Which Motorcycle

[Jngrbrdman]

I'm in the market for a little 'putter around town' bike. I'm torn between something like the Yamaha V Star 650 or the Honda Shadow Aero 750. I'm just wondering if anyone has a compeling reason why I should lean toward either one. It's just going to be a back and forth to work bike (11 miles stop and go each way) and it really doesn't need to be a comfy road bike.

The main thing I want is the look of the cruiser. Both of those are good examples of what I like. If you know of another good bike, then definitely let me know.

[TrueDetailer]

I woudn't get either. Just my personal opinion, when it comes to bikes, If its not a harley,victory, or american made i'm not intrested.

[CharlesW]

Hondas have been my ride for years with at least a dozen having been in/out of my life. Because of that, I would lean towards the Honda.

My daughter had a 750 Shadow that was a pretty decent bike, but.....
While I am not a fan of Harleys, if you are going to look like a Harley, buy a Harley.

FWIW, the only Harley that ever appealed to me is one that the true Harley folks look down their noses at. The 883 Sportster has always had a look I liked and most Harley riders ignore them.

Charles

[CharlesW]

Also, my little "putter around town" Honda Night Hawk 650 did the 1/4 mile in 12.6 @ 106. Pretty quick puttering.

Buy one of the newer sport bikes and get into the 10's.
Makes the trip to the store a lot of fun.

Charles

[Jngrbrdman]

I just don't see what Harley's have that other bikes don't. Besides, the Shadow is 100% American made. I'm not paying a few thousand more just so I can say I have a Harley. The Shadow is already a H-D clone in looks, and with a couple upgrades it sounds just like it too. I don't really care about that. I care about fun 45mpg ride to and from work. I don't need the rumble of a harley to do that.

edit: I guess I should say that the 750 ACE is American made. I don't know about the others, but the ACE is the one I am looking at.

[Chris_DBS]

Not sure about the american specs but I used to work at a Yamaha dealership in Australia and we sold many V stars over the Honda because they were "SHAFT DRIVE" at the time the honda were chain driven. Dont quote me on it though as knowing honda they would have either caught up or surpassed yamaha by now, I personally always had Honda sport bikes but did get a soft spot for the cruiser type Vstars

Chris

[G35stilez]

Always been a fan of Honda's (as you are ), but I have about zero knowledge in bikes.

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by Jngrbrdman

I just don't see what Harley's have that other bikes don't. Besides, the Shadow is 100% American made. I'm not paying a few thousand more just so I can say I have a Harley. The Shadow is already a H-D clone in looks, and with a couple upgrades it sounds just like it too. I don't really care about that. I care about fun 45mpg ride to and from work. I don't need the rumble of a harley to do that.

edit: I guess I should say that the 750 ACE is American made. I don't know about the others, but the ACE is the one I am looking at.

Harley definitely has the mystique. Whether of not it's deserved could become quite a debate.
My thought was if you are looking at a Harley clone, you should just go ahead and buy the real thing. I just never thought the Japanese knock-offs were a good thing.
Since they sell a heck of a lot of them, I guess I was wrong again.
As far as the cost, you do pay more, but the lack of depreciation makes the cost pretty reasonable. Just takes a big chunk to start with.
But since you did ask for suggestions, I'll stick with the Honda 750 Shadow.

Charles

[budman3]

I am a big time Honda fan but I don't think I'd ever get a Shadow that's chain driven. They are a major PITA to keep maintained and clean. You have to constantly lube the chain and then that splatters on the fenders etc. I am also not a fan of chain driven bikes because I almost lost a finger to one but lets not go there... So from these two bikes the Yammie looks good to me.

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by budman3

I am a big time Honda fan but I don't think I'd ever get a Shadow that's chain driven. They are a major PITA to keep maintained and clean. You have to constantly lube the chain and then that splatters on the fenders etc. I am also not a fan of chain driven bikes because I almost lost a finger to one but lets not go there... So from these two bikes the Yammie looks good to me.

I'm pretty sure the Shadow he's looking at is shaft drven.
From a Honda ad:
The retro Shadow Aero features a powerful 750cc class v-twin engine, very low seat height, shaft drive and the full-sized looks and performance of classic cruiser styling from days of old. You won't find a cruiser with more for less — anywhere.
And I do agree with the nuisance of chain drive, but it also has it's advantages.
Given my choice, I would go with the shaftie. (I did.)

Charles