“I'm a sixty-something motor biker having had lots of scooters and big old British combinations back in the sixties and seventies, but never took my test, so now getting back to it before it's too late. The Honda Shadow is great for me, looks and feels much bigger than it is. Has always started on the button, runs really smoothly and generally a pleasure to ride. It is what it is, a cruiser, so there's no point pretending it's a sports bike. But it is a pretty bike and puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. There is nothing negative about it, definitely the best of its type. So if you're looking for a small cruiser this is definitely the one to go for.”
“This is my second shadow. I loved the ride and feel of the old one so I had to get it again. It's not the best ride for busy city traffic due to the low and wide handlebars (especially the very wide mirrors) but it cruises nicely along when your in the clear.
Handling: long wheelbase makes cornering a leisurely affair as opposed to sharp and quick but I always felt confident. Low seat height meant that its not scary and I was surprised at how much I could actually lean her over in corners without fear. Soft suspension meant a comfortable ride that did not encourage a lot of hasty maneuvering and twisting around like scooters do.
Speed: it is quick enough for a 125, holding 65 and getting past 70 on straight roads with minimal wind. It will just take some time getting there but it does it better than a lot of 125 bikes and scooters. You never feel like your going to fall off or explode the engine either getting to higher speeds, unlike other bikes of this age.
Maintenance: minimal is all I can say. Just keep it clean and oiled and it will weather any storm. Honda quality in terms of weathering. I had her go from muck to shine with simple wiping and no rust developing on my watch. Kept her outside (no cover) and rode in winter too. I just made sure to clean her at least once a month and spray protected the engine block and she always came out sparkling.
Practicality: I can't complain about it... I had a pair of paniers and also fitted a top box rack for extra storage (i know, the horror of putting a top box on a cruiser). I never had issues doing anything on her in terms of shopping, visiting friends storing my gear securely. Just don't be a bike snob and she can be as practical as you need her to be, lots of space to hang stuff and clip stuff on.
Cost: about average for a 125, you will get about 200 miles out of a tank (14 litre tank plus reserve). Insurance was not a big deal. Accessories are a bit costly but that's mainly because its mostly bling type stuff (chrome costs money) but spares are not.
Overall, it was the best bike I could have chosen for what I needed a 125 to do. Great looks, comfortable feel, cheap to run, nothing to worry about mechanically, practical as I needed it, fast enough to travel on dual carriagewats for longer trips, good tank range and easy to live with. The only issue I had was that it was not fast off the line, so I made some cars a hit annoyed. I eventually got to speed limits anyway, so that is not the issue. As a first bike, excellent choice, as a second bike its a smart choice. You will want something bigger, but that's the case with all 125s I think. Finally, its the biggest 125 out there of this age, feels chunky, sounds not too high pitched and gives you confidence.”
