2010 Honda Shadow RS Motorcycle vs. 2010 Harley-Davidson 883 Low Motorcycle

With its new Shadow RS, Honda seems to be taking direct aim at Harley-Davidson's entry-level cruiser lineup. It only makes sense, then, that we decided to see how the Shadow compares to the Harley-Davidson 883 Low Sportster.
Read the full review at: www.motorcycle....
Since the 1980s when Japanese V-Twins began in earnest to whittle away from Harley-Davidson's customer base, a lot of discussion has evolved into what is now a perennial debate about who makes a better cruiser.
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Established in 1994, Motorcycle.com is the premiere online resource for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. With hundreds of high quality, detailed video reviews on bikes from Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and just about everybody else, it's the best place to go to learn about the latest and greatest two-wheeled creations. There's simply no better resource if you're planning on buying or if you just want to check out some awesome machines.

[@lancelot1953]

I have been riding "motorized" two-wheelers since 1969, bought ~18 motorcycles in my career (Hondas, Kawas, Suzukis, Yamahas, and one Harley which I had to get rid of). I currently cherish 9 motorcycles (all classic Hondas of various displacement, still have them). My 1972 Honda CB-750 Four had over 100,000 miles without opening the engine (except for the valve cover gasket & regular drive chains, tires, brake pads, one clutch cable, oil change, & rusted exhaust replacement). I traded it for a Kawasaki Z-1. One bike got stolen, all the others I gave to family members except for a Harley FXWG 1,340 cc that I rode for a season. I was so disappointed by the lack of refinement, old or lack thereof technology, vibrations, and high price for what I got but it did have a lower center of gravity which compensated for the extra weight. Incidentally, most of the "higher tech" parts on my Harley were foreign-made. I sold the Harley after a year and got another Honda. I prefer classic Japanese (i.e. upright non-race bikes) motorcycles but I do have a weakness for the 70's MotoGuzzis 750s. No, I do not ride the all-equipped Gold Wings. If one likes the vintage look or vintage bikes such as Harleys, good for them; engineering-wise, Harley is VERY "slightly behind the times"! Since the sixties "Metric bikes" (which include German and Italian as well) have been the epitome of motorcycle engineering, nearly all "breakthroughs" in motorcycling has come from these companies. For a rigorous and unbiased appraisal of Harley motorcycles, read "Consumer Reports" 2015 tests - Harleys share the worse maintenance history (because of breakdowns) with BMW (because of high OEM "stealership" costs). Happy and safe riding, Ciao, L

[@Man777Alive]

"I prefer the Harley on PRINCIPLE" that tells you all you need to know.

[@gianul]

Love my honda shadow 2003, wouldn't trade it for anything else.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

There's nothing wrong with not liking harleys. But I often wonder how many of you bashers have actually owned one. My first bike was a 2003 harley 883. I heard all the harley horror stories and oil leaking everywhere crap. I rode that thing for 8 years and never leaked one drop of oil nor did I ever have to fix ANYTHING on it. Just oil changes and new tires. It was a very reliable motorcycle. If I had listened to all the crap I never woulda got to enjoy such a fun bike as my old sportster. On the other hand I love the Honda shadow too and a lot of the metric bikes, especially kawasaki.

[@terryjohn]

JohnnyRebKy Load of Cobbles Man!!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

EpiDemic117 The Sportster Engines do not have that problem. That was a issue on twin cam engines

[@Man777Alive]

Only Americans would think the Honda is an interpretation of a Harley. Paying for the name. Honda all day long.

[@iniakpmarc28]

What "PRINCIPAL" is that? The fact that you are totally biased towards HD? Even though the Honda is a better and more reliable bike?

[@eligarcia215]

I’ve owned shadows and I’ve owned Harley’s (still do). The Honda 750 engine is a great platform but there is nowhere to draw power from. Honda in my opinion should’ve kept the 1100 engine as there was more power and torque as opposed to the 750. The H-D sportster is legendary. Many Harley riders hate it but is was the backbone of the motor company and up until this year, was the longest produced bike in their lineup with the Electraglide in close second. The sportster for its size has plenty of power but unlike the shadow, it has a network of available parts to not only customize it aesthetically, but also to increase power and that’s only the 883. The 1200 sporty is a force to be reckoned with. The bottom line, it’s all about what fits the rider both financially and aesthetics.

[@EhPlusSimRacing]

I'm bias towards Honda. I ride one, my parents rode them. Great, long lasting bikes. They may not have the same style, sound, and history as the Harley's, but you get a good value with Honda. Classic CB750 was top dog for its era, and still beats some modern 750R bikes, Classic vt750 Shadows from '83 will beat any HD883, & the Goldwing line speaks for itself. My little '83 vt500 Shadow holds its own against anything 500cc, and even some 750 cruisers. Lots of ground clearance, I have never scrapped. I do like Harley's... and Indians, Nortons, Suzuki, on so on.

[@boomerguy9935]

I agree. I cruise regularly with my friend who has a 2004 Sportster 1200 Custom. I "only" have a little Honda VT600 aka VLX 600. I only rode his Sportster once and I couldn't get off it fast enough. It was like riding very loud jackhammer. It had more power but not twice the power with his 1200cc's vs my dinky 600cc's. Granted, I have the first gen VLX with two carbs and a fuel pump and I keep it tuned with the carbs sync'd. I respect Harley and I would like to own one ... "on principal"... but not as a daily rider and IN ADDITION TO my dinky little metric motorcycle..

[@barter321]

RS is a great first bike. Only 500 lbs. and great handling. You can pick up a new one for under $8,000 in many places.

[@Serveck]

i just picked up an 85 shadow that has not been on the road since 2002 and rotting away in a barn, a bit of elbow grease and replacing NO parts, it took be about a days worth of work to get it road worthy again with many a miles left.

[@lancelot1953]

With all respect JP, what are the advantages of the Harley over that Honda? There is nothing wrong with preferring a Harley over any other brand, it is a matter of personal preference but from an engineering standpoint, HD is years behind German, Italian, & Japanese makers. I have been riding motorcycles every since 1969 & I would like to know your perspective, thank you, L.

[@thespeez]

@bobberfantothebone - One smart thing that H-D did about late January or early February is bring back an updated version of the Sportster 1200 Custom. It now has alloy rims and a larger front tire. I was puzzled as to why they discontinued the Custom at the beginning of the '11 model year. I'm glad to see H-D still has some sense!

[@stevest1300]

I love the engineering and performance of metric bikes. I wish they would stop trying to imitate HD styling. Leave HD styling and poor performance to HD. Leave the performance and lack of HD styling to the metrics.

[@johns78c]

I've ridden the Shadow RS - I'm 5'4 and I think the footpegs would be too close for someone of your height. Don't be afraid to ride one of the bigger capacity cruisers - I have sat on the XVS950 and XVS1100 and those would be more suitable for you. With cruiser bikes, capacity doesn't necessarily equal more power.

[@Baltrox27]

I think I have read and watched this comparision one hundred times at all kind of media...all of them have said at one point, something like: 'A Harley is a Harley...tradition...etc...". You know what....it is true. The Sporty is an awesome bike and fullfil its objetive 100%. Hopefully other competitors will come up since it is allways positive for the customers, but it's a hard job.

[@VutheMonk]

I'm about 5'11" and I'm looking into a cruiser type bike. I am going to get my Motorcycle license so I am new to this. I just want a cruising bike and thought maybe the Honda CMX250 Rebel, but if not what about your thoughts on the Honda Shadow RS or any of the Harley-Davidson Sportster bikes?

[@Diesel415]

LOL, so many biases and manufacturer specific "fan-boys" here. I've ridden and raced bikes made in Europe, Japan and the USA and they all have one thing in common... all manufacturers put out good and bad products. As for the Shadow vs 883, I prefer the Sporty for it's abilities as my touring bike and no it's not too small for my 6'3" frame. It's as comfortable, reliable and capable as any 'metric', 'SAE' or 'whitworth' bike I've toured on since the 80s.

[@Grimexperience62]

excellent unbiased review!

[@MrJets63]

I just purchased the Shadow RS. I looked long and hard at the 883. I used to rent then all the time. I found the Honda to be a better balanced bike for my needs. I just wanted a simple bike for weekends and work with low maintenance. I will say the Honda was some what less and Stubbs in Houston was not willing to deal once cent off the bike. That kind of turned me off of the 883 as well.

[@boomerguy9935]

I know this is a little late, especially now that Honda had the stupidity to discontinue the RS model of the Shadow. I used to ride a Shadow with the forward controls. My bad back won't let me ride forward controls anymore and the RS would have been perfect. But Honda forced me to try out its main competition, the Sportster 883 Standard with mid-controls and guess what? I love it! The quality is excellent, the foot pegs are exactly where I need them so I can ride for hours instead of minutes. Maintenance is a tie, overall because although there are more steps for scheduled maintenance on engine and gear oil with the Sportster, the Sportster is air-cooled with hydraulic valve lifters and a belt drive. I know people with over 100K miles on their Sportsters and the Sportster keeps improving every year because H-D knows they have competition. Bottom line: buy a used RS or buy a new or used Sportster with mid-controls or forward controls. Above all, test ride both! One warning, though, the Harley V-Twin sound becomes addictive. I didn't think I would care for it but now I love it.

[@boomerguy9935]

I just watched this again and I realized this was an unfair comparison. The Sportster XL883 LOW is by definition, low. It is criticized for being low. Really? There is a standard height available in the same model. Motorcycle.com did not do their homework before doing this comparison. My 2005 Sportster XL883 Standard has a lot more ground clearance. I love my Sportster but I would like to have the Shadow VT750 RS in my garage beside it, so that I could alternate riding them every day.

[@realms89]

First bike was a shadow i loved it but I'm rocking a Harley now and i gotta say Harley just does it for me.

[@jturkish]

great review...spending almost a minute talking about the 883 LOW being LOW...do you have a review of the 1200 custom that speaks to how sucky the customization is?

[@n2o4me]

To each his own , i have a kawi nomad 1600 and a klr 650 , for me the smaller bike is way more fun . I dont know how bigger is better got started because their beasts to handle. I was on a Honda shadow rs at Toronto bike show and it fit perfect , but whatever you do , just ride whatever you like . Too many but not all , end up buying Harleys or whatever and never ride them because its to much hassle .

[@cyclepro101]

I have owned both and a Honda will crap all over a HD any day of the week. In quality, performance, reliability and rideability.

[@thespeez]

@jturkish- The Custom will be history after '10. For '11, the 1200-Low remains as do the other "Shortsters" (Iron, Nightster, Forty-Eight as well as a new 883 'Superlow', which replaces the old 883-Low). The only "non-shortster Sportster" we Americans will get is the XR1200X, which may be too much bike for a first timer. H-D should really consider offering a greater variety of options for more types of riders at the entry-level, at least here in the 'States.

[@Schmjac8]

I like older styles of motors so I guess the Harley would be the best choice for me less fancy stuff on it

[@spanky522]

Not hard to keep up with a Harley, that's for sure. I love flying by them without even trying on my little Honda. A Sportster is a girls bike, but we all knew that. Now go buy some upgrade parts (you'll find how cheap it really is) so you can try to keep up!!

[@anthonys.5909]

How can the Sportster be a girls bike when the Shadow has a smaller engine you idiot???

[@WyreForestBiker]

The Honda is simply the better bike in every way , the Harley offers a name ,, and that's all. I have seen a 2 year old 833 used all year round with terrible corrosion all over including the frame , and 2 month old ones with rusty fittings and exhausts

[@rp4489]

Your to close to the beach.

[@seanfinkel9621]

RP *you're

[@jgor8855]

Let's talk cost of ownership and maintenance. Major edge to Honda. HD has greater strengths in resale though

[@M3PH15T0]

For me It's about Price/Quality: Honda, it is. =)

[@dsmdallas2466]

Agree!

[@-0-R3B3LL10N]

The Harley-Davidson 883... looks like it was design for small people in mind... it would be great in southeast Asian nation where 50% stands only at 5'4 ... but the price tag is very expensive...plus high maintenance...

[@bizzygriggs8953]

People think Harley is great because it had a long history in America, have the "sound" and are portrayed as the" bad boy toy". Truth is Honda and Kawasaki are way better bikes, the Shadows and Vulcans . And when the exhausts are done right they sound better than a Harley as well.

[@vulcanman64]

Your right about the Vulcan 1500 classics sounding like a Harley and looking like one but....... My 2007 lasted only 20000 miles then piston rings were shot. Needed total rebuild. I sold it dirt cheap and bought a new Harley dog tail slim. The best bike I've ever owned. I've had 14 different motorcycles and this is the only Harley I've owned and it's the best one I've had.

[@lancelot1953]

+vulcanman64 I have 8 motorcycles (all classic Hondas of various displacement, still have them). My 1972 Honda CB-750 Four had over 100,000 miles without opening the engine (except for the valve cover gasket & regular drive chains, tires, brake pads, one clutch cable, oil change, & rusted exhaust replacement). I traded it for a Kawasaki Z-1. I rode a FXWG 1,340 cc for a season and was disappointed by the lack of refinement, old technology, vibration, and high price for the what I got but it did have a lower center of gravity which compensated for the extra weight. Incidentally, several of the "higher tech" parts of the bike were foreign-made. I sold the bike after a year. Having ridden motorcycles since 1969, I prefer classic Japanese (i.e. upright non-race bikes) motorcycles and I do have a weakness for the 70's MotoGuzzis 750s. No, I do not ride the all-equipped Gold Wings. If one likes the vintage look or vintage bikes such as Harleys, good for them; engineering-wise, Harley is "very" slightly behind the times! Happy riding, Ciao, L

[@dunstin17]

Funny he said he's only 6ft tall. He fits that little sportster quite well! lol and can't compare the sound of the harley vs honda. Harley takes the cake! The honda sounds like a hopped up four stroke quad.

[@rinsecycle]

what you say about the 883 ground clearance is original. but, overall, you're not good critics because you basically just restate the obvious, or info that has actually been released by the manufacturers. work a little harder. you are putting so much video production effort into it. tell us something really useful that others haven't said.

[@lawnmowerdude]

1:32 Why the hell did you park it in the railroad tracks?

[@Real_Josh_King]

Harley got the memo on being cheaper than a Honda. Basically doubled their prices.

[@jaywinters2483]

Brand preference is not a matter of principle. He’s just using that phrase to sound smart.

[@calebh2642]

Liquid cooled, and cheaper on insurance. The homda is the bike to buy used. The harley for resale value if buying new

[@shiffermonster]

@UltraSWG The only complaint they had was that the Harley dragged parts, and that it was too small for the reviewer... Which both make sense since it is the Low model. Lowest seat height of any Harley or other Sportsters, and is designed specifically for small riders. Somewhat of a poor review as they didn't get into anything else like sound or feel or controls or any of a ton of things that make a bike.

[@dsjkak1]

Get the rebel to start with. That's what I started on. But, then a get Harley. People who think Harley makes and unreliable bike are stupid and still in the 1970's when AMF was running the show. They are low maintenance. Change the oil when needed and, then adjust the, clutch pack which is easy, change trans/engine oil and put a new tire on it every 10k. No valve adjustments, No chain lubing/adjusting every ride. They hold their value and the metric bikes just lack power over 75 mph.

[@MeyerBen27]

Good luck finding a 2010 Harley 883 for less than a Honda Shadow of the same year.

[@iniakpmarc28]

"On principal I like the Harley"......... What principal is that please?

[@MrChutzpah2002]

@h4rleyhog What about the engine over heating problems??

[@103wideglide]

i am a die hard Harley guy and always will be, but i think that you are actually paying for the brand now, not to say the bike isnt good, but it could be a little cheaper

[@jaywinters2483]

Shadow has lower center of gravity so handles better. Honda also has MUCH BETTER SUSPENSION.

[@concrete981]

so It's a tie. that was lame.

[@PhilHewkin]

I choose HONDA,.

[@welldone4]

how pricey a harley is, im starting to question if im paying more for the name then the bike itself. but i dont own a bike yet...so i wont say much.

[@bobberfantothebone]

@thespeez ow thats really too bad.. I've ridden? the Iron too, it was a bit hard on the springs. And for good cornering you need some more ground clearence than what the Iron offers you. Too bad man, I hope the same, bring it back on the US market ;) bye!

[@thespeez]

@3619Country - Of the American bikes, Victory has quality that's almost certainly heads-and-shoulders above what The Motor Company currently offers. I hope now that parent company Polaris is acquiring Indian, that they can work some magic there as well! Methinks that if Polaris can offer an entry-level Indian that's competitive with the entry-level Harleys, they could give TMC a run for the money!

[@jpbonneville7455]

This review is kind of useless because they put someone who is 6 foot on a 883 low that is designed for small riders. A six foot person would opt for a different sporty! Also, I'm sure the Honda is a great bike but Harley has way more advantages. Like a thousand bucks and then it's an 1200cc torque monster, not to mention the endless customizing to suit your needs.

[@cjthoma89]

ive havent rode a 883 but have a shadow and a harley 1200 custom the harleys are way over priced when riding the 1200 custiom i felt like it wasnt aas fun because all the vibration yea its loud sounds good but when riding the honda very smooth after market muffler still sounded good but alot more comfortable to ride over all and about 6 thousand dolllars cheaper..lol

[@mabutoo]

Sorry, but what I got from that was the Shadow is a knock-off of the Harley. Somehow you all think Honda is a better bike because it takes the Harley look but redesigned for a different riding style. I love and own a Honda but this felt dishonest.

[@miguellara6685]

Hondas better right? Reliable

[@h4rleyhog]

@MrChutzpah2002 Never had a Harley overheat on me, saying that neither a Harley or a Metric cruiser...

[@guyproulx1660]

they should only compare japanese and european bikes, harleys shouldn't even be in the picture, should not compare reliability with unreliability

[@plejra]

@petter8999 that is the cost of prestige and snobism

[@MrChutzpah2002]

@sqweezel You got me wrong there bro, I like HD's and was about to buy one. It worries me though getting something that might over heat and crap on me. But if you do lot of research, it's true America was a world leader in Engr and Research until 60s. So many things were made - mechanical/electrical engineering not electronics. But we have been living off of that for last 30 years. Look who do you see in Engr majors - Indians, Chinese. Most Americans prefer bogus MBA so they can manage not work

[@vepulan7]

Honda > Harley

[@LosingKeys1]

@EpiDemic117 actually jeep holds its value the best as far as cars go... but who cares... ride what you like. who cares if its a harley or a honda or a yamaha or a scooter. well maybe scratch the scooter but you get the point. if you like it ride it.

[@joeq.public281]

The Harley didn't break down?

[@boomerguy9935]

Sportster's don't break down. You're thinking of the Big Twins other than the reliable Evo 80.

[@jaywinters2483]

I’ll take the Honda. Suspension on the Sportster is

[@bobberfantothebone]

@thespeez Haha yeah I've notest. Well I guess Harley Davidson also has it's ups and downs. Drive save!

[@rp4489]

I think this calls for review of a Harley vs Triumph

[@MrChutzpah2002]

@Steelheart8280 Japanese average height is more than 5'9" and America is 5'10". Not much apart.

[@motomark9736]

The Harley looks small and goofy compared to the Honda in this video

[@jossmantep3018]

mantap

[@gassanbehno7952]

Big like 👍 👍

[@bobberfantothebone]

not a good comparison at all. they've should chosen the harley sportster R instead. the low is for small people, its not the 'standard' sportster... but ok. and by the way misterwipedown, I guess you've never ride a harley, sportster. Maybe you don't have a drivers license at all... so go for the couch then! much safer..

[@peavyt15]

@hd883low17 Cruisers aren't made for comfort? Really? THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE MADE FOR!!!

[@MrChutzpah2002]

Get a Triumph America 2012, better looking, way better looking than Honda, less trashy like HD....looks like a big bike and trust me performance wise its way better...

[@wridefree]

harley is way neat built

[@jaywinters2483]

Don’t blame HD: it’s the EPA Obama mandated CAFE standards. EPA told HD not to make the venerable Evolution engine in US. We have a very radical EPA

[@vytas5584]

"On principle" the Americans like the Harley. I wonder what principle that is

[@aurozappa305]

On principle he likes the Harley that makes no sense

[@UltrasabersVideos]

Yeah, basically the Harley is a piece of shit and the Honda is an excellent machine which wins this comparo. But since the Harley is a Harley, people will buy it over the Honda because alot of bikers are stupid and Harley knows it.

[@jaywinters2483]

Why talk about scraping? Harley dudes don’t ride like you do

[@MrChutzpah2002]

Really, Japanese Engineering is light years ahead of American. Everyone in America wants to be a manager and make more money without working. Harleys use an engine from 1940's,lol

[@thespeez]

@bobberfantothebone - Believe it or not, Harley offers the 883R for foreign markets, but not in the USA! Right now, all Sportsters available here feature a hard-tail ride, are suitable for those with a shorter than 28" (70cm) inseam and can't corner worth a damn! Talk about a disgrace! If the 'R" is good enough for the rest of the world, then why not us? I hope the big-wigs at H-D get some sense and bring this bike back to the American market...SOON!

[@bob119911]

i hate honda but the rs is very nice

[@MrChutzpah2002]

Really, it actually is very reliable....know guys with 70K miles without problems....Honda looks like a fucking toy..and commands no respect...

[@allthatremains2009]

did that douch nozzle on the harley actually say it was cheaper than the honda? ok i just checked again and the honda is about $200 more new, but who wants to ride a bone stock bike? once you start adding accesories, you are gonna spend 2-3 times more for harley parts just bc they have HD on them. i ride a Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 and wouldn't have a harley. they are overrated pieces of crap

[@clevername333]

not my style.... either.

[@brunorheinwald]

Honda ist besser ...Weis ist natürlich eine schlechte Farbe.....außerdem haben sie einen flachen tank verbaut und beim Foto..die vt Honda mit dem Vorderrad in eine Senke gestellt....weil die Honda nicht nur besser fährt sondern auch besser klingt...ohne Zubehör..und der Lenker..alles gefummelt....man o man.....

[@cantstandzya]

but not as reliable as a Honda.

[@Hardwick0ne]

Harley Davidson 883 are trash! They ruined the name that old school Harley worked so hard to achieve.

[@boomerguy9935]

Seriously? Harley was going bankrupt in the early 1950's because of all the American vets bringing the Brit bikes home to kick Harley's ass in every way. Check the history books. Harley had to come up with something to meet them head on and that was the Sportster. H-D even copied the brake pedal on the left, shift lever on the right and the displacement listed in cc's instead of ci's. The US government mandated a standard pattern for all motorcycle sold in the US starting in 1975 for safety. It continues today. In 1986 AMF introduced the Evolution engine in the Sportster and in the Big Twins, which was probably the only good thing to come out of AMF's ownership. Many Sportster's go several hundred thousand miles with standard maintenance. Check the forums. My Sportster has been trouble free since the day I got it. By the way, this was an unfair comparison because the XL883 LOW is only one of many Sportster's offered. The regular XL883 Standard (like mine) would have been a better comparison with no dragging footpegs. I'm not biased. I've owned many Japanese bikes, mostly Honda's, and I have only owned on Sportster and that is the one I ride now.

[@vectortlc]

HARLEY ALWAYS PROBLEMS.NOTHING LIKE HONDA

[@aurozappa305]

Useless review

[@vinnyc365]

Just like you.

[@19wheels91]

hondas r gay not a real motorcycle..harley all the way with real sound!!