The Honda Shadow Phantom checks all the boxes for a beginner’s bike that is both cozy and self-assured.
It’s not difficult to learn how to ride a motorcycle, but you need to choose the correct poison before you set off. There are many different motorbike models available, but not all of them are simple enough to make a beginner feel at ease. Cruisers are the most relaxed of the lot, and they rank highly for comfort, which is important for beginners in the motorcycle community.
One such option that has all it takes to be a respectable entry-level bike is the Honda Shadow Phantom. Although Honda is not exactly a newcomer to the casual cruising market, the Japanese carmaker has chosen to go the safer route with its most recent generation of vehicles.
However, they still manage to capture the essence that it once did and make an effort to maintain parity with legendary motorcycles like Harley-Davidsons and Indians. Comfort, agility, and a linear performance curve are crucial components of a “beginning” motorcycle. With the Shadow Phantom, Honda checks off all of these boxes and more, making a very strong case for itself among motorcycles that are good for beginners.
In This Article...
Low Center of Gravity
Despite its big appearance, the Honda Shadow features a low center of gravity, making it a simple bike for novice or small riders to control.
When you lift the bike up from its kickstand, it feels lighter because of its low center of gravity.
Since you won’t have to force the bike into a corner like you might with a heavier bike doing a sharp turn, leaning into a turn will also feel easier. This is a big factor in why new riders love this bike so much.
Low Cost
The affordability of Shadows is another factor in their appeal. There are several Shadows available for sale for $5,000 or less.
The majority of the time, the bikes with modest price tags are also in outstanding condition. Aspiring riders on a tight budget can easily get on two wheels with the Shadow for a reasonable amount of miles with few, if any, technical issues.
Good Gas Mileage
Honda Shadows often get 45 to 50 miles per gallon on average. Whatever your level of expertise, getting better gas mileage is always a good thing.
Another factor contributing to this bike’s appeal to commuters, beginning riders, and students. Of course, your mileage per gallon will vary based on your riding style, whether you’re on the interstate or in traffic, how aggressive you are, and even the year your bike was built.
Reliable and Long Lasting
In the past 72 years, Honda has worked to establish a reputation for offering dependable cars. Mechanically and visually, they have few issues.
If a problem arises, the majority of the parts are simple to access and repair. One reason the Shadow has been one of Honda’s most well-liked models is that it was designed to start every time and be enjoyable for riders of all skill levels.
Honda motorcycles—are they suitable for beginners?
- Motorcycle Street 500
- 500 Honda Rebel
- Suzuki V Star 250
Harley-Davidson Street 500: For a novice rider, the Street 500 is the ideal combination of power and performance. A rider can develop their abilities and confidence thanks to the smaller weight and low seat height. This is a wonderful location to start because Harley Davidson motorcycles predominate the cruiser community.
- brake, rear, single disc
- 59.8 inch wheelbase
- 87.2 inches long
- 28.3 inch height of the seat
- 10.5:1 compression ratio
- Dimensions 494 cc
- 69.0 x 66.0 mm, Bore x Stroke (2.7 x 2.6 inches)
- 3.50 gallons of fuel capacity
- 100/80-R17 front tires
- Transaxle six speeds
- Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection in the fuel system
- 140/75-R15 rear tires
- Weight in dry pounds 491.6
- 40.00 Nm (4.1 kgf-m or 29.5 ft.lbs) of engine torque at 3750 RPM
- Condensing Fluid
- V-Twin Engine Revolution
- brake, front, single disc
Yamaha V Star 250 – The V Star 250 is a lightweight, maneuverable motorcycle. The motor has adequate power without overwhelming beginner riders. It has long been a popular option for entry-level bicycles.
- Dimensions 294 cc
- 324 pounds, dry weight
- 58.7 inch wheelbase
- 10.0:1 compression ratio
- rear tires 130/90-15 C-915 CHENG SHIN
- 3-00-18 Front tires C-916 CHENG SHIN
- 282mm front brake hydraulic disc
- 27 inch height of the seat
- chilly air
- 2.5 gallons of fuel capacity
- 49.0 mm x 66.0 mm Bore x Stroke (1.9 x 2.6 inches)
- Mikuni 26mm fuel system Injection
- 5 speed transmission
- SOHC 60 V-twin engine
- drum brakes, 130mm
- 86.2 inches long
- 20.6 NM (2.1 kgf-m / 15.2 ft-lb @ 6,000 rpm) of engine torque
Honda Rebel 500: This sporty, entry-level motorcycle is perfect for beginners and is available in a variety of vibrant colors. Its lightweight design and low seat height do not detract from its potent (and enjoyable to ride) engine. It is simple to modify thanks to the selection of Honda Rebel accessories.
- Mikuni 26mm fuel system
- 10.0:1 compression ratio
Can you trust Honda Shadows?
The Honda Shadow 750 is an extremely dependable motorcycle, yes. It exhibits Honda’s reputation for producing dependable and cutting-edge automobiles and has relatively few issues.
The Honda Shadow 750 is a well-liked choice among novice riders in part because to the brand’s well-known dependability.
Owning a bike with a lot of maintenance requirements and flaws that could impair the bike’s dependability and rideability can be scary for a beginner rider. Because it requires minimal maintenance and starts up quickly after each ride, the Shadow 750 is user-friendly for beginners.
What engine size should a motorcycle for beginners have?
Depending on the model you select, the engine size will change. Two-cylinder motorcycles under 600cc are a fantastic place for beginners to start. Buying a motorcycle with too much power can be risky and put you, your vehicle, and other motorists at risk.
You might need to purchase your motorcycle in accordance with the “Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme” depending on which state or territory you reside in (LAMS).
When purchasing your first motorbike, there are so many models to choose from that it might be difficult.
Consider the way you will use it, how it feels, and what fits your budget the best.
Are 600cc motorcycles suitable for beginners?
A 600cc motorbike is an excellent place to start for many people who wish to learn to ride or are new riders who have already learnt.
A medium motorbike, between 600 and 650 cubic centimeters, is a great option for new riders because it is neither too large to handle nor too little to outgrow.
Check out this selection of well-known midsize motorcycles for beginners that we’ve put up!
What motorcycle is the safest?
10 Motorcycle Models That Are the Safest to Purchase
- YZF-R6 Yamaha.
- Multistrada D-Air from Ducati.
- 250 Yamaha V Star.
- V-Strom 650 ABS from Suzuki.
- CB 650 F Honda.
- Versys 300-X by Kawasaki.
- Adventure Model KTM 1190.
- 8-Ball at Victory Crossroads.
Which motorcycle is the simplest to operate?
The top 10 motorcycles for beginners
- CBR500R Honda. The thief’s bicycle.
- Sporter Harley Davidson. In a week-long crash course at Harley’s Welsh center, I learned how to ride the vintage Sportster 883 R.
- 650cc Kawasaki Ninja.
- T100 Triumph Bonneville.
- Monster 797 Ducati.
- SV 650 Suzuki.
- Yamaha Model 07
- Duke 390 KTM.
Can a novice operate a 1000cc?
Yes, you can start riding a 1000cc motorcycle, but before you get too giddy, there are a few things you should know and inquiries you should make.
Is a 400cc bike a decent first ride?
Starting on a bike that is taller than a typical scooter or underbone would not be advisable given the volume of traffic in the Metro and possibly beyond. If you ever hit it, you’ll have to tote all that weight around in traffic because more power also translates to more weight. Additionally, if you intend to ride your bike to work every day, you could find it difficult to adjust to using the clutch and maneuvering without falling over.
Additionally, larger-displacement motorcycles frequently emit more heat, making for, at the absolute least, an uncomfortable ride. If not, you might even start to overheat while confined between two vehicles. Larger bicycles can stay cool, but only temporarily.
The price of a 400cc motorcycle is another factor. Even more so than with a tiny bike, fixing a dropped bike will cost more money, and it will also be slightly more painful. Additionally, the cost of maintaining a larger motorcycle will undoubtedly be higher than that of a typical 100 to 150cc motorcycle.
Starting out on a light bike that won’t intimidate you greatly is also beneficial. A 400cc bike is typically relatively simple for experienced riders to adjust to, but as a beginner, you have a bigger hill to climb when you first start out. On a motorcycle, developing skills in throttle control, balance, counter steering, and low-speed maneuvers is crucial. A small-displacement bike will be simpler for a beginner to learn on than a huge, tall one. A tiny bike is simpler to pick up or keep from falling if you fall off than a large bike. Additionally, it is strongly advised that you upgrade your protective equipment. In addition to having a bike that can go at higher speeds, you also run the chance of having the bike fall on top of you; if that does occur, your legs won’t have it easy.
How quick is a Honda Shadow?
Given that the maximum known speeds for a 750cc Honda Shadow are 95+ MPH and the highest speed limit in the United States is 85 MPH, it is fast enough to travel on any highway in North America.
The Honda Shadow is a decent cruiser, but…
The Honda Shadow 750, also known as the VT750C in Honda lingo, was a stylish and comfortable (albeit little underpowered) cruiser.
Although carburetors and drum brakes were a touch dated at the time, the shaft drive was a welcome innovation. Nevertheless, it had a professional appearance, rode well, and lacked the rural appeal of its, ahem, American rivals.
A new Honda Shadow VT750C model, equipped with ABS, was unveiled in 2007.
A Honda Shadow can travel how fast?
The 745cc engine on the later Honda Shadow models, which produces 45 horsepower, has a top speed record of 95 mph.
Some owners of older models (chain final drive) have reported a top speed of 100 mph while perusing various forums.
When determining top speed, factors including the condition of the bike, the road, and the rider’s competence will all be taken into consideration.