, I would have to say that a cruiser is not likely in my future. I much prefer the upright riding position of my ST and do not believe I could find the laid-back riding position of a cruiser to be comfortable on my tail-bone either.

[gsxrwolf]

It's a big candy store out there. There's something for everyone. This Honda doesn't fit anywhere in my list of desired bikes but I can appreciate that it's right at the top of somebody's list.

[stan wagenaar]

This bike looks really neat, but in the end, the price is gonna kill it, There is no Canadian price yet, but in the States, it costs the same as the Sportster Iron. That also means that the Shadow RS is priced higher than a Triumph Bonneville, and about the same as the new-to-Canada CBF 600( a decent all-rounder with 77hp and sporting moves!). If it was priced the same as the basic 750 Shadow, it might have a chance, but an Iron for the same price is just gonna be too good to pass up.

[Uwe W.]

The Shadow RS is featured in the next issue of CC (May 10).

[yzf1000jon]

Knee sliders on a cruiser, so right. :D

[stan wagenaar]

That's a neat action shot, rather than the usual main street crap that ends up in most mags (for cruiser type bikes). I've seen some more detailed photos of the RS online, and I like the look even more. The bars, seat, and tank seem to whisper "dirt tracker" to me, and didn't Honda create a 750cc racer just to beat Harley in AMA dirt track racing back in the 80's? I think it was called the RS750. Maybe there is a little dirt track DNA in the new Shadow RS?

[stan wagenaar]

Well, read the test, now I really don't know what to think. The bike is pretty much what I thought it would be, but I didn't expect it to come across as so bland. I mean like diet oatmeal bland! Of course, I have not seen it in the flesh yet, nor have I ridden one, so it may be premature to write the RS off as too boring just yet. After all, I ride an old Ascot single, and I think its a lot of fun below 120 kph. I just feel the bike should deliver a little more than is indicated in the test, what with 750cc's, liquid cooling and FI. I still can't wait to see/try one in the near future. Maybe CC testers have become too spoiled and jaded to say much about a simple, all round bike.

[Uwe W.]

Maybe CC testers have become too spoiled and jaded to say much about a simple, all round bike.

Maybe.

I personally experience an emotional disconnect whenever riding something that is mechanically flawless but has a modest amount of power.

The good news is you just have to visit a Honda Powerhouse to be guaranteed a test ride on an RS. It could end up being the perfect bike for you. Wouldn't that be nice?

[Kootenanny]

...I'm just not a huge fan of the foot-forward riding position. I'm too heavy to put all that weight on my tailbone. The RS version looks to be more sensible, and easier on my aging frame, while still retaining a classic/cruiser style...
Have you considered a Triumph Bonneville? I rode one of those last year, and I was very pleasantly surprised--it is comfortable and fun! I'm not a cruiser guy, but I could see myself riding a Bonneville.

[yzf1000jon]

I personally experience an emotional disconnect whenever riding something that is mechanically flawless

I know I'm going to get slammed here, but that's what I've found on most every honda I've thrown a leg over. Exceptional bikes with the personality of bread. All except a CR250 equipped with ice tires, kinda hard to be bored when you're scared to death.

[KZDon]

I know I'm going to get slammed here, but that's what I've found on most every honda I've thrown a leg over. Exceptional bikes with the personality of bread. All except a CR250 equipped with ice tires, kinda hard to be bored when you're scared to death.

Oh, I don't know, I found the Honda 650 Hawk of yore to be rather inspiring. Then the last two generations of the VFR (yes, the ones with the VTEC) made me want to just keep riding (although I think the people running the test rides may have become upset), and the kick-in-the-pants that occurred at 6500, then 7000 RPM was quite amazing. Then there was was the VTR1000 I rode at a test day that I considered the poor man's reliable Ducati.

I was actually planning on avoiding contributing to this thread, but I'm here now, so I'll weigh in. If a Shadow RS, a Shadow Phantom and an 883 Iron were all lined up at the curb (aside from the fact that I'd barely give them a second glance) it would be difficult to tell them apart. Sure, the RS has higher bars and reasonably located pegs, the Phantom has a raked out front end, and the Iron has dropped tail that makes it look like an uncomfortable dog trying to wipe its butt on the back lawn (is that what they mean by "slammed"?), but there is truly nothing that makes either of them stand out. The Hondas are clones, and the clonee, the 883, is a bike that garners odd reviews that are a mix of lauds for a bike that is, uh, "visceral" (yuggghh I hate that overused word in motorcycle magazines) and apologies and qualifications for its long list of shortcomings.

Here's the thing; if you're going to design and engineer something, a widget, a blender, a motorcycle, a pair of jeans, whatever, isn't there an imperative that your design be exceptional in some aspect? Shouldn't your jeans be the bluest, or the grungiest, or the lowest cut, or the best priced, or have the widest bellbottoms? Shouldn't your blender be the best at making margeritas, or have the most speeds, be the easiest to clean, or have the smallest footprint on the countertop? In motorcyles, the Honda Fury, for example, stands out as an inexpensive (relatively), off the shelf, ready to ride chopper, that boasts Honda engineering and reliability. As a motorcycle that anyone can buy, that cuts an unmistakeably distinctive profile, it is a success for that even if it is average on so many other fronts. For similar reasons the Rune was a success as was the Valkyrie, and even the C-series BMW cruisers.

How do I know the Fury is just average on many other fronts? Well, if it wasn't, why would Honda feel it necessary to create multiple similar motorcycles aimed at more or less the same consumers? If the Fury was a success all around the other models wouldn't be necessary for the market.

I count eight cruisers on Honda Canada's website using the same 52 degree, 1312cc v-twin. To my eye, some of them are indistinguishable from each other; the differences in some models coming down to a convertible windshield and the size and placement of the saddlebags and footpegs, and the shape of the fenders. And if they were lined up at the curb together, the Fury would be notable - the others, not so much.

The 750RS, in my view, fails in its design because there is nothing about it that makes it exceptional. It's average. In paraphrasing some of my report cards (okay, most of them) it could do better if it just applied itself, put in a little extra effort, focussed on the task at hand.

[Uwe W.]

Some very good points Don.

I'll add that the Fury sold exceptionally well for Honda. However, since it's not a model likely to be every cruiser rider's cup of tea, Honda is cost-effectively hedging their bets by offering so many subtle variations. Making sure there's something for every rider walking into the showroom doesn’t hurt the possibility of making a sale.

I appreciate that non-cruiser riders would have difficulty differentiating the bikes in your curbside line-up, but for any aficionado those three stand apart like an R1 would next to a Gold Wing. There may be styling cues on the Honda that blatantly scream Sportster, but not even with a cursory glance could the two be mistaken for each other.

[Ivor biggin]

Once again this forum shows its mettle with two fine posts back to back.
I.B.

[motrhead]

I know I'm going to get slammed here, but that's what I've found on most every honda I've thrown a leg over. Exceptional bikes with the personality of bread. All except a CR250 equipped with ice tires, kinda hard to be bored when you're scared to death.

You aren't the only one that feels that way. I've owned and ridden a bunch of Hondas over the years, and still own a few. Other than my CX650Eurosport, I've found them a wee bit lacking in excitement. That's why I switched to Yamahas. They seem to have a bit more soul...rowdy and untamed. My RZ probably holds the title of "rowdiest" :D Honda often seems to have a way of "blanding" a great concept into a merely competent bike, although when they DO get it right, they can build great bikes. The CX650 Turbo is still right up near the top of my wishlist.

[Ivor biggin]

I must confess that I have never tried riding a cruiser, just lucky I guess, but mostly I suppose because none of my friend have one and at demo days I always bring the wrong helmet. So as a rider with no experience at all on cruisers I always wondered if their safeness was compromised by the designers in their search for the coolest cruiser look.
I.B.

[KZDon]

I must confess that I have never tried riding a cruiser, just lucky I guess, but mostly I suppose because none of my friend have one and at demo days I always bring the wrong helmet. So as a rider with no experience at all on cruisers I always wondered if their safeness was compromised by the designers in their search for the coolest cruiser look.
I.B.

(I know I'll get flamed for this.) YES

Look at those rolling abortions the Teutels build as some of the scarier examples, or that POS that Brad Pitt is riding in all his feature Youtube videos. Cruisers, across the board, are somewhere between passably safe and death on wheels in creating the compromise to the god of assless-chaps and tats fashion.

Flame away.

[TimP]

Igniter held in check, Don. I'll save it to fend of those who flame you because I'm in complete agreement. I've seen very few choppers that might pass for art and 'way too many that seem like a catalogue with just a pinch of exploration. The epitome of these pitiful excuses were found on the "Build or Bust" show of a few years ago. Total catalogue bikes with absolutely nothing special about them (although I will confess to wondering what one of Russell Mitchell's old school efforts might be like to ride around town...).

In general the stretched out, skull infested crap that most "builders" create leaves me totally cold. Why give space in the garage for something you can't ride?

I have ridden a few cruisers, but they don't suit my back and I find the position painful. I recall test-riding a Vulcan many years ago that dropped a handlebar weight as we rode along. Fortunately no-one was behind me. I pointed it out to the Kawi rep upon our return and he assured me "that's not supposed to happen". No shit.

On the other hand, I'm completely in favour of owning a bike so reliable you don't even have to think about it. Just get on and ride. At least one in the stable should be like that.

[Kootenanny]

I must confess that I have never tried riding a cruiser, just lucky I guess, but mostly I suppose because none of my friend have one and at demo days I always bring the wrong helmet.
Now, that is a BS excuse! What, you'll only ride a cruiser if you're wearing a novelty skullcap?

I enjoy "demo days," partially because I like to ride different bikes. I'm not a cruiser guy, but whenever I attend a demo day I make sure to sign up for lots of different machinery--and I ride 'em in my regular gear, full-face helmet, bright textiles, and all! What do I care?

If you haven't ridden cruisers (or sportbikes, or any particular style) then how can you say you don't like 'em? I always know, when I get back on my own bike after a demo and think, "Now, this is more like it!" that I've got the right bike for me.

BTW, at various demos, I've ridden everything from a Victory Vision to a Majesty 400 scooter...and I've enjoyed them all. Unfortunately, I cannot make a demo ride scheduled later this month, where I'd get my first chance ever to ride some BMWs.

[motrhead]

although I will confess to wondering what one of Russell Mitchell's old school efforts might be like to ride around town...

I don't have any use for choppers with the raked out front ends, but I am a fan of bobbers that are actually ridable bikes. Russell Mitchell's bikes used to be more like bobbers (without the stupid mile long forks), but I am afraid he is now building what the US market demands, just like the rest of the posers out there. A bobber isn't really much different from an old Virago or a V-Max, and those are competent and reasonably comfortable bikes, which was the point when the idea was born in the first half of the century -basically stripped down stock bikes modified to go faster.
I wouldn't mind trying a feet-forward bike with a backrest and a low seat (and normal fork geometry), but they aren't legal here in BC with our moronic minimum seat height law.
Every time I see an idiot riding a hog with ape hangers I point at him and laugh out loud. Maybe if everybody laughed out loud at these guys they would understand how absolutely stupid they look (never mind how dangerous they are). I thought there were laws about handlebar height? Apparently they don't enforce them around here.



On the other hand, I'm completely in favour of owning a bike so reliable you don't even have to think about it. Just get on and ride. At least one in the stable should be like that.

So you are saying want a Virago?:)

[motrhead]

. Unfortunately, I cannot make a demo ride scheduled later this month, where I'd get my first chance ever to ride some BMWs.

So where and when is this demo?

[Ivor biggin]

Now, that is a BS excuse! What, you'll only ride a cruiser if you're wearing a novelty skullcap?

Of course it`s a B.S. excuse. I`d only ride a cruiser if I were wearing a novelty skullcap and a disguise.
I.B.

[Rocking Couple]

Isn't a novelty skullcap already a form of disguise? :confused: I always thought they tended to attempt to disguise some semblance of intelligence of the head it's on?

As for ape hangers, the owner of this thing is about the most famous googled idiot on earth. Looks barely possible to ride in a parking lot let alone in traffic against any wind pressure. Many thought the first pic of this fool was photoshopped. But alas the pic is as real as the chump who owns the bike.

http://www.madmyk.com/gallery/albums/Past_Photos_of_the_Week/40_Now_Those_Are_Ape_Hangers.jpg

here's another: hee hee hee
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dDRtZueq1hk/STn1lrEjpcI/AAAAAAAAAFI/589LjpXlj0k/s1600/ape-hangers.jpg

get a load of some of the anonymous comments here:
http://www.bikernewsonline.com/2007/08/ape-hangers-of-death.htm

this one is among my fav: "An absolute insult to any self-respecting ape." LOL

[Kootenanny]

So where and when is this demo?
Southwest Motorrad, 28th April. I've signed up for both the F800R and the R1200R (the S1000R was fully booked right away, and the BMW I'm most interested in--the HP2--isn't available at this demo), but unfortunately work has intervened and I am unable to make it to Kelowna for the 28th. I have yet to call the shop and cancel...gotta do that pretty soon...

[stan wagenaar]

Well, I did not see this coming. I have no issues with cruisers, as long as the basic design is roadworthy and safe. Most of them are, considering most cruiser owners won't push their bikes to the limit on the road anyway ( I'm not so sure how 'safe' OCC-type choppers are though). In fact, I really admire the quality of paint , polished aluminum and chrome found on many cruisers, and I would like to see the same attention to detail applied to an all-rounder. What is lacking in some of today's smaller cruisers (750-1100 cc) is horsepower. Back in the 80's (here I go again), most 750cc v-twin cruisers put out 55-60 hp, and good torque on the bottom as well. In the effort to make all cruisers low speed chuggers, Japan forgot all about a wide powerband with good top-end, one of the best reasons to own a metric cruiser over the American originals. I kind of miss the quickness found in some of those older cruisers, like the 1100 Virago and the 750 Maxim X. The Shadow RS would still be user friendly with an additional 10-15 hp, courtesy of the 1980's (you can keep Wham! though, yikes!).

[Ivor biggin]

.... as long as the basic design is roadworthy and safe. Most of them are, considering most cruiser owners won't push their bikes to the limit... (you can keep Wham! though, yikes!).

Yes but I still say that the limit is too low and that`s because of the styling.
(and 99% of the other 80s bands)
I.B.

[yzf1000jon]

My wife had a Maxim X when I first met her, fun quick bike, 100mile range to dry was silly and caused by the need for a tiny cruiser style tank. The fact that a 900 or an 1100 cruiser is considered a decent starter bike underlines how backwards we may have gone, IMO.