Honda Shadow Phantom | Modifications & Performance Comparison

Exhaust sound and measured performance comparison of stock vs. modified 2015 Honda Shadow Phantom 750.
Performance modifications include:
- Cobra Streetrod Slashdown Exhaust
- Cobra Air Intake
- Cobra Fi2000 EFI Controller
- Timing advance mod
Other add-ons include:
- Cobra saddlebag mounts
- Willie and Max saddle bags
- Kuryakyn signals (front and rear)
- Shark MT485 sound system
- Aftermarket mirrors
Watch to the end of the video to see what kind of performance improvements are obtained.
**ALL TESTED COMPLETED ON CLOSED ROAD COURSE**
Thanks for watching!
Instagram account:
/ jmk_garage
Subscribe to my KZbin channel for some more garage build & racing videos:
/ jmkgarage
#bobberbuild #bobber #hondashadow #shadow750
‪@hondamotorcycles‬
‪@Honda‬

[@brentfellers9632]

Got a 14 phantom, they aren't about performance...that said mine has pipes, vellocity stack and cobra tuner.....and now the timing mod! Lo!

[@JMKGarage]

Yeah, definitely just meant for cruising reliably. I would be interested to know if you find any real performance gains yourself.

[@dustylondon5207]

Thanks for making this video. I have been considering doing this to my Shadow Phantom, but I keep hearing mixed opinions on whether it makes an actual performance difference. Your video helps settle this and will save me some money. Thanks again!

[@JMKGarage]

Hey, no problem, and thanks for watching. I am glad this helps. I was really expecting some measurable improvement, but was disappointed once I actually reviewed and compared everything. Wasn’t expecting this result at all as it really felt faster… I guess it was only more fun and likely made me ride it faster with the loud exhaust.

[@matt00417]

I really appreciate the straightforward-ness of this video. No nonsense, and totally honest. I love my Phantom so it makes me a bit sad to hear you’re selling yours but you’ve definitely gained me as a subscriber

[@JMKGarage]

Well thank you for watching and subscribing Matt, I really appreciate that as well. I have sold the bike, and I’m sure it will be missed, but right now I’m enjoying my other toys… dirtbiking with the kids in particular. The Phantom is a well built, reliable (yet fun) bike… enjoy it!

[@StratfordWingRider]

As an utterly stock 2011 Aero owner, this was a surprise, but good to know! :) interesting

[@JMKGarage]

I was very surprised as well! I had to go back through several videos, and to my disappointment there was none that indicated the bike was actually faster with the mods.

[@Road_Rash]

I've modded mine in the looks department, but never messed with any of the stock engine/transmission arrangements...I modded my stock exhaust to give me the sound I wanted without being too obnoxious & then just wrapped the pipes...only cost about $40 for a different looking & sounding exhaust setup...

[@JMKGarage]

That’s definitely the more cost effective method. After doing all that I did, not sure any of it was worth it other than for the “improved” looks. A fair bit of money and work for no gain.

[@Road_Rash]

And no rejetting necessary either, because I didn't do a straight pipe exhaust, just opened it up enough to have a little throat, but still has baffles...unless you're racing, really, it's all about looks & sound...the 750 runs good enough for what it's designed for...they're just never gonna be a sport bike...Lol!

[@leom.9826]

Plenty of us Phantom lovers around. I have the cobras as well, and other small upgrades. It sounds really good. Just love it...

[@JMKGarage]

I agree, these Cobra pipes make the Shadow sound great. I always received compliments on how well it sounded for a little bike.

[@leom.9826]

@@JMKGarage True..Also get notice and complements for the bike..!

[@musk-eteer9898]

my 2012 phantom is bone stock except for the cobra floorboards, both rider and passenger. floorboards make the long rides much more comfy. stock pegs was very annoying when the wind keep playing footsies with my feet.

[@JMKGarage]

Hahaha, that was one of my minor negatives with the bike… at higher speeds the wind would catch my feet and make them want to lift off like airplanes. Although, nothing compared to that of the new Harley Sportster S… the speed of that bike makes it impossible to keep your feet planted on the foot pegs 🤣

[@trueskatewithsam5275]

Great video, you are very mechanically inclined to do all that stuff. I put a fuel pack, Vance and Hines short shots and a cobra intake and it sounds so much better and maybe a couple extra mpg lol. But it’s no faster than it was before just very loud and proud.

[@JMKGarage]

Thank you, I appreciate that! And yes, I try my best to learn the mechanics of how things work… been like that since I was about 5 years old tearing new toys apart just to see how they work. Same results here… better fuel economy with the mods, but despite feeling faster (or more fun) the bike is no quicker with the mods.

[@tomsmith2851]

Interesting to see the minimal results.

[@TheJosesantiago123]

Fakeformance, when you’re bike sounds and looks good but no performance. Thank for spending the money before I did. I’m just going to remove the baffles for more sound. Great video.

[@JMKGarage]

Haha, I haven’t heard that one before 🤣. It’s even more disappointing to find out years after I spent the money that it’s not actually any faster. Good choice on taking out the baffles

[@pd8559]

These bikes are best in stock unmolested condition. Its counterintuitive to the person spending money on mods but they make the bike worth less not more.

[@JMKGarage]

Yup, you got that right. I knew that spending the money, although when I bought all the parts (actually before even taking delivery of the bike) it was primarily just to personalize it and make it sound better. Thanks for watching

[@patwalker9890]

Hahaha! I belong to a Honda Shadow forum and every new member has 1 question... "What pipes should I run?". My '09 Spirit came with Cobra pipes and I sold the thing after 8 months due to noise. Bought an 1100 Sabre with stock pipes. Quieter and faster.

[@JMKGarage]

I loved the noise of the Cobra pipes, but it certainly resulted in a headache after a full day of riding. Is your Sabre the V-twin, or the older V-four? I had a shadow spirit 1100 (sold to my dad)… definitely a lot more power/torque, although I’m not a fan of only having the 4 gears.

[@patwalker9890]

@@JMKGarage It's an '02 Shadow Sabre V-twin. With a full face helmet I can actually ride without earplugs!😆

[@j.martin4476]

These are great and reliable cruisers… honestly about all you can do is jazz up the sound with pipes.. for whatever reason there just isn’t a real performance after market for these. If you want a cheap cruiser that you can performance modify the piss out of get a used sportster.. that evo engine is bullet proof and you can easily get 120+ HP out of all day long. That being said I still love these shadows, Vulcans and Boulevards.

[@JMKGarage]

Absolutely! Despite not being fast (and they aren’t meant to be), they are fun and reliable bikes, and fairly inexpensive.

[@j.martin4476]

@@JMKGarage I haven’t ridden in several years. Last bike was a sportster I eventually put to much power into to be fun anymore lol. I’m honestly considering one of these Japanese cruisers specifically for the value proposition and I’m not interested in fast anymore.

[@JMKGarage]

@@j.martin4476 you can’t go wrong with a Shadow. Back when I bought it new in 2015 my other option was an iron 883, but opted for the Honda because of the cost (purchase price and insurance).

[@justinkaufman1627]

👍

[@maz2185]

I’d bought the same from Sturgess in Hamilton as my first brand new motorcycle in Canada. Loved riding it and would’ve changed pipes to make it sound better but I sold my bike in 2022.

[@JMKGarage]

Hey, I’m not too far from you. I would guess and say it was an excellent bike to start on. What are you riding now?

[@maz2185]

@@JMKGarage I loved my Honda Shadow. I’m contemplating between Indian Scout Bobber or a Harley Fat Bob 114. What do you suggest. Thank you.

[@JMKGarage]

I have no experience with the Indian, although I hear a lot of good things, and I think they look great! I recently rode the 2023 Fat Bob 114 and can honestly say that I wasn’t a fan, especially for the price. It certainly has a LOT more torque than the shadow, and a better quality feel, but the riding position and short power band don’t do it for me. My buddy with an ‘07 Dyna also was very unimpressed with the Fat Bob. Both Harley and Indian allow for test rides. I highly recommend taking a few models of each bike out to feel which one fits you and your riding style best.

[@Zolt9]

Thanks so much for the video!

[@JMKGarage]

Thank you for watching, I hope you enjoyed it! If so, please subscribe and check out my other videos.

[@danielbautista0000]

Still a good looking bike and great for a budget especially if you max out any mods just for the pursuit.

[@JMKGarage]

Absolutely! Especially when you compare it to a Harley which costs significantly more. Don’t get me wrong, I’d totally take a Harley, but when my shadow was new in 2016 I had less than $10k into it after mods. A new Harley was 2 - 3 times that back then… definitely nicer and better performing, but you cannot beat the price and reliability of the Honda.

[@nlee5034]

WOW!! Glad I watched your video, before I went and bought a bunch of expensive shit, for no performance change!

[@JMKGarage]

Glad to help! I wouldn’t say I regret doing all that to the shadow, but looking back now it was a lot of money to spend for essentially only looks and sound. Happy to now own a Harley dyna (2004) which I like significantly more than the shadow (shadow is still a great bike though).

[@daviddavis5120]

Love my shadow phantom

[@JMKGarage]

Thanks for watching David, they are great bikes, that’s for sure

[@justinmadera]

Awesome video! What windshield are you using?

[@JMKGarage]

Thanks, I appreciate you watching. It is the Slipstreamer Spit-Fire… just a cheap universal clamp on.

[@dustylondon5207]

I have seen some people in the Facebook group saying they notice a difference in throttle response. Would you say you noticed the same or did you notice no change in the throttle response with the tune and intake?

[@JMKGarage]

I would really like to say that the throttle was much more responsive (or snappy) as it felt that way, although that may have just been in my head. The bike also really did feel noticeably quicker, especially at higher revs, but the GPS data clearly showed that wasn’t true. Whether or not it was faster and more responsive, it was certainly more fun to ride with the mods… better on fuel too!

[@dustylondon5207]

Thanks!

[@JMKGarage]

@@dustylondon5207 no problem, thanks for watching!

[@don.jaytattoohongkong1845]

Thnks for this vid nice to know

[@JMKGarage]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@Antonemoe]

Proof is in the pudding, why I just may get the exhaust

[@JMKGarage]

Exactly! A lot of extra parts and money for no advantage. My only concern with just installing exhaust is that you may be running too lean and actually making the bike slower and potentially causing damage.

[@seanalexw]

I have a 23 phantom and have no idea about modifications I can put on this bike. Some people have told me nothing has changed on the phantom since 2010 and I can use all of those modifications meant for the previous years. Is that true? If not, what mods can I do or would I just have to wait since it is a such a newer bike. Thanks and really great video :)

[@JMKGarage]

Hey, congrats on your new bike! You are correct, these bikes are basically unchanged since their release in 2010, so all of the same aftermarket parts will fit.

[@seanalexw]

@@JMKGarage awesome thank you so much for the response I appreciate it

[@JMKGarage]

Best of luck with the bike, and ride safe 🙏

[@jlrgaming8754]

Hey there - I have a '17 Phantom and I'm having trouble with my bike running really rough at highway speeds (70+mph). I have the same fuel tuner you're using. I only have the V&H short shots instead of the Cobra exhaust you have. After watching your video I finally realize there is something wrong with my bike. It is vibrating like crazy at 70+mph and it sounds like the engine is revved way too high. Any idea what my problem would be? I pulled a plug today to check them out (it only has 10k miles on it) and it was pretty clean. Last oil change the oil smelled a bit like gas so I think it's running rich. I have my tuner set to 2 / 5 / 2. I'm going to try setting it back to 0 / 0 / 0 tomorrow.

[@JMKGarage]

Hey, you have me quite boggled here with your symptoms. If it is running as rich as you are thinking then the plugs would be fouled (black), and not clean at all. Sounds more to me like you have at least one of your 2 cylinders not firing correctly, or low on compression. Try checking the compression on both cylinders and let me know how many PSI each one is at. Compression testers are fairly inexpensive. I’d be curious to know what they are both at cold vs. hot. Also, I suggest replacing both spark plugs (with the correct ones, and correctly gapped).

[@jlrgaming8754]

@@JMKGarage I have a set of 4 plugs I haven't put in yet because the bike only has 10k miles on it. I'm going to play around with the tuner settings on it tomorrow to see if I can get it to run any better. I'll see if my brother in law has a compression tester and check it out. I'll let you know what I find out.

[@JMKGarage]

@@jlrgaming8754 these bikes only take 2 plugs though, correct? Never underestimate the effects a plug can have on making an engine run correctly. A plug can look fine, and even be brand new, but not work correctly… I’ve learned that the hard way… even make sure the top part of the plug is threaded on tight, and plug wire on good without any corrosion inside. If you regularly wash your bike with water (instead of just spray cleaner), or leave your bike/ride in the rain, that water will get in places it shouldn’t and cause corrosion and poor connections.

[@jlrgaming8754]

@@JMKGarage they take 4 plugs. Two per cylinder.

[@pranavpatil8072]

Thanks for sharing the awesome video ! Can I get the link to the that jack that you used ?

[@JMKGarage]

Hey, thanks for watching! Here is a link to the bike jack that I use: www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-complete-lift-motorcycle-atv-jack-w-removable-handle-1500-lb-0091015p.html?gbraid=0AAAAADojZpjX4LlZEiB0wBg1bL0vmPSRc&gclid=CjwKCAjwhvi0BhA4EiwAX25uj8v0HjScNY9SLznyaUu0QyJTB_KraXoIeuIvBGBYUx0IoSHABBPSmhoCP2kQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=130

[@reddude4376]

I only like the air intake how it look did i need fuel controller or no in Honda aero 2011

[@JMKGarage]

Technically you should have the fuel controller to compensate for the extra fuel that is needed to prevent it from running lean. If it were an older carbureted shadow then you would increase the jet sizes.

[@reddude4376]

@@JMKGarage no its fuel injector thk you

[@brucemasson]

It makes a great ridding bike for around town if you just want to get wind in your hair. NOT good for alluding the police or doing stupid crap you shouldn't be doing on the road. Beginner biker's bike.. PS: your mods sounds pretty damn good....

[@JMKGarage]

Thanks man, I 100% agree with you there

[@fifthgearfoodie5272]

No fuel management system installed DIY is going to give you much difference if at all. You would have gotten more out of the engine if you had gotten it professionally tuned. Not more than just buying a bigger bike but more than zero for all the hard work you did.

[@JMKGarage]

Not sure if you missed it, but I installed the Cobra fuel controller that was designed to be paired with the exhaust and intake I used. And, I set the low, midrange, and top end settings to what Cobra recommended. I would have expected these results if I just threw on an exhaust and/or intake, but having all 3 I was expecting some sort of minor improvement in the performance. One thing that I failed to document was the fuel consumption difference… with the Cobra goodies on it was significantly better on fuel.

[@fifthgearfoodie5272]

@@JMKGarage yep. That’s why I went with Power Commander 6. Too many guys said they got either had too little gain or their bike ran worse with Cobra.

[@JMKGarage]

@@fifthgearfoodie5272 I assume you had good success with the power commander? I would be interested to know some numbers, if you ever get opportunity to do a comparison yourself.

[@fifthgearfoodie5272]

@@JMKGarage There is a seat in the pants difference especially since with the Power Commander 6 there is no need for "tuning" per se. The map is already loaded in the PC6. Each Dyno shop is going to tell you different information. For example: One shop will tell you that you need 02 sensors for the system to work while another shop will tell you your bike doesn't need 02 sensors. I never really cared about exact numbers because I was more concerned about the feel than what was on paper. I'll go back to my shop, though and ask them if they don't mind being put on KZbin.

[@brendanjensen7654]

@@JMKGarage​That just might justify it in my mind, the better fuel economy. I use my ‘22 Aero for commuting and it would be fantastic to be able to make my bike look better, keep my current performance, AND improve fuel economy. How many miles are you getting between fill ups at the gas station?

[@thecustom.]

where did you buy the air filter? Do you have the link?

[@JMKGarage]

Hey, thanks for watching. I got the air filter (and all other Cobra parts) from Platinum Powersports in Clinton Ontario (Canada)… facebook.com/groups/11142277629/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF Donald is an excellent guy to deal with.

[@thecustom.]

Thank you so much!😉👊

[@JohnBraman413]

links for the parts?

[@JMKGarage]

Which parts exactly are you referring to? The exhaust, intake, and fuel controller are all from Cobra (cobrausa.com). The bags are Willie & Max brand. Windshield is a Slipstreamer Spitfire. Signals are Kuryakyn.

[@kgrant67]

Is it my imagination or was the bike faster with the mods up to 80 or so kilometers per hour and then petered out after that? For my quick observation it seemed like it really slowed down as you were approaching top speed but was better off the start, which would be more important to me

[@JMKGarage]

Yes, I believe you may be right, although really not measurably quicker. It certainly felt quicker with the mods.

[@AndreGoncalvesvc]

What is that windshield?

[@JMKGarage]

It’s a Slipstreamer Spitfire (SLIPSTREAMER S-06-A-C-M SPITFIRE S-06 SMK, 7/8" & 1" a.co/d/d180dPn)… just a universal clamp on one

[@JMKGarage]

That was a link to it on Amazon, but the link doesn’t seem to work… most bike shops carry that same one.

[@CarlosTorres-jl9ms]

Where did you get the air intake filter??? Please share !!! Been looking to find this type of filter for my bike…

[@JMKGarage]

Hey, I got all the Cobra parts (exhaust, intake, and tuner) from Platinum Powersports, a local shop. Here is a link to the intake from Cobra: cobrausa.com/honda/shadow_rs_750_10_13/motorcycle_accessories/powrflo_air_intake_systems/air_intake_plain_black/06-0114-03B/

[@CarlosTorres-jl9ms]

@@JMKGarage thank you so much man!!!

[@JMKGarage]

@@CarlosTorres-jl9ms no problem! Hope you get your hands on the one you want.

[@iszik8312]

would you mind dropping the links where you made the purchase at? and other sites that you trust as well. thanks in advance. i subbed to you.

[@iszik8312]

also saddle bags as well

[@JMKGarage]

Hey, sorry for the delayed response… been away on vacay and wasn’t looking at my phone much. All parts were bought from a local bike shop (Platinum Powersports & Dyno Services)… they’re on Facebook, but no website. Actually, the owner had saw that I was planning to trade in my cbr600rr for this and reached out asking what goodies I want for the Shadow… bought everything for it a few months before actually taking delivery of the Shadow. I’ll drop links below to the parts…

[@JMKGarage]

Here are the bags: fortnine.ca/en/willie-and-max-raptor-standard-slant-saddlebags I buy most parts now from Fortnine, for the price, convenience, and because they are a local Canadian company.

[@JMKGarage]

Here is the exhaust: cobrausa.com/honda/phantom_750_14_19/motorcycle_exhausts/full_systems/streetrod_slashdown_black/1911B-P/

[@JMKGarage]

Here is he intake: cobrausa.com/honda/phantom_750_14_19/motorcycle_accessories/powrflo_air_intake_systems/air_intake_spoke_black/06-0119-04B/ Although, mine didn’t have the spokes… looks like they discontinued the one I had (only mesh)

[@Nostrildomus]

C00L

[@JMKGarage]

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed the video

[@azerogliev6520]

You made sensible decision to ride safer due to having kid born and now you want to sell it and go back to sportbike? Assuming your kid is well and alive, he/she still need their dad alive. Seems like I don't see a logic here. Funniest thing is that you say both you and your wife find that Triumph more fun lol. By all means if you guys like crotch rockets and that is your definition of un - but it opposite of safety and most insensible decision. God forbid you or your wife will die - your kid is going to have tough time. is that tragedy and pain worth that crotch Daytona?

[@JMKGarage]

I don’t regret my decision at the time to switch from a cbr600rr to the shadow (2015), or the decision to sell the shadow after buying the daytona in 2021. I’ve grown more responsible since 2015, and significantly improved my riding skills and judgement on bikes. Any bike can be dangerous, and just because I’m back on a sport bike now doesn’t mean I ride it with less care or caution. You are right, my kids need a father, and that is always on my mind when riding now. My wife doesn’t ride with me much at all anymore (a leisure ride or two per year). It’s not that the daytona is more fun, but actually more comfortable for both of us. Surprisingly the riding position allows us to rider longer more comfortably… the stock seat on the shadow became extremely uncomfortable for both of us.