The engine has always been smooth and the vibration minimal (unusual for v-twin cruisers but typical for a Honda).

The Honda Shadow looks a bigger motorcycle than it actually is, giving a mean presence on the road whether it is dotted with chrome or blacked out on the modern versions. Well the fact is they have evolved with the times, they have remained to have a classically designed cruiser style while being modernized so as to not be outdated. With around 38 years in production there are few motorcycles that have had such longevity, which makes you beg the question, why are they so great? This was turned around pretty quickly and by 1985 the Honda Shadow 750 was back before being replaced by an 800cc. However, the VT750c was very nearly made extinct by US import restrictions, which meant bikes over 700cc were restricted so they couldn’t compete with US manufactured bikes. The most consistent of them all as been the Honda Shadow 750, thanks mainly to its popularity which is largely down to its engine size being great for experienced riders and also accessible for newer riders as their first big motorcycle. The Shadow name has been attached to bikes of all capacities from a 125c to an 1100cc. Honda released the Shadow 2 years prior to the original Rebel, in 1983. Overall the Honda Rebel is a classic cruiser that has cemented itself into motorcycle history. Highways should be avoided by newer riders due to the lack of power for overtaking and getting out of the way. Highways are totally doable but you need to be conscious you are on a very lightweight motorcycle so taking things slow and easy is the way to do it. It is light, easy to maneuver around at slow speeds, and you can flat foot both sides of the bike which increases confidence when moving around the driveway or in a car park etc. However, at just 329lbs and a low seat height of 27 inches the bike is perfect for new riders. Taller riders may find the bike a little cramped so while the engine will still pull you along the layout might not suit everyone. It might be outdated for some, but for others it has that timeless design that has a sweet charm about it. Looking back on it Honda set the bar for small capacity cruiser styling that is still followed today and replicated. If there was a picture in the dictionary next to the word ‘cruiser’ the original Honda Rebel would slide right in there, as traditionally styled as any big v-twin that you can get.

The only time you might struggle and need to downshift to keep moving is up steep hills.

Sure the Honda cruiser won’t set the world on fire but that isn’t the bike’s purpose it is quick off the mark and will chug along at 60-70mph all day long. The 234cc V-twin has proven itself through the years to be an incredible power plant, solid, reliable and ready for any distance you dare to undertake. In the US the rebel motorcycle was quite often used by training schools as they were affordable, easy to ride, had low seat heights and are cheap for parts. It remains one of the most fuel efficient motorcycles to date with figures between 62mpg to 75mpg. The original Honda Rebel 250 (CMX250 or Peronist) was released in 1985 and has been involved in Honda’s lineup on and off ever since. There were two Honda cruiser models in particular that made a huge impact and that have lasted the test of time, they were the Honda Rebel and the Honda Shadow. Honda were determined to attract traditional American motorcyclists and weren’t prepared to back down, the US was going to accept them whether they wanted them or not. This led to them going back to the drawing board and taking inspiration from the staple American cruiser bikes and putting a spin on them.Īs well as Honda, other brands trying to break into the American market with a motorcycle cruiser were the likes of Norton, Triumph, Kawasaki and Yamaha. In order to break into the lucrative US market, Honda Motorcycles and other manufacturers knew they had to recreate what was successful in the States and what the American public wanted.

Cruiser motorbike