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Motorcycle Reviews . . . by women . . . for women!
Riders share in-depth information about the bike they ride

2009 Shadow Spirit 750

2009 CBR600RR

2008 CRF230L

2007 Shadow Sabre 1100

2007 Shadow Spirit 750D

2006 Shadow Aero 750

2006 VTX1300C

2005 VT750 Shadow Aero

2005 Goldwing Lehman Trike

2004 VTX1300C

2004 Shadow VLX Deluxe

2003 Rebel

2002 Shadow Sabre 1100

2000 Shadow VLX 600

1995 Shadow VT1100C

1995 CBR900RRS Fireblade

2009 Honda Shadow Spirit 750

The Reviewer
Name: Gloria Sargent
Height: 5'6" (167.6 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 3 years
Email Address: sargeg05@comcast.net 

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: Shadow Spirit 750
Year: 2009
Type: Standard
My Bike's Name: Mike & Gloria Sargent
Purchase Details: New in April 2009

Engine Displacement (cc): 750
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 31.9" (810 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 2.7 gallons (10.2 liters)
Weight: 273 lb dry (124 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: I'm medium height, so everything fits.
Seat: Very comfy, I could sit back a bit more.
Long Rides: Nice. I've ridden a couple of hundred miles, with groups or in the lead of 3. No problem with comfort. I need to be able to stretch, but that's my old age!

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Great pull onto the freeway - rode 95 in Florida with semis, not a problem.
Tight Turns: I was surprised, considering I traded in a 250. I loved the nimbleness of the 250, but this girl had me at the first turn.
Twisty Roads: Haven't been able to really twist, but don't anticipate a problem with the Dragon's Tail.
Wind/Rain/Heat: Rode her in a downpour, very stable.
Braking Power: Good stops, ask my husband on his 1900 - he complains I stop too quick!

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Soon to add a custom paint job, highway pegs and saddle bags - hubbie is tired of carrying my stuff.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Per the book....

Conclusions
What I Think: I love her. I asked the dealer for a test ride before I upgraded. It was great - that first turn solved any questions - this was the bike for me - I look forward to many years with my Second Sister.....

2009 CBR600RR

The Reviewer
Name: Yumi
Height: 4'11" (149.9 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: New rider

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: CBR600RR
Year: 2009
Type: Sport
Purchase Details: New

Engine Displacement (cc): 599
Number of Gears: 6
Final Drive: Chain
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 32.3" (820 mm)
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injection
Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons (18.2 liters)
Weight: 410 lb dry (186 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Comfortable as long as you ride how you should with a sports bike. Do use ab muscle to hold yourself up, and not rest on your hands. I did change my levers to ASV shorty. But I think regular length might be easier.
Seat: Doesn't not have too much padding. Enough for riding but will not be able to shave the seat.
Long Rides: Since I am short, I don't really hunch over like tall guys do. So it is probably much more comfortable for me than guys.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Good, although it does get hot on my leg in stop and go traffic.
Tight Turns: Hugs the street really good.
Twisty Roads: Good.
Wind/Rain/Heat: I've rode in the rain few times. It never did slip. It rides like on a sunny day
Braking Power: Brakes works great. I did come to a stop from 3rd gear a few times. It stops good, smooth too. 

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Lowered with link, about 2 inches, cut and bend the kickstand, installed shogun crash kit, and eliminated the fender

Added Extras
What I Added: Flush mount LED turn signal, Targa mirrors; I also installed slip on muffler

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Maintenance is tough with sports bike with fairings. I would not try to take them off to do maintenance work.

Conclusions
What I Think: This is a easy bike to ride, even for first time rider. As long as your ego is controlled, this is a great bike for first time rider. Also as I mentioned, because I am small, I do not get as much backache as some tall people. 

2008 Honda CRF230L (street legal dirt bike)

The Reviewer
Name: Carol
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 4 months

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: CRF230L
Year: 2008
Type: Standard
Purchase Details: Brand new stock

Engine Displacement (cc): 230
Number of Gears: 6
Final Drive: Chain
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 31.9" (810 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 2.7 gallons (10.2 liters)
Weight: 273 lb dry (124 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Controls are easy to reach.
Seat: Dirt bike type suspension actually sinks down as you sit on it, plus, the bike is much narrower than any non-dirt bikes. so with 1" heels I was able to put balls of my feet down both sides, comfortably most time. I am told that Corbin seats will lower it for another 1" which will make it almost flat foot. (Note: new suspensions needs breaking in to make the seats lower.)
Long Rides: The seat is not suitable for long rides. I'm going to install a custom fitted Corbin seat, which makes it more comfortable and lower the seat height by about 1"

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Stock settings comfortable up to 60mph. Top speed may be a bit over 70, but that gets hairy.
Tight Turns: Good, better if using street tires.
Twisty Roads: Good, balance is different from sport bikes.
Wind/Rain/Heat: The bike is light weight so wind will have an effect on steadiness.
Braking Power: Decent. Both wheels have disc brakes.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Will try to put 17" street wheels, which will lower the seat more, but I'm very happy with the stock height because the bike is much lighter, easier to handle than heavier bikes. So I feel fine not completely flat foot both sides. I think switching to 17" wheels and a Corbin seat will probably make me flat foot. First, I'm changing the exhaust and changing to street tires on factory rims to improve high speed stability. I weight 158 lbs, and I think with these changes, if I lose 15lbs or so, highway shouldn't be too bad.

Conclusions
What I Think: It's a great starter bike and extremely gas efficient. I thought I outgrew it in just a few months, so I started shopping for cruisers. After renting a Honda Shadow Aero 750 for a weekend, I decided to keep my bike because it much easier to handle at half the weight. riding position is almost straight up and very comfortable. And for city riding, it definitely is better than cruisers. Honda has a CRF230M that comes with factory 17" wheels more suitable for urban street riding. I would go with that if I have to buy a bike today.

Great bike! love it. Once outgrown, I'm converting it to Supermotard and now I have new things to learn!

2007 Honda Shadow Sabre 1100

The Reviewer
Name: Patricia Doyle
Height: 4'11" (149.9 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 1 year
Email Address: dr_p_doyle@hotmail.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: Shadow Sabre 1100
Year: 2007
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Desperado
Purchase Details: Purchased new out of the crate

Engine Displacement (cc): 1100
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 27.2" (691 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gallons (16 liters)
Weight: 496 lb dry (262 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: I love the more forward placement of the foot pedals and foot controls. The hand controls are comfortable for me. No problem reaching them. The space between the foot peg and foot controls is much more than the 250cc Rebel. My large foot won't get stuck under the shift on the 1100.
Seat: The seat was a bit higher than I thought it would be and a bit wider. I manage ok with a good harness boot that has a higher heel and thick sole.
Long Rides: I haven't taken any yet as I am still getting acquainted with the bike and I am still learning to ride.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: The bike handles sooo nicely at higher speeds. She has quick pickup and a lot of power.
Tight Turns: As I am learning to ride, I am a bit nervous with the heavy bike on tight turns and therefore am really not in a position to rate it on the turns. The very first time I rode it home from the shop, the first 21 miles, I had to face some of the tight turns and the bike did OK.
Twisty Roads: I would say, same for twisty roads, the bike seems OK. I am 61 years of age and not in the best of health, therefore, for me to handle the twisty roads as well as I have been doing on the bike, it must be OK.
Wind/Rain/Heat: The bike is very stable in wind. Handles excellently in high winds. Much better than my Rebel.
Braking Power: Excellent so far.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: I changed nothing, the bike is stock. I did not lower the seat or adjust shocks etc. The only thing I had the shop do before I rode it home was to tighten the gas throttle a bit. Seemed a bit loose. It is fine now.

Added Extras
What I Added: Crash bars, knee wind deflectors, saddle bags, Tenn. Fatboy 17" windshield. I think I should have bought the full size Fatboy at 21." In Fall, I will be adding hand grip wind deflectors as well as changing to floor boards. I am not quite sure about the floor boards now because I do like the placement of the foot pegs. We shall see when Fall arrives. Might try to add heated grips if possible.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: All I hope to do is take the bike for regular scheduled maintenance at the shop where I bought it.

Conclusions
What I Think: I think that shorter women need to sit on the prospective bike, and also have the salesperson move the bike to a spot where the buyer can push and maneuver the bike. I bought the Sabre sight unseen from the photo of the new 2007 black flame Sabre. The bike had been in the crate and was not put together. Hard to tell from a photo the weight and height. One MUST sit on the bike and push it around a bit to get a real sense of the bike's size. I do love the Sabre.

2007 Honda Shadow Spirit 750D

The Reviewer
Name: Denise Porterfield
Height: 5'1" (155 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 2 months
Email Address: dporterfield@triad.rr.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: Shadow Spirit 750D
Year: 2007
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Athena
Purchase Details: Bought new, 0 miles, right off the showroom floor

Engine Displacement (cc): 750
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Chain
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 26.6" (676 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 3.6 gallons (13.6 liters)
Weight: 496 lb dry (225 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Feet pegs are at perfect spot for stretching out or scooching up to the tank. Stock hand controls are a little far out, but not too bad. Comfortable even after riding all day.
Seat: I love the stock seat. Everyone always wants to trade these out, but I think it's very comfortable.
Long Rides: My hands get tired, but I don't have a throttle lock, so that's to be expected. Other than that, I can ride all day.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: 45 to 70 practically right off the exit lane. It has huge power to just be a 750. It rides just as smooth on the highway as it does on the back roads.
Tight Turns: Here's where it gets tough . . . definitely takes some practice to maneuver around in tight spots, but do-able. Me being a newbie probably has something to do with that.
Twisty Roads: The Shadow loves to lean over -- it takes twisty roads with no problem.
Wind/Rain/Heat: That 500 pounds comes in very handy when the wind gusts are 30-40 miles an hour. It has performed great in the freezing cold temperatures we've had this winter. It's never seen anything above 70, so not sure about the heat.
Braking Power: Will stop on a dime, never had the back wheel lock up, and I've had to do some pretty quick stops with cagers pulling out in front of me.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Nothing yet. Would love to change the handlebars and bring them in. I want to drive it 6 months and see if that's still an issue later. Definitely adding heated grips at Christmas. My hands are FREEZING.

Added Extras
What I Added: I've added engine guards for practicing slow speed maneuvering -- just in case I drop it. Other than that . . . still stock.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Had my first checkup at 900 miles (oops!) -- we had a good weather week and I drove it all week before taking it in (should have gone in at 600). Everything was fine. Lubing the chain every 500 miles -- guys at Honda place showed me how.

Conclusions
What I Think: I love this bike. It's got the perfect amount of power, but short enough and light enough to where I don't feel overwhelmed. I can pick it back up if it starts to drop and I can wheel it around in neutral (as long as there's not a big hill to back it up!). I know a lot of people go with smaller first bikes, but I'm very thankful that my husband talked me into going with this one rather than the 600 VLX. I can put my feet down at stop lights and hold the bike up with just my body weight on flat ground. I love this bike.

2006 Honda Shadow Aero 750

The Reviewer
Name: Sue W.
Height: 5'7" (170.2 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 15+
Email Address: alouis6@excite.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: Shadow Aero 750
Year: 2006
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Lil' Girl
Purchase Details: Bought new after retiring 20 year old Rebel 250

Engine Displacement (cc): 750
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 24.5" (622.3 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons (14 liters)
Weight: 515 lb dry (233.6 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Extremely comfortable - one leg longer than other - need to add highway pegs for long trips - a 10.
Seat: Stock seat great: a 10 in town an 8 on long trips.
Long Rides: 100 miles is longest so far - a 9 on that ride.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Wow!!! It has zip a 10+. beats the 883 Sportster I did ride (a 9)
Tight Turns: Could be tighter, a 6
Twisty Roads: a 9 again - if I lowered her, h\she would be a 10.
Wind/Rain/Heat: Haven't ridden in the rain yet, but solid on wet pavement with a light ice coat. Just got her a few weeks ago and have already put on 500 miles.
Braking Power: Super 10+.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: None

Added Extras
What I Added: Added Memphis Fats 21" windshield, Honda crash bars, mid sissy bar and bag mounts. Threw my old Willie and Max bags over. Am adding a back rest and alarm system next week

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Just following manufacturers specifications.

Conclusions
What I Think: I would buy her again. I have not ruled out a Harley in the future if my husband will let me pick what I like instead of limiting me to one model and one color.

2006 Honda VTX1300C

The Reviewer
Name: Sara Stevens
Height: 5'7" (170.2 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 5 months!
Email Address: stevens5@fidnet.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: VTX1300C
Year: 2006
Type: Cruiser

Engine Displacement (cc): 1312
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 27.5" (698.5 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons (18.2 liters)
Weight: 641 lb dry (290.8 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: The foot controls are forward since this is a cruiser. The hand controls are ok for me, but it has drag bars which are straight and do not come back towards me. Would like to add a riser, but the handlebars are all one piece. The "R" and "S" models have handlebars that seem much more comfortable and are bent back towards the rider. Difference in the "C" model I have is shorter fenders ("R" is retro with longer fenders) and the "S" model has spoke wheels with longer fenders, mine has cast wheels.
Seat: Comfy, narrow for a woman's hips, even if you've had three kids, I didn't like the "R" and "S" model's wider seats. The "C" was a bit more narrow.
Long Rides: 9+ my arms where a bit tired, but then again I'm a newbie. I added a switchblade 2- up windshield and love it even more.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Excellent power, allows me to get up to speed and stop on a dime. (We have tons of hwy construction around our farm right now so riding on the hwy is a bit of a challenge.)
Tight Turns: Good, I think it would be excellent if my bars where not drag bars and would come in a bit more towards me. Might change them out for the "R" models bars, they felt more comfortable when sitting on it at the dealers. However, I do love this bikes ability to feel balanced. I took my road skills test on this bike and passed!
Twisty Roads: EXCELLENT!
Wind/Rain/Heat: good, windshield was a great investment about $300 installed.
Braking Power: Excellent, easy to use throttle, brake, and clutch levers even in heavy stop and go traffic.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Nothing.

Added Extras
What I Added: Added Highway bars, Paladin. Added Switchblade 2-up windshield (love it! I can remove it if I so choose in about 10 seconds!) Chrome radiator cover, GORGEOUS tank bib to save on scratches on the tank, saddlebags, sissy bar and lever covers (leather).

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Riding, riding, riding . . . oh, and cleaning the dust off from our gravel road!

Conclusions
What I Think: LOVE this bike! It's easy to ride and nicely balanced, even on gravel at a slow pace.Overall I think this bike is a great bike for someone like me. I have been riding dirt bikes for around 20+ years, just goofing off (no racing or anything and not riding all the time) so I knew all the basics. This is my first street bike, due to financial reasons, I didn't want a small bike then outgrow it in a few months or years, had the money and will to learn now. :) It was a GREAT investment, this bike will last my lifetime. LOVE it and highly recommend it to any new rider as an option for them. It's low to the ground, handles great, is very well balanced and about 40 trips around a parking lot and our state park, the DVD Ride Like A Pro, more practice then off on the roads. I did practice and still do the different slow maneuvers to keep sharp on them. I feel more comfortable every time I ride. Have about 700 miles now under my belt and am still VERY careful, but more relaxed. LOVE IT!

2005 Honda Shadow Aero 750

The Reviewer
Name: Amy Yeasayer
Height: 5'5" (165.1 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: Under 1
Email Address: savetigers@gmail.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: VT750 Shadow Aero
Year: 2005
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Vahana
Purchase Details: Brand new with less than 2 miles

Engine Displacement (cc): 750
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 25.9" (658 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons (14 liters)
Weight: 519 lb dry (234 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Stock foot pegs are ok. Would like to bring the handlebars in. Would like to get better levers soon.
Seat: The stock seat is horrible. I couldn't wait to get rid of that thing. It made me feel like I was just sitting on the bike.
Long Rides: Only been on one of any duration so far. No problems. Debating whether or not to get windshield.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: I look down at Speedometer: "uh-oh better slow down". Very easy to get this bike going and not realize how fast it is going.
Tight Turns: Somewhat ok.
Twisty Roads: I would not appreciate this bike nearly as much if I hadn't completed the MSF course. I doubt I would be able to handle the curves and twists without that training. As I get to know the bike more and grow more confident of my abilities, handling improves.
Wind/Rain/Heat: Haven't really experienced any of these yet.
Braking Power: The first time I came to a quick stop I did feel it start to swing out a little/feel unsteady. Very good brake power. I just need to become more familiar with stopping the bike in different circumstances.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: I have changed to Kuryakyn floorboards and noticed an immediate sense of relief in being able to better place my feet. Also puts my legs in a more relaxed position. Would like to bring the handlebars in, but for new risers the entire handlebar has to be replaced (welded onto hbars). Put on Kuryakyn ISO-grips with throttle boss and adjusted lever position. Would like to get better levers soon. Very soon after getting the bike I got a Corbin seat. NICE! Also because it is custom, got gray leather to match silver/white paint. Comfort and aesthetics. Can already feel the Corbin conforming to my butt. Makes me feel like I am in the bike.

Added Extras
What I Added: Adding chrome and more chrome. Also put on a Scorpio Security system. Now have to figure out how to use it.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Polishing all that chrome and routine by the book maintenance (almost to the first one).

Conclusions
What I Think: When I was first bike shopping I was going to get a Rebel. I had never even been on a bike but was going to go through the MSF class. After completing the MSF I realized that I would quickly grow out of the 250. The guy at the dealership put me on the Aero. I loved the way the bike looked before I sat on it but thought that it would be too much bike for me. After sitting on it, flat-footed and rocking back and forth, I knew I could easily handle this bike. One of the proudest moments was riding this bike home by myself from the dealership. It is a beautiful machine and an ideal bike for what I want out of a motorcycle. Highly recommend.

2005 Honda Goldwing with Lehman Trike Conversion

The Reviewer
Name: Sara Stevens
Height: 5'7" (170.2 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 9 months
Email Address: stevens5@fidnet.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: Goldwing, Lehman Conversion
Year: 2005
Type: Touring Trike
Purchase Details: New with Lehman Trike conversion

Engine Displacement (cc): 1832
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 29.5" (750 mm)
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injuected
Fuel Capacity: 6.7 gallons (25.4 liters)
Weight: 1100 lb dry (499 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Trike has the fiberglass running boards, but all controls are exactly like the two wheeled Goldwings.
Seat: Comfortable, excellent on long and short rides, best part is passenger is super comfortable also!
Long Rides: EXCELLENT! These bikes were made for cruising, and owing both a two wheeler (VTX 1300C) and this trike, I highly recommend a Goldwing Trike for any long distance rides! My husband and I usually travel about 1,500+ miles on vacation and believe me I have been a passenger on those trips and my tush NEVER hurt after a 600 mile ride in one day!

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Excellent power, can pull a trailer with two people very comfortably.
Tight Turns: Excellent, my trike is NOT raked therefore you must use a bit more push/pull on the bars, but it handles excellent in the corners!
Twisty Roads: Love them, love them, but then we have them everywhere here!
Wind/Rain/Heat: Excellent, the vent in the windshield allows extra wind through for driver. Goldwings keep you much drier than the cruisers in the rain. : )
Braking Power: Excellent, stops on a dime.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Not a thing.

Added Extras
What I Added: Intercom in helmets bike already set up with them. Chrome and more chrome!

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Following owners manual, have about 1,040 miles on it in 1 month!

Conclusions
What I Think: Excellent although pricey. I would highly recommend a MSF course learning to ride a two wheeler before riding a trike. They are different, push/pull no countersteering, but having the extra experience on a two wheeler makes this a HOOT!

2004 Honda VTX1300C

The Reviewer
Name: Marigold Ford
Height: 5'0" (152.4 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 36
Email Address: marigold1953@yahoo.com

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: VTX1300C
Year: 2004
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: The Black Dragon
Purchase Details: none

Engine Displacement (cc): 1312
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 27" (685.8 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 4.76 gallons (18 liters)
Weight: 653 lb dry (296.2 kg), 683 wet (309.8 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: On a scale from 1 (bad) to 10 (good), the foot controls are a 9 and the hand controls are a 7.
Seat: On a scale from 1 (bad) to 10 (good), it's an 8 around town and a 6 on long trips.
Long Rides: On a scale from 1 (bad) to 10 (good), it's a 10 . . . a very smooth ride.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Very good power and lots of zip to pass slow cars.
Tight Turns: Very good on tight turns.
Twisty Roads: Lots of FUN. Easy to control.
Wind/Rain/Heat: Handles well if you feel comfortable riding in the wind/heat or rain.
Braking Power: Braking is good. Does not slide if you control the front and back brakes.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Lowered bike 2" with Progressive shocks, handlebars, brake and clutch levers, mirrors, seat, HardKhrome tailpipes, Amsoil synthetic oil.

Added Extras
What I Added: Windshield, windshield bags, LeatherLyke Bags, water bottle holder, handlebar clock and thermometer.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Jim changed the oil at 5,000 miles, adjusted valves at 8,000 miles, wash my bike after a rainy ride.

Conclusions
What I Think: I rode 2002 Honda VT750C Shadow Spirit "El Nigro" for 2 years. Sold him and bought my VTX. I thought the El Nigro was FUN to ride but my Black Dragon is fantastic. It is easier to control and ride. I am in control with the 1300. The1300 has a better center of gravity even though it is a bigger and heavier bike then the 750. If you have any questions about the VTX1300 I will be more then glad to answer them if I know the answer.

2004 Honda Shadow VLX Deluxe

The Reviewer
Name: Donna
Height: 5'1" (155 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 2
Email Address: ward1960@comcast.net

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: Shadow Deluxe
Year: 2004
Type: Cruiser
Purchase Details: Bought it used with 26 miles on it from another woman who was fearful of riding it. Got a good deal.

Engine Displacement (cc): 583
Number of Gears: 4
Final Drive: Chain
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 25.6" (650.2 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gallons (11 liters)
Weight (note wet or dry): 458 lb dry (207.7 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Very comfortable and shifts nice.
Seat: Comfortable and low enough for shorter riders.
Long Rides: Okay.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Good accelerating for the size.
Tight Turns: Okay, could be better.
Twisty Roads: Nice.
Wind/Rain/Heat: I do get pushed around on windy days.
Braking Power: No comments.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Nothing.

Added Extras
What I Added: Saddlebags, clock.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Oil changes.

Conclusions
What I Think: Love the bike, good for beginner rider if they have the confidence. Good turning, easy to ride.

2003 Honda Rebel

The Reviewer
Name: Joan Mitchell
Height: 5'0" (152.4 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 1 1/2
Website Address: www.joanmitchell.net 

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: Rebel
Year: 2003
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Baby Bear
Purchase Details: Third woman owner, purchased w/1700 miles.  Now has 3900 miles.

Engine Displacement (cc): 234
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Chain
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 26.6" (675 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 2.7 gallons (16 liters)
Weight: 311 lb dry (141 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: I am 5ft tall with short arms, legs and small hands.  Sometimes I wish the clutch and break levers were closer to the handle grips, but actually, I’m pretty pleased with the bike’s fit.  The locations of the foot controls are fine.
Seat: The seat height is very low and I can flat foot this bike with plenty of leg to spare.  I’ve seen comments that seat height is measured dry, so keep in mind that with fuel, and your own body weight, the actual seat height while riding may be significantly less than spec.
Long Rides: Took my first and only “road trip” to a nearby lake that was 75 miles away last month.  I had to do about 35 miles on the interstate.  As a basic beginner’s bike, I was not expecting it to be comfy or smooth, but it was ok.  It vibrated and made a lot of noise, but rode dependably.  I was able to pass trucks on the highway when needed.  Finding the right posture for the ride is real important and I rode without back pain.  By the way, I do wear foam earplugs to protect against hearing loss.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: The bike performed better than expected at highway speed.  I never took it faster than 65mph on the interstate, but kept up with my husband on his BMW K1200LT, who set the pace.  The Rebel certainly was noisy and vibrated, but it got the job done and I don’t have a windshield, either.  I do use a full face helmet.  The bike has excellent range; the gas reserve is needed at 180 miles and usually has almost a gallon left.
Tight Turns: The bike will make very tight turns.  Just keep practicing the figure eights in empty parking lots.
Twisty Roads: I live in SW VA and almost all my riding is on twisties and hills.  As a newbie, I’m still learning to lean and become “one with the bike” and when I perform like I should, the bike responds beautifully.  I’ve had two “lean or die” moments and the bike leaned over perfectly.  Makes me wonder why I don’t lean over like that every time.
Wind/Rain/Heat: The bike stays fairly stable in wind and/or high speeds but I lean forward over the handlebars to create a more aerodynamic line with the bike.  It is light weight and has no windshield, so one does feel the wind quite a lot and I make riding adjustments as needed.  That includes smooth moves and no sudden or jerky lane changes.  I have ridden in a light rain and was surprised at how normal it felt.  Again, I took extra care to ride as smoothly as possible.
Braking Power: It stops when it’s supposed to.  I haven’t had any “stop or die” moments and I don’t practice emergency stopping like I should.  I’ll add that to my list of things to do in empty parking lots.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Nothing.

Added Extras
What I Added: Previous owner added crash bars, saddle bags.  I added a tank bag, which is a huge convenience.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: I check my own tires and fill them, have adjusted the chain and check it often.  Checked and repaired a loose turn signal wire, and do my pre-ride checks of lights and breaks.  It is time for the 4000 mile checkup which means changing the oil and adjusting the chain.  I really want to take this to a shop, because I didn’t like adjusting the chain.  It was a multi-step process that was a bit intimidating.  But my husband will help, so I suppose I’ll do it again.  I get such a kick conquering my fears, and his encouragement is great.  After that, it might go to the shop.  Once I understand the process, I see no reason not to delegate!

Conclusions
What I Think: I’m very happy with the Rebel.  The Honda Rebel 250 is often mentioned as a great beginner’s bike and it is.  The light weight and short frame make it totally ride-able and easy to learn skills with.  It does lack power for hilly areas, but that encouraged me to learn to downshift on an uphill grade.  Anything bigger than this bike while learning skills and gaining confidence would have been very intimidating for me.  Also, it would break my heart to drop a bigger more expensive bike and scratch it up as much as I’ve dropped this one.   As it is, when you buy a beginners bike and ride like a beginner, everything is just perfect.  My skills are improving and I’m already looking for my next bike.   When I sell the Rebel, I hope to pass this bike on to another woman rider and give her some tips.  If you acquire a Rebel, keep in mind that you will outgrow it.  That’s great.  Learn on it, and then pass it on.  We don’t actually buy bikes anyway; we just rent them until the next one comes along!

2002 Honda Shadow Sabre VT1100C2

The Reviewer
Name: Linda Winslager
Height: 5' (152.4 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: New
Email Address: little_linda_june@sbcglobal.net

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: Shadow Sabre VT1100C2
Year: 2002
Type: Cruiser
Purchase Details: Bought this one used with 7,800 miles on in 2007.

Engine Displacement (cc): 1100
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 27.2" (690 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gallons (15 liters)
Weight (note wet or dry): 575 lb dry (260.8 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Forward controls...specs are found here; seat height is WRONG, it's 27.2.
Seat: Seat is to wide and had to slim it down at front on the sides or it stretches your inner thigh ligaments and put a strain in your groin. I also had to build up the back portion to keep from sliding away from the foot pegs and handle bars.
Long Rides: Haven't taken any yet but its in my future plans.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: This monster is fast, it has lot of get up an go, considered the hot rod of the Hondas.
Tight Turns: Does well on turns, but im still learning.
Twisty Roads: Haven't mastered this one yet.
Wind/Rain/Heat: Nope, haven' t done this one yet either.
Braking Power: Yes it stops, very well, lol.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Modified the seat, put on lower Progressive rear adjustable shock ((lowest I could find was 1" lower), also front lowering forks springs. I was still unable to flat foot it, my inseam is 26", so got taller heeled boots that added 2" ... at last I'm flat on the ground now and luv it.

Added Extras
What I Added: Engine Guard, aka crash bars, later will add windshield, white wall tires, maybe foot pads instead of pegs.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: No input.

Conclusions
What I Think: I love this bike and I'm still trying to master it. I'm 63 yrs and wish I had done this much younger. Ladies,  if you can't flat foot it or almost, then you need to lower it, or get taller boots. This bike has a low center of gravity, and is a good choice if you can handle the power. Practice , practice, practice. I have ridden as a passenger for 3 yrs, and enjoy it so much I wanted to do this myself. I have taken the safety course and have my license since September 2007, then it took 3 months to find THE bike, so I'm learning all over again. Before I could ride it we had to get it lowered. Keep the rubber side down!

2000 Honda Shadow VLX 600

The Reviewer
Name: Jody MacDonald
Height: 5'1" (154.9 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 2 years
Email Address: girlls128@hotmail.com 

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: Shadow VLX 600
Year: 2000
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Chowie
Purchase Details: Used from a Chinaman. Traded my Suzuki 800 for it.

Engine Displacement (cc): 600
Number of Gears: 4
Final Drive: Chain
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 25.6" (650 mm)
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons (13 liters)
Weight: 446 lb dry (202 kg)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Excellent!!!
Seat: Very comfortable to sit on.
Long Rides: Just makes you wanna drive more.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Perfect ! ! ! Lots of zip.
Tight Turns: Perfect; just use your clutch.
Twisty Roads: Great ! !
Wind/Rain/Heat: Perfect.
Braking Power: Lots.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: Nothing.

Added Extras
What I Added: Nothing.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: No input.

Conclusions
What I Think: It's a perfect bike!