Sportster or Shadow?

Consider the depreciation that occurs when it falls over, and it probably
will. Every new rider learns the hard way not to park it on a right hand
slope over a certain angle, drops it while moving it out of the garage,
falls over in a low speed manuver, etc.
Ride an older, cheaper bike for a year or so and then minor damage doesn't
matter.
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

On Jun 23, 12:29 pm, Savage <Sav....RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> retouchd....RemoveThis@yahoo.com wrote in news:1182547566.134875.137370
> @a26g2000pre.googlegroups.com:
>
> > .... And this
> > is more about transportation than any sort of emotional thing. I would
> > be delighted with either after the Rebel, but if one costs
> > sigifigantly more in the long run, then it makes a difference. I'm a
> > frugal guy.
>
> If you're a frugal guy looking for daily transportation check out a Suzuki
> S-40 -- $4,199 OUT THE DOOR, including all applicable taxes, registration,
> and document fees fromhttp://www.otdcyclesports.com That's $2,500 less
> than the Honda VT750DC from the same dealer. Dirt simple, easy to work on
> or modify, and the 650 single puling 355 pounds plus rider makes it a
> killer city bike. I've hit 85 mph on the Harbor Freeway.

Hello,
My brother has S-40, and loves it, but for my size its way
underpowered, and on the smaller side. Overall it's a really nice
bike: very reliable and very respectable gas mileage.

Just my $0.02...
Yuriy
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

On Jun 22, 12:35 pm, retouchd....DeleteThis@yahoo.com wrote:
> I want to upgrade from my current bike. I've researched this til I'm
> blue in the face, but there are still some gaps in the information. I
> can't seem to find hard numbers on the total cost of ownership of
> either an 883 or a Shadow 750 - either Spirit or Aero. Meaning annual
> mainenance, fuel, insurance, everything. The dealers are pretty vague
> on this. Assume I'll keep the bike for, say, at least 5 years (the
> full term of the loan), and that the only maintenance I can do myself
> is oil changes and tire pressure.
>
> Regarding the Sportster, does anyone keep the exhaust stock? I'm more
> interested in low emissions and fuel economy than a few extra hp. And
> if the exhaust is left stock, does it run so lean that the motor can
> be damaged by excessive heat over the long run? I commute daily,
> mostly in stop and go traffic in L.A.
>
> And In case anyone asks, the reason I've narrowed it down to these
> bikes, is that The Sportster is a perfect fit for me and I've had a
> chance to ride a couple. On the other hand, the Rebel has been great,
> other than being way too small, and I'm happy with the dealer I've
> been going to for service.
>
> Thanks.

Doug,
I have Honda Shadow Sprit, and so far it's not so great (mostly due to
previous owner's mistakes). On the other hand, in my office 3 people
have Shadows, and are really happy with them.
Just for the record: I'm a noob, wiht only a couple of months under my
belt...

For me the breakdonw is as follows:

Pros:
Looks really good
Even wiht out-of-wack carbs I get close to 50MPH in mixed mode
Handles very well, even at low speeds (I passed OR DMV test with
flying colors after less than 2 weeks of practice, and they do the
dreaded cone weave )
Was lot cheaper to buy used (mine had 6K miles, and the price was
under $5K)

Cons:
First of all: My local honda dealers are just arrogant jerks In
addition, everything but probalby motor oil is a special order. I've
been waiting for my service manual for about a month. No ETA, and want
to charge "restock" fee to cancel the order...
Friends with Harleys say that both local dealerls are a pleasure to
deal with...
Seat is very uncomfortable after 2 hours of riding
I wish mine had 6th gear.
Gas tank is on the smaller side. I commute 70 miles every day, and
need to refuel tvice per week
Accesories are harder to come by. Mostly everything out there is
geared toward Harley. I have yet to find mirrors with extended arms,
so I can see at least somethiong behind me. Couldn't find a heal
shifter either...


BTW, at least in my area service for Honda is more expensive, and most
of the small shops around here specialize in Harleys. Insurance quotes
I got before buying were more expensive for Harleys, becuase
supposedly they are stole lot more often...

That's about it, I guess.
Regards
Yuriy
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

The S40 was on my short list for some time, but in the end I ruled it
out because I don't want to wind up wishing I had a little more power.
There might be a road trip or two in the future, and while I know lots
of people travel extensively on their S40's and Savages, I'd feel
better with a little more under the hood. Oh, wait... no hood...

Also, there isn't a Suz, Kaw, or Yam dealer for service anywhere near
as close to me as the Honda and Harley dealers. Great bike though.
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

If you get to test ride both the short answer is...

Which one put a grin on your face that wouldn't leave if you stepped on a dog
turd in the living room. 8^) The LS650 and a GL1K did that for me and neither
sits the same or performs the same. I've only gotten a giggle out of one other
bike.

--
Keith Schiffner
Assistant to the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Silly Walks.
"terrorist organization" is a redundancy
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

> > Maybe you can find a used one to demo.
> --

A definite possibility. Might feel a little disingenuous, since I'd
like to get a fresh one, but I guess I could live with that.
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

> Personally I would choose neither. Both are a touch too slow for
> extended riding on Interstate highways.
> If the Sportster fits, try to get into the 1200. A friend has a 750
> ACE and had no end of problems trying to keep up with my other friend
> and I on our big twin Harleys on a recent trip. We were only doing
> around 85-90 or so.
> It seems that 75 is the "comfortable" limit for the ACE and also I
> believe the 883.
>
> And yes, many people never change a thing on the Sportster.
> --
> Bob Mann
>
> Sex is like air; it's not important unless you
> aren't getting any


I demo'd a 1200 and to be honest, it was torque overload. Stalled it 3
times. Maybe it was just a grabby cluch, but I didn't feel much in
control. I felt much more comfortable on the 883 even though I know
there's not a huge difference between the two.
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

On Jun 23, 7:51 pm, "Stupendous Man" <s....RemoveThis@trap.com> wrote:
> Consider the depreciation that occurs when it falls over, and it probably
> will. Every new rider learns the hard way not to park it on a right hand
> slope over a certain angle, drops it while moving it out of the garage,
> falls over in a low speed manuver, etc.
> Ride an older, cheaper bike for a year or so and then minor damage doesn't
> matter.

I've been riding for about 3 years. Daily commute. 1 year on a scooter
and 2 on a Rebel. No drops. Gotta move up sometime;)
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

> I've been riding for about 3 years. Daily commute. 1 year on a scooter
> and 2 on a Rebel. No drops. Gotta move up sometime;)
>

OK. Decide what kind of bike you want to ride, and get a nice one. I'm
partial to Goldwings and old British leakers.
--
Stupendous Man,
Defender of Freedom, Advocate of Liberty
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

Oops. didn't finish my last post
Get a nice bike then.
I'm partial to old Goldwings and older Brit leakers, but my wife's 95 Shadow
1100 has proven to be a great bike with no problems..
--
Stupendous Man,
Defender of Freedom, Advocate of Liberty
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

retouchdoug.DeleteThis@yahoo.com wrote in news:1182653272.761733.126790
@o11g2000prd.googlegroups.com:

> The S40 was on my short list for some time, but in the end I ruled it
> out because I don't want to wind up wishing I had a little more power.
> There might be a road trip or two in the future, and while I know lots
> of people travel extensively on their S40's and Savages, I'd feel
> better with a little more under the hood. Oh, wait... no hood...

Let it breathe a little and it's capable of hitting 100. It is more than
capable of cruising the superslabs and quite a few have been certified by
the Iron Butt Association. The bike is capable, human flesh is a different
matter. If I were to travel extensively I think I'd be looking at
something considerably smoother than a single or a twin. Concours, Pacific
Coast, something in that vein.
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

retouchdoug DeleteThis @yahoo.com wrote:
>> Then don't forget that the enjoyment to dollar ratio is just
>> as important as the absolute dollar amount saved.
>>
>> My take:
>>
>> - you're 50
>> - you really like the Harley
>> - life is short
>>
>> get the Sportster. Maybe it'll cost a couple
>> dollars more to maintain, but then again,
>> maybe not. ( Shadows require valve
>> inspection and adjustment, right? The
>> Sporty doesn't. That's a major maintenance
>> item right there. )
>>
>> -- Michael
>
>
> Well said.

Having owned an older Sportster , a Shovelhead bagger , and now an older
(1990) Electra Glide Ultra Classic , it is my opinion that you should buy
the one you like the most . New Sportsters get up to 55 mpg if ridden easy ,
have a much nicer finish than Honda's . Maintainence costs are very low ,
basically just oil changes . They are VERY easy to work on .
I have no experience with the Honda's , but enjoy my "new" bike
immensely - over 3k miles since mid-march and I'm averaging around 50 mpg .
As far as buying used , many people have purchased bikes in the last few
years as butt jewelry , and a mistaken idea of buying a badass lifestyle .
That bubble has popped , and they're selling the bikes now so they can buy a
Miata or something .
Find one of those garage queens and you can likely get a Dyna or other BT
for the price of a new Sporty . Chances are it won't even be completely
broken in ...

--

Snag aka OSG #1
'90 Ultra , "Strider"
BS132 SENS NEWT
none to one to reply
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow? 

On Sat, 23 Jun 2007 23:12:57 -0700, "Stupendous Man" <spam.DeleteThis@trap.com>
wrote:

>Oops. didn't finish my last post
>Get a nice bike then.
>I'm partial to old Goldwings and older Brit leakers, but my wife's 95 Shadow
>1100 has proven to be a great bike with no problems..

I would second that.
Take a look at the larger Hondas.
Pretty much similar mileage* and much more power to keep up on the
freeways.

*when ridden at freeway speeds the mileage may even be better due to
gearing and the bike not working as hard.
--
Bob Mann

Sex is like air; it's not important unless you
aren't getting any
 >> Stay informed about: Sportster or Shadow?