Honda skipped production for MY2021, then built an MY2022 model that rolled over into 2023 with just a few minor changes here and there. ABS is still an elective option on the base model with a separate model all its own. The factory also dropped the existing colorways in favor of a single, two-tone offering that also carries directly over to this year.
Honda's Shadow line first saw the light of day back in the day in 1983. Designed as an affordable alternative to the dominant American-style cruiser manufacturer, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the Shadow Aero is part of Honda's cruiser lineup. The Shadow platform as a whole has garnered quite a following in the U.S. with a healthy enthusiast base due to its classic cruiser style and affordable price.
2023 Honda Shadow Aero
- Classic Cruiser Styling
- Tank-Mounted Instrumentation
- Retro-Styled Features
- Low Seat Height
- Available ABS
- Model: Shadow Aero
- Engine:: 745 cc V-Twin
- Power Output: 44.6 HP @ 5,500 RPM
- Torque: 47.9 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM
- Transmission: Wide-ratio 5-Speed Manual
- MSRP: $7,799
- Easy To Handle Slow And At Speed
- Oodles Of Curb Appeal
- Fast Enough For Interstate Travel
- Drum Brake Is Too Quaint
- Limited Color Choice
- No Higher Electronics
2023 Honda Shadow Aero Performance And Capability
Power comes from a proven, liquid-cooled V-twin engine that, like the rest of the build, has an old-school look that is essential in a classic American-style cruiser. Almost square, it runs a 79 mm bore with a 76 mm stroke and a total displacement of 745 cc. Compression ratio is fairly mild at 9.6-to-1, so you can probably get away with mid-grade pusholine, and this lowers the stresses on the bottom end for an extended service life.
The Honda Shadow Aero produces 44.6 horsepower and 47.9 pound-feet of torque. Horsepower tops out at 5,500 rpm, but torque comes on fully at 3,500 rpm with considerable grunt available much lower in the range; just the thing to pull a big cruiser out of the hole.
Speaking of heft, the Aero weighs in at 560 pounds soaking wet which is actually still relatively light all things considered. Power flows through a standard clutch and a five-speed transmission with a shaft-type final drive that turns out a Shadow Aero top speed of around 111 mph if you have the guts for it.
Engine & Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
Engine | Liquid-cooled 52° V-Twin, 4 stroke, SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder |
Displacement | 745 cc |
Bore x Stroke | 79 mm x 76 mm |
Compression | 9.6:1 |
Power | 44.6 HP @ 5,500 RPM |
Torque | 47.9 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM |
Fuel System | Programmed fuel injection, 34 mm throttle body |
Final Drive | Shaft |
Clutch | Wet Multiplate |
Gearbox | Wide-ratio 5-speed |
Design
Honda went old school on the Aero with a look that could hail back as far as the late forties. This is when the “juice fork” front end met with the new-at-the-time suspended swingarm for a measurable improvement in ride quality.
There's lots of visual weight down low. It starts with the full-length front fender and fat tire and includes the chrome beercan skirts that hide the fork's business area, as well as the chrome strut, covers out back that cover the whole shock. The chrome headlight can, fork uppers, and exhaust system join a chrome instrument console on the 3.7-gallon fuel tank, just like the old Harleys and Indians.
A deep-scoop low-slung seat slings your derrière at only 25.9 inches off the ground, which is very confidence-inspiring as you'll have plenty of leverage once you deploy your Lamborfeeties at stops and in the parking lot. The stock detachable pillion pad is separate from the front. It lofts your passenger a bit for an improved riding experience for your riding partner, or you can remove it if you're all about that solo riding life.
Out back, the taillight is somewhat reminiscent of the old “tombstone” lights. The back blinkers ride in chrome bullet housings to complete the bling.
Honda Shadow Aero Specs | |
|---|---|
Length | 96.8 in |
Width | 36.2 in |
Height | 44.3 in |
Seat Height | 25.9 in |
Wheelbase | 64.5 in |
Ground Clearance | 5.1 in |
Fuel Capacity | 3.7 gal w/ 0.9-gal reserve |
Curb Weight | 560 lbs (ABS: 573 lbs) |
Chassis
Tubular-steel members on the Shadow Aero make up the standing structure with a heavy backbone structure for strength. It has a full downtube/cradle section that supports the engine and the rest of the drivetrain rather than using it as a stressed member. The forks kick out pretty well at 34 degrees, which is deep in custom territory. With the 6.3-inch trail you can count on solid tracking and a low-exertion ride.
As for the suspension, the rear shocks are alone in the adjustment department with only the obligatory preload adjuster. The front forks run on fixed values. Suspension travel is typical of the genre at 4.6 inches ahead of 3.5 inches and should be comfortable enough on less-than-perfect riding surfaces.
The bulk of the braking duties fall to the 296 mm front disc and its twin-piston binder up front, 'cause out back is an old-school, 180 mm drum brake on the non-ABS base model. It's old-school and is sufficient for the job. If you want ABS, the bike comes with a rear disc that works with the ABS feature for fore-and-aft anti-lock protection.
Laced wheels round out the rolling chassis in a 120/90-17 and 160/80-15 on the front and rear respectively. I gotta' say Honda missed an opportunity for maximum coolness by putting the whitewalls tires. Maybe next year, huh, guys?
Chassis & Suspension | |
|---|---|
Front Suspension/ Travel | 41 mm fork/ 4.6 in |
Rear Suspension/ Travel | Dual shocks w/ 5-position spring-preload adjustability/ 3.5 in |
Rake | 34° |
Trail | 6.3 in |
Front Tire | 120/90-17 |
Rear Tire | 160/80-15 |
Front Brake | 296 mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper (ABS model w/ ABS) |
Rear Brake | |
└ non-ABS | 180 mm drum |
└ w/ ABS | Single one-piston hydraulic caliper w/ disc; ABS |
2023 Honda Shadow Aero Price And Availability
The 2023 Honda Shadow Aero costs $7,799. If you want ABS, that bumps it up to $8,099. The factory dropped the previous colorways in favor of a single package, the two-tone Ultra Blue Metallic with white tank panels.
Pricing & Features | |
|---|---|
Model ID | VT750C (w/ ABS: VT750CS) |
Warranty | One Year Transferable, Unlimited-Mileage Limited Warranty; Extended Coverage Available With A Honda Protection Plan. |
Colors | Ultra Blue Metallic |
Price | $7,799 (w/ ABS: $8,099) |
Competitors
In the looks department, this could be an old Harley-Davidson or Indian Motorcycle. A few years ago I would have said put it up against a Sportster, but the era of the Evo-Sporty has passed, so let's take a look at the Indian Scout Sixty instead.
Indian Scout Sixty
Indian draws on even deeper roots with design aspects from the 1920s in its Scout line. Similar sheet metal and proportions make this a good pair, even if the Indian Scout sixty delivers a significantly sportier ride with 78 ponies on tap against the modest 44.6 horsepower from the Shadow. Sure, we expect the Scout's 999 cc engine to perform better, but the top speed and rate of acceleration from the Shadow are sufficient to say the very least, while the Indian might be a little bit of overkill.
You'll have to go out-of-pocket if you want to share the fun with a friend because the Scout rolls sans p-pad or passenger footpegs. ABS protection is a constant possibility across the board though both bikes can be had without anti-locks.
We find the tradeoff for the larger engine at the checkout. Indian looks to fetch $11,749 for its non-ABS model with prices North of that for the ABS Black Metallic and ABS Storm Blue packages.
He Said
“The Honda Shadow does indeed have a loyal fanbase, not entirely unlike the cult of design that orbits the old-school Rebel models that just got phased out of production in favor of a new generation of machines. Honda does a good job of capturing the look and feel straight out of old-school Americana.”
She Said
My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “The Shadow Aero is the epitome of 'easy cruising.' The mid-displacement engine is manageable and has that V-twin sound we associate with American-style cruisers. The handlebar reaches back to allow a comfortable seating position, and it has a low seat height typical of the quintessential cruiser.”
FAQ
Q: Is Honda Shadow a good beginner bike?
Like most cruisers, the seat height on the Shadow Aero is low, the power is manageable, and the rider triangle is relaxed. These characteristics make it agreeable to entry-level riders.
Q: How fast is the Honda Shadow Aero?
The top speed on the Shadow Aero is about 111 MPH. This makes the Aero suitable for Interstate travel as it has enough power to not only stay with traffic but still have enough oomph left for roll-on.
Q: What size engine is in a Honda Shadow Aero?
The liquid-cooled 52° V-twin engine on the Shadow Aero falls into the mid-displacement range at 745 cc.
Q: How many MPG does a Honda Shadow Aero get?
Honda claims an estimated 56 MPG and notes that the figure is based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures. The figure is intended for comparison purposes only. This may be a conservative estimate based on riding style, maintenance, and weather. Adding accessories and additional weight to the bike will affect your mileage.