Like Kawasaki’s Vulcan line, Honda has had Shadow cruisers in its lineup since the early 1980s. Over the past three decades, engine displacements have gone up and down, models have come and gone. But since the 1,100cc Shadow Sabre was retired in 2007, the Shadow pedigree has lived on in the middleweight class only.
For 2013, Honda offers four Shadow models: the roadster-styled Shadow RS, the blacked-out Shadow Phantom, the drag-custom Shadow Spirit 750 and the Shadow Aero tested here, all starting at $8,240. What they all have in common is a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 52-degree 745cc V-twin with a single-pin crank and shaft drive (except the chain-driven RS). The base-model Aero comes in black; our test bike has a two-tone metallic silver/pearl white paint job that adds $300 to the bottom line. It has a very classic look, with valenced fenders, wire-spoke wheels and a generous helping of chrome, though some of what you see on the engine and elsewhere is made of plastic. An ABS model is also available in black only for $9,240. Touring-ready variants of the other bikes in this comparison are available, but the Aero only comes in one configuration. Honda offers a full line of touring accessories for those so inclined.
Having the smallest displacement in this comparison, it’s no surprise that the Honda’s engine has the lowest output. As measured on Jett Tuning’s dyno, the Shadow generates 44.7 lb-ft of peak torque at the rear wheel, with more than 40 lb-ft available between 2,200 and 5,000 rpm. Horsepower climbs smoothly and steadily to a peak of 39.9 at 5,600 rpm.
The smallest engine and lowest curb weight (560 pounds) helps the Honda return the best fuel economy—an average of 51.3 mpg. But it also has the smallest fuel tank (3.7 gallons), limiting range to 191 miles.
2013 Honda Shadow Aero
Base Price: $8,240
Price as Tested: $8,540 (two-tone paint)
Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles
Website: powersports.honda.com
Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 52-degree V-twin
Displacement: 745cc
Bore x Stroke: 79.0 x 76.0mm
Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
Valve Train: SOHC, 3 valves per cyl.
Valve Adj. Interval: 12,000 miles
Fuel Delivery: PGM-FI w/ automatic enrichment circuit & 34mm throttle body
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 3.2-qt. cap.
Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: Shaft
Electrical
Ignition: Digital transistorized w/ electronic advance
Charging Output: 400 watts max.
Battery: 12V 11.2AH
Chassis
Frame: Tubular-steel double cradle w/ steel swingarm
Wheelbase: 64.6 in.
Rake/Trail: 34 degrees/6.3 in.
Seat Height: 25.9 in.
Suspension, Front: 41mm stanchions, no adj., 4.6-in. travel
Rear: Dual shocks, adj. for spring preload, 3.5-in. travel
Brakes, Front: Single disc w/ 2-piston pin-slide caliper
Rear: Drum
Wheels, Front: Wire spoke, 3.00 x 17 in.
Rear: Wire spoke, 3.50 x 15 in.
Tires, Front: Tube-type, 120/90-17
Rear: Tube-type, 160/80-15
Wet Weight: 560 lbs.
Load Capacity: 403 lbs.
GVWR: 963 lbs.
Performance
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gals., warning light on last 0.9 gal.
MPG: 86 PON min. (high/avg/low) 52.3/51.5/50.2
Estimated Range: 191 miles
Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: NA
* This article Chrome & Spokes was part of a four-motorcycle comparison titled Main Street Middleweights which was published in the June 2013 issue of Rider magazine. To read the individual bike reviews, click on the links below:
- 2013 Middleweight Metric Cruiser Comparo (main article)
- Suzuki Boulevard C50 Special Edition
- Star V Star 950
- Honda Shadow Aero
- Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
Good overall bike for a small person with a tight cockpit handles very good and shifts extremely well . I am 5’5, 200 lbs and own a 2015 Honda Shadow Aero and a 2015 V-Star 950 tourer. The v-star is the bigger and better overall package and great for highway riding and long trips however I like the Aero to commute to work. Both are good overall bikes with enough power to take you and you anywhere, shift smooth and handle very well.