Honda Shadow Spirit 750

The first word that comes to mind when thinking about the Shadow Spirit is “survivor.” In the ever-changing motorcycle landscape, this bike has withstood the test of time and is still a popular seller. What is it about this 21-year old custom cruiser that makes it so enduring?

Back in 1985, Honda was selling almost 80,000 cruisers a year, showroom success driven by models such as the Shadow 1100, V65 Magna and Shadow 750. The market was ripe for metric cruisers, and the 1100 in particular hit the nail on the head in terms of styling, performance and value. That same formula has survived for more than two decades with minimal changes and lives on in the Spirit.

Power comes from a silky-smooth, 45-degree, 1099cc V-Twin with offset dual crankpins that greatly reduce vibration. Low-down torque delivery combined with the excellent nine-plate clutch allow the Shadow to leave the line cleanly, making smooth getaways the norm even for the novice rider. On the open road, a broad powerband makes roll-on response from almost anywhere in the rev range quite good, while the slick-shifting five-speed gearbox keeps maximum urge just a stab of the toe and twist of the wrist away.

Three-valve heads with two sparkplugs per cylinder optimize combustion. Maintenance-free hydraulic valve-lash adjusters in addition to automatic cam-chain tensioners and a digital ignition are all reasons the tried-and-true powerplant has persevered over time. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via shaft drive, which requires virtually no upkeep.

All the better for easing your spirit while you cruise in the wide, comfortable seat, which also happens to be low enough (28.7 inches) for most inseam-challenged riders. Even with the low seat, overall ergonomics remain comfortable enough for a 6-footer to spend hours in the saddle eating up all the miles that the 4.2-gallon tank allows. Thank the just-right reach to the chromed, mid-rise handlebar and the fact that the low seating position provides for a surprising degree of wind protection behind the accessory windshield. Feet-forward but not overdone footpeg placement contributes to a neutral seating position.

Hit the curves at a brisk pace and the Spirit does an admirable job of remaining composed. While the only suspension adjustment is for spring preload on the twin rear shocks, overall damping and springing deliver a plush, yet firm-enough ride to have a little fun when the road gets tight. Push it too hard and the Shadow will offer feedback in the form of dragging footpegs and sidestand, but the chassis remains poised. A twin-piston brake caliper up front and drum out back get the Shadow slowed down easily.

At $8599, the Shadow Spirit offers a lot of bike for not that much moolah. And it's still one of the best custom-cruiser values on the market, even after all these years.