2022 Honda VT750C Shadow Aero | First Ride

[@stuartmottram9284]

OC, I've owned a 2009 model for the last 13 years. It has 108500 klms or 67800 miles on the clock. I've ridden it day to day as a commuter and to travel interstate which in Australia means about 700 klms just to cross the border. Big milage and never had a problem. Only repairs done in all those miles is a clutch at 95000 klms. Been a fantastic ride.

[@BladedAngel]

These go for Dirt Cheap used, and since the model hasn't really been "Substantially Updated" over the years, it's definitely up some people's alley for a couple grand!! I personally wouldn't recommend buying new for most people.

[@najiiklove]

Finding @bladedangel here, time to find myself a used shadow.

[@DaroffApFire]

These are a great first and last bike for the vast majority of people. I'd 1,000% recommend buying one new and keeping for the rest of your life. Used is good, but only certified used, because let's face it, most people aren't mechanically knowledgeable enough to know whether or not they're buying a good, unmolested bike. These aren't even expensive new, so why not if you have the means?

[@furious_melons674]

​@DaroffApFire thanks for making me feel better about my EXTREMELY whimsical purchase today. 😅

[@faheemwilliams5499]

I got 1 for 1700, great buy

[@stevedullum6777]

I bought a 2019 new in 2021. Absolutely love it. Same with the ACE I had prior, you have to upgrade the seat. It is worth the money in spades. I got a Mustang and it completely changes the bike. I couldn't ride the stock seat for more than an hour. Also got Saddleman bags and windshield. What I like about these is their simplicity. Maybe I'm old school, but I don't want ride modes, bluetooth, USB, etc. I want a throttle, clutch and brakes. But then again I mostly cruise around in the country. The one modern feature I got is ABS. If you just want a simple, reliable, and very nice looking bike, and don't need gobs of power, this is a great choice.

[@patwalker9890]

I had a 750 Shadow and joined the huge Honda Shadow Facebook group. The 2 questions asked most often are 1) what handlebars can I fit 2) what seats can I get?. After a year or so I had the same conclusions as you. It'll pretty much do what you need, but MEH. As a starter bike they are all over for $2k and worth it for that purpose.

[@sinloc63]

I’ve got an 04 Aero , with 25k miles on it , bought it with 23k miles few months back , throw some floor boards on it. And it makes a world of difference

[@Squiddles_]

I bought a 2015 honda shadow 750 aero with abs last year. Learned a lot since then about honda and the shadows history. Originally the shadow had the 1100cc back in the 90s-2000s, but that was discontinued in favor of the 750 for the shadow and adding the 1100 to the rebel. As a daily rider, the 750 is all you really need in a bike, its comfortable for long rides, but the upper butt fatigue takes some getting used to, although even after riding for a few hours its not all that bad. The weight actually turns in your favor with the low center of mass and the long rake of the front fork. It makes it a very stable bike, while not detering quick movements if required. The beach bars are kinda personal preference, but i myself quite enjoy them, although you kinda have to adopt a bit of an odd hand position so you dont whiskey throttle but stay comfy. When I bought mine, it came with a detachable windshield, floorboards, crashbars, an led headlight, a sissy bar, and a few other bits and bobs. Ive since added hardmounted saddlebags, swapped the mirrors, and deleted the fender (temporarily at least), along with a phone mount and cig lighter to charge from. Even though i know I wont get any increase in selling price from it, I plan on having my bike for a long long time, and thus am toying with going all out on it, making it the perfect bike for me. part of me wants to swap it for a goldwing, but most of me just wants to keep my shadow. Probably doesnt help that it was given a name from a circumstance by my friend and it stuck. had some very bad running issues earlier this year, and we couldnt figure out why, but after a few weeks we checked the sparkplugs (i know we should have at the beginning, but the bike had a hint over 4k miles when i bought it, so we couldnt fathom a spark problem on such a well maintained and spotless bike). But...that was the issue. Since then, my friend made a joke about calling it "Sparky", and it stuck. best thing i ever bought for 4k flat.

[@MikeLeader]

I have an 02 Ace 750 with 33k miles. Love it. I like how they kept the classic look on some models

[@Xaunoki]

I bought a 2009 Honda Shadow Aero as my first bike last December. Absolutely incredible motorcycle! I have since turned it into a touring motorcycle with bags and a tour pack. Basically take a HD Road King Classic Touring and make it smaller. That's my bike. Slapped some whitewalls on it, came with a better seat and pipes, and even took it on a trip to Yellowstone + Grand Tetons. The stock steering head bearings were junk and caused a death wobble whenever I let go of the bars. Fixed it with a tapered roller bearing from All Balls Racing. After over 10k miles of riding this year and about $7,000 total after all of the stuff I've put on it, the Honda Shadow Aero (especially a used one) is an insane value proposition. Next bike will certainly be a quiet and smooth Gold Wing.

[@dennygreen4336]

OC: my daily is a 96 shadow. Can confirm the controls are the exact same. Ignition is in the same place too. Love the bike and the reliability. Good video c2w crew!

[@TheLadiesman0815]

I have a ‘97! I don’t ever want to get rid of it lol

[@GrandpaLucasMusic]

My first bike - this exact color and spec. It may not be for everyone, but it sure is a head turner. Everywhere I go, I feel all eyes on that shiny, retro style blue! I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

[@GrandpaLucasMusic]

And it may be uncomfortable for some riders… but I’ve got some junk in my trunk lol. Definitely have some natural cushioning that I can work with. The seat is very comfy for me, and I’ve gotten no complaints from my passenger.

[@jtec99]

If nothing else, it does sound really good

[@sunnyyadav-yx7ry]

OC:The Honda shadow 750 Aero design and build looks larger and bulky like a bagger type but if we compare it to rebel lineup it's definitely outmatched in every aspect features therefore my choice would be this big badass cruiser to cruise.

[@aloofbit338]

i love honda shadow, so smooth and comfy. i spent all my monies on the new shadow phantom and i love it very much!

[@binginghere]

Great to see that they haven't changed the classic design on the aeros yet. I have an 06 aero and it's pretty much the same design.

[@Falconsgang8988]

IVE FINALLY FOUND YOU... bro ive been looking for your channel for sooooo long... i used to watchin you and yammis videos all the time. last one i remember was you going to an abandoned place and getting drone footage then getting chased by a white dodge pickup. so glad i found ur channel man and even happier your still makin vids

[@Falconsgang8988]

first 2 minutes in and you already got me crackin up... your humor is just as funny as it was back then

[@StratfordWingRider]

I had a FI (2011) Shadow Aero for a year. Super cool sounding and looking Bike. Loved the chrome and the Honda build. It’s a good 40 year old design - give or take. Things I didn’t like, suspensions was bad for NZ roads, brakes weren’t great for such a big bike, power on motorway was underwhelming. 3 valve OHC motors have their limits. Because of the shaft drive - I did learn how to rev match effectively. Kinda needed to, to avoid the shaft jacking. I also had way more people wanting to be a pillion on this bike - than any other - so maybe there is something in that. I think the Rebel is a big improvement over the Shadow, because the Shadow IS really a classic. I sold it and bought a Blackbird, which is much more bike for the same money. So Honda still has my ❤

[@Alcook-v5z]

Chaseo sooo refreshing to watch a Video not staring at the instrument panel for 45 min ,Also your walk to the bike makes me laugh every time . NF Canada

[@ryanbrazill926]

Tbh, I wouldn't get one new myself because getting an older one has multiple benefits. 1) Much cheaper. Why go buy for $8000 when I can hop on marketplace and get one for 3000 or less. 2) Older ones are carbureted which can be a hassle sometimes, but tbh, it has allowed me to learn so much about working on my bike. I am WAY more comfortable with it mechanically than any of vehicle of mine. 3) Shadows have tons and tons of people that modify them so there are endless forums and groups for help, and if you have the problem, guaranteed someone else has had it before so you can find the solution.

[@Jb-Raja]

The moment you mentioned "top of your butt getting tired" i swear i was recollecting my experience with my Yamaha Virago 750 from some 20 years ago and i couldn't agree with you more. Cruiser riding looks comfortable but i will take a standard upright riding position every time because it allows you to move around, stand , etc. If someone is looking for classic looks and heavy metal as i do, go for a classic looking standard bike.

[@noahplautz214]

Bought a 2008 shadow spirit as my first bike for 2.2k. Good enough.

[@noahplautz214]

Dash looks the exact same

[@Dominantgaming11]

I know I’m commenting after a month so please don’t kill me, BUT I also bought my ‘09 Shadow Spirit for $2.5k used with only 6k miles on it. Gotta love ultra-reliable dirt-cheap bikes

[@Prof_X24]

I’ve had a 2003 750 Shadow Spirit for a year and it was my first bike. They haven’t changed much at all in the looks department over the years. You are correct that the buttons on the Aero look old. They’re the same as my Spirit 😂. Highly recommend as a starter bike. Mine has been good to me despite its age.

[@franksilva2542]

Chase, I have enjoyed many of your videos. This is the first one I have disagreed with. Last time I checked, this was still a semi-free country. To force everybody to have anti-lock brakes feels very nany state to me. I do not ride bikes with anti-lock brakes because the manufacturer often does not get it right. If I need to stop fast, I want to be in control, not a computer. ABS is for inexperienced riders and drivers, not people with track experience. Choices are important, let's not take them from us. As far as the Shadow is concerned, I rode one from Southern Oregon to Cord 'e Laine Idaho non stop for my son's wedding, and back over 3 days. It never missed a beat. Ran 75/80 mph across most of Washington. Bullet proof reliability.

[@johnbelculf5441]

JESUS H CHRIST

[@logancrouse6030]

Oc, I appreciate you taking time reviewing my favorite kind of bikes

[@sociopathmercenary]

Bought a VTX1800 new as my 1st Street bike back in 2004 but had to sell it. Just bought a 2005 VTX1800 with 9,000 miles and all the accessories last year for $4,000. Never selling this one. Although I am looking to add a handful of other bikes to the garage

[@shawnscott1254]

OC: have loved the Aero model since it was revised in 2004. Endless customization possibilities as you said. Great video C2W.

[@stevenmendez4118]

I have a 2004

[@vincek6613]

First bike i owned was a '12 shadow spirit. Great first bike. The aero sub-model is the shadow's low and slow version. The phantom is the head liner, and the most recent model year is the most updated the shadows have been in years

[@chiguy_]

OC, I started on a '04 750 shadow spirit. it is a great starter bike and can be one to keep around. Mine was a year old when I purchased it (well, just a summer old) so super low miles, came with a helmet, jacket, and a seat bag. I used that for 12 years mainly due to finances. I changed the rear sprocket to get a little better highway usage. I do recommend doing that btw. Beyond that shadows are a great platform to update, change, learn to ride/wrench on and just cruise. As for the look never liked the aero, prefered the spirit. and just like the rebel they have different motor sizes for each style.

[@riotman2020]

My first bike was a Honda Shadow good times.

[@Overlord3420]

Yo I started on that bike! Exact model but a 2008! I loved it. Great first bike

[@Youcantsaythat51]

Oc definitely love the style and beautiful blue on this bike

[@Mathei91]

Sold my 2016 vt750 shadow aero C2 which is the last model you can get in Germany (emissions yayyy) to get a 2021 Ninja 1000sx. No comparison of course since it's a completely different kind of bike. I wouldn't even consider trading back but sometimes I do think back of my black beauty and remember the good times back then.

[@johnpikar4823]

What’s crazy to me is that this bike is almost exactly like my 1993 Suzuki intruder 800! Everything from the shaft drive to the lack of modern controls. What the shadow has that I do not is the odometer/speedometer in the tank. Mine rides in front of the handlebars off the triple tree. But other than that they are almost identical

[@mattjones9525]

I've had 2 shadow phantoms. I've gone straight bagger club style and the other bobber. Both are extremely fun. Both needed extended foot controls. And cobra exhaust sound amazing with them

[@deathxter9163]

OC here, for perspective on looks between the rebel and the shadow. I'd say I have to prefer the shadow. My first bike was a rebel 500, I still have and love that bike it just got a little boring for me. (My weight doesn't help the matter), so while looking to upgrade, I looked at a lot of Hondas and Harleys, I almost bought a lowrider st but decided not to go into more debt. I looked at the shadows, and I liked them, but it wouldn't have been enough of a jump in performance that I would've enjoyed. I ended up buying a VTX1800R, which I like to think is the shadows' big brother. I only have had it for a few days, but I already love it. But now I am confident I will be buying a shadow sometime down the line as a chopper build platform.

[@patricksandeberg8184]

⏱️ 14:17 That Toyota splitting lanes between you and the car on your left! 😅almost got you on the MotoMadness channel.

[@TheLadiesman0815]

It’s crazy he didn’t know the Shadow didn’t existed and they’ve made it since the 80’s lol

[@jimbo92107]

All that bike needs is a Givi wind screen and a wrist paddle to hold speed. Cruise Control on a motorcycle is bluddy dangerous; it'll get you into trouble in an instant going uphill or downhill. I'd love that same bike with belt drive.

[@conceptcs]

my favorite color way for this bike.

[@patricksandeberg8184]

The 2024 model has a disc brake at the rear, abs and fuel injection 👌🏾 The Shadow “Phantom” is basically the same bike but looks a lot better than this model.

[@thorinossman5082]

Had an 88 shadow and yes those controls were exactly the same lol

[@jaythemusicman801]

I did not know honda was still putting out a shadow

[@bhouse92101]

OC: I'm also not a fan of chrome, so this bike doesn't appeal to me in that regards. This was a beginner bike for my girlfriend and it was a fun little bike to start on, so I agree this is a GREAT beginner cruiser bike, if you like the look.

[@ThatManKevin]

24 models have abs now and rear disc brake instead of drums. Definitely something to look at now.

[@perryplays35]

got 7k on my 24 its beautiful

[@ThatManKevin]

@@perryplays35 That’s great to hear. I honestly thought about getting one for myself for the channel but I’m undecided if I want a cruiser or sport bike or stay in the dual sport area and maybe upgrade to a bigger bike with more power not sure yet. At this point I just like riding different bikes lol.

[@perryplays35]

@@ThatManKevin i dont do anything crazy on mine. just a 20 min commute rain or shine. i have the cobra seat and highway bars. I am 5'12" 250, its just perfect.

[@ThatManKevin]

@@perryplays35 I might have to check one out how you’re talking about it.

[@ethancknight]

Sounds good, that’s about it.

[@CountryWilly]

There is no bike better than a Honda I guess I’m a little prejudiced nice ride

[@Totes_ma_Goat]

Didn't realize this was in Cobb. I need somewhere to get my bikes oil changed. I think I'll give WOW a shot. Im over in Sandy Springs so not that far.

[@FlesHBoX]

OC I am not a fan of the beach bars either. If I were to go with a shadow, I would prefer the shadow phantom. That said they are super comfy to sit on, but I also found the rebel to be quite comfortable. Personally I would go for the Rebel 1100 over either shadow simply because it has a much better p/w, even though I prefer the style of the shadow. I also have a soft spot for the shadow. My dad traded in his FZ600 for a Shadow 1100 when I was 12 or 14 ish, and I have fond memories of riding on the back of that.

[@Abbs2slick]

Glad I could pop in for a few

[@gingernaut2550]

I like this look, it's like a poor man's Indian Springfield. I REALLY like the older Honda Valkyries and one might be my next bike in the spring....

[@theblueshadow777]

I have the VT750CA 2022 aero with ABS. Plenty of mod options for this bike.I do wish it had more top end or a 6th gear. It's screaming at 70 mph. Overall I love it and you don't see many around in this color. White wall tires look great with saddlebags and floorboards. The mod options are endless. Peace!

[@rajaakashkumar7099]

First ride on royal Enfield continental GT 650 ❤

[@kentwilliams3326]

Windscreen 👍👍👍

[@HoodedDragonSix]

The new Honda Shadow Phantom might have fit you better, minus not being in the market for a slow cruiser. Same engine and stuff but the position and the lack of chrome is why I like that model over this one.

[@dubbervw10]

I have the SAME EXACT CONTROLS on my 2002 spirit.

[@Rockt-p6m]

Great review. Cruiser bikes kind of grow on you if you're coming from a sportier motorcycles. Get out in the country on some nice backroads and... cruise. 2 questions: 1. How tall are you? Looks like you fit the bike well 2. How was the throttle at small, on/off openings? Most of the fuel injected bikes I've ridden are jerky during that on/off transition and I hate it.

[@robertoestaraneta50]

I love how those bikes handle and the reliability but they should go another route with the looks. They could make it a cruiser that doesn't look like a Harley.

[@mitchmolina9793]

Thanks man I was hoping you would do a video on this bike. Had a 2002 Shadow Spirit. Loved it till crashed it. I had a rebel 300 I was going to buy a 1100 but I like how this one looks and it's longer. Don't feel like looking like a bear on a bicycle

[@anthonycoffey6565]

As far as beginner cruisers go I'm still surprised how well my Vulcan S can move my big butt around. I'm 6-2 & 265lbs & never had an issue getting my boogie on 😅

[@jtec99]

Passing power at 85mph?

[@anthonycoffey6565]

@jtec99 top speed is around 115mph, if you needed to pass someone at 85mph it will absolutely do it. I have a puig windscreen to keep the wind off my chest & it's super stable even at high speed. Haven't tried yet, but I think if I dropped 1 tooth on the front sprocket it would really wake it up as it feels geared a tad low for me 🙂

[@jtec99]

@@anthonycoffey6565 nice to know it's has the power up at that speed. I only had a 650 cruiser before a Dyna Harley so i wasn't sure where this model sat. My vstar wasn't happy above 65 if i needed it to move quickly. The Harley has been gone for over a decade, ride a fz09 right now but would love a mid size cruiser again as a second bike.

[@ChrisVanMiddelkoop]

Those are the same controls shadows have had since the 80s

[@erickluper3290]

Definitely I’m a classic look guy. I’m not a real fan of the new rebel and the rebel 1100 is way too small for me. I’m 5’11” with a 29 inch inseam and I felt very cramped on the 1100.

[@pouyatorkiyan3258]

Nice 👍

[@johnbelculf5441]

Is this engine smoother/less vibey than a vulcan 900? Also does it have taller gearing to cruise at 75 mph smoother than the vn900. Both engines have a great durability rating. However in AZ i need to cruise at 75 mph min. I can not find a answer anywhere. I just tested a 24 900 lt but honda will not let you test anything. help

[@johnbelculf5441]

come on guys. ! somebody has to know this.

[@geraldburmeister9637]

@@johnbelculf5441 I don't know about the newer fuel injected models but my09 750 gets vibey over 60. It doesn't bother me but it is definately there. The older chain drive models you can put a 38 tooth rear sprocket on and they will run pretty smooth up to about 75.

[@johnbelculf5441]

@@geraldburmeister9637 thank you

[@KNBProds]

OC: the shadow phantom looks better to my eye. the rebel is objectively better but it's less classic looking.

[@Dericmann]

Of, grom over both

[@DaroffApFire]

I would have asked the crew at the shop to adjust those handlebars down a bit. They're way too far forward for a comfortable ride and the clutch and brake levers aren't even adjusted properly.

[@andylink5818]

Purchase!!!!

[@annbullock7622]

Ok well I have a 97 valkyire, that seat looks the same as dose the mud guards side panels all so the switches nice bike thou,

[@NotARobot100percent]

IMO a motorcycle need to be nimble and light weight because there are so many ignorant people on the road and a LWB motorcycle can be dangerous in emergencies. Sure a cruiser is more comfy than a naked but that's the beauty of motorcycling (Back😁Pain).

[@gohan21ir]

When I went to look at bikes at my local Honda dealer, they had one of these and a Shadow Phantom. I looked at the sales guy and told him I wanted the Phantom as the Aero looked like an old man's bike. 3 years later, after I traded it in for a Rebel 1100T, I apologized to him for the comment.

[@tylergenepinson9186]

I wish modern bikes would do away with the gas tank Speedo

[@xxYFKxx]

Man… I wished they would add a damn gas gauge on these 😭😭

[@charliepatterson9321]

Use the trip odometer. I get around 100 miles before reserve so at 90 filler up .

[@pablofos3232]

This guy can fly, but chooses to ride a motorcycle 😅

[@Tralalalala034]

Looks like Dragstar...

[@dysnomia-anarchia]

I just took a bite out of my first donut. I'm not qualified to tell you everything you need to know about donuts, and I'm going to make a video about it, and decide, if I should pay for this donut after one bite, or just put it back on the tray at Dunkin Donuts and say no thank you, I'm watching my diet. Will anybody watch such nonsense? I bet 20K will! Because YT promotes such rubbish reviews! One bite, one ride, I'll tell you everything you need to know!

[@9exodus]

SELLING MY 2024 450ss, dont have the passion for motorcycles i thought id have. So if your in the Nashville TN Area and want one, ill give it to you for $7000. Bike still has less than 10 miles. And has Tire and Rim protection package. Also Title hasnt came in the mail yet, cus i bought July 30th, 2024. Firm on price, WILL NOT RESPOND TO OFFERS (AT ALL).

[@Lars576]

Is there anybody out there tall that has one of these bikes? I’m 6’3 will this bike fit me? My local Motorsports shop don’t have this model in stock ever to sit on.

[@geraldburmeister9637]

I'm 6'2" with 34" inseam and if I was any larger I would put control extensions on mine.