Honda Shadow Sabre 1100

**aristotle334** · #1 24 Jun 2003

Hi, y'all. I've checked out HUBB, but it seems geared towards "adventure touring" a little. I may one day get into that as well, but for the time being I'm looking for:

1) Sporty cruiser (acceleration, handling, drag clearance)
2) Decent range (150 miles/tank)
3) Comfort (no or little vibration, foot position - any seat OK, always after market)
4) Style

Purpose is to tour winding or otherwise beautiful backroads of USA, maybe film some of it. Not just long tours, but also day trips, too.

My choices thus far were (no order):

1) Yam FJR1300 (ride position, expensive)
2) Kaw Mean Streak (tour accessories limited, only 3.5 gallons useable of 4.5 gallon tank!)
3) Yam Warrior (weak handling in the twisties)
4) Hon VTX1300 (vibrations)
5) Hon Magna 750 (inconvenience of chain, high pipes means small saddlebags, small engine means decreased performance under load)
6) Yam VMax (handling in twisties)

Lately I've ridden with some guys who own Sabres, and I have to admit that the thought is growing... middleweight performance, low center of gravity, lot of drag clearance, decent range (140-160 miles), (very) forward foot position, little vibration... unique styling (sharp fender tails, incredible spoke design), and many accessories.

I think I found my bike! Must wait another year, though...

Still accepting opinions for/against the Sabre, if you have some thoughts you want to share.

Dameon

------------------
'03 VN750 "Venus"
'05 VT1100 Shadow ?!?!
'82 XJ550 "Lil' Midnight" ~ Wife's trainer
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vn750/
http://www.thesabregroup.com/
http://www.southerncruisers.net/
NorCal ~ Marysville

"No great genius has ever existed without some touch of madness." ~ Aristotle

[This message has been edited by aristotle334 (edited 24 June 2003).]

**kmet** · #2 24 Jun 2003

Hello Dameon,
I owned a Shadow Sabre, nice bike, very comfortable, better handling then you would expect for a cruiser, I like the flat handle bar position , I did several 2500-3000 mile trips, no worries. I ran through central nevada-eastern oregon in mid july, it was 110-115, hot as hell, when in motion I was doing 90-100mph average, not a complaint from the engine (hey its a honda) I put a mini bolt on handle bar fairing , nice addition for the road, shaft drive is nice, a second front disc would be cool, fun bike. I sold it as I wanted a bike I could do more dirt in, the bike I replaced it with is a Guzzi Quota, absolute kick in the ass to ride, it does handle and perform better (plus fuel injection that works!) but its not for everyone (right Grant?) I also have a KTM LC4, KLR650 DRS350 (both for sale) and some other old brit stuff. I tend to look for small 2 lane black top or dirt fire roads so my choice is different than yours.
There are deals to be had , jump on it and go!
Mike

**aristotle334** · #3 24 Jun 2003

Thanks, kmet! Great review, btw.

One Q, tho: what's a "mini bolt on handle bar fairing"?

It's looking like I'll probably get one as soon as my wife graduates to the bike I currently ride (Kaw Vulcan 750). She just started riding and will probably keep her current bike until next spring.

------------------
'03 VN750 "Venus"
'05 VT1100 Shadow ?!?!
'82 XJ550 "Lil' Midnight" ~ Wife's trainer
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vn750/
http://www.thesabregroup.com/
http://www.southerncruisers.net/
NorCal ~ Marysville

"No great genius has ever existed without some touch of madness." ~ Aristotle