What else around 500cc?

[ofblong]

There's the Honda Shadow Aero which is a 750cc v-twin but the seat height is only 25.6 in. It's been around for a while so finding a used one shouldn't be too hard and from what I've read it is also a good bike for new riders or those short in the inseam.

I've sat on one and it was way too low for me but roomy when riding it.

The Honda Shadow SPirit C2 is even lower at 25.7 in. but that's a brand new bike (nothing wrong with buying new, I bought a new GZ250 months after getting an M license) so there won't be any used bikes for sale.

ah thanks for clarifying. I was under the assumption they only made 1 shadow 750.

[JC Viper]

Honda has like 3 - 4 750's in its lineup. I just wish that they bring back the Honda Magna and the Nighthawk 750. Hell, the Honda Rebel with 500cc or greater would be just as good too but what do I know? I am just a consumer in the US who isn't interested in Standards or lightweight cruisers (look at the Big 4 manufacturers in Japan or the EU, they have a greater range of bikes than we do).

[NewGuy]

I think it's worthwhile to look at some of the slightly larger cruisers.

V-star 650
Suzuki S40 (Savage 650)
Suzuki S50 (Intruder 800)
Honda Shadow 750
Vulcan 800
Suzuki C50 (Volusia 800)
Suzuki M50 (Marauder 800)

if the shadow 600 is too "tall" what makes you think a 750/800 cc motorcycle will be a good bike to look at ESPECIALLY for a beginner?

Bigger displacement does not equal a "taller" bike.

viewtopic.php?t=7851&sid=b38444de275ed4 ... 211ccdc6c0

Several big twin Harley's have lower seat heights than the VLX, 500 LTD, and the Rebel. In fact the OP likes the 500LTD, which has a seat height of 28.1, which is higher than the Honda Shadow Spirit 750 (26.6") V-star 650 Custom (27.4") V-star 650 Classic (27.9"), Suzuki M50/C50/S50/S40 (all 27.6"). Hell the little Suzuki GZ250 sits higher than all those bikes (except the V-star Classic and the Vulcan 500) at 27.8".

most of those bikes you posted, however, have higher seat hights than the 600. The 750 I Know has a higher seat hight than the 600 considering I sat on one.

You completely missed the point, which is that there is not a correlation between displacement and a "taller" seat. Again, some of the Harley big twins have lower seat heights than the Vulcan 500 the OP is interested in, AND the Shadow VLX you are talking about.

[flynrider]

I just wish that they bring back the Honda Magna and the Nighthawk 750.

The Magna was OK, but even better would be the old V45 Sabre. Nice standard ride with that butt kicking V-4. As for the Nighthawk 750, I'm planning on keeping mine forever. With the upcoming emissions requirements, it's doubtful we'll ever see the old air cooled inline 4 powerplant again.

Hell, the Honda Rebel with 500cc or greater would be just as good too but what do I know?

Or maybe the bring back the Nighthawk 450 & 550 ?

I really miss the (what used to be called) mid-sized standards. They were great for around town, yet had the guts to take on the freeways when needed. The EX500 and the GS500, minus the plastic, would come pretty close.
[/quote]

[JC Viper]

I just wish that they bring back the Honda Magna and the Nighthawk 750.

The Magna was OK, but even better would be the old V45 Sabre. Nice standard ride with that butt kicking V-4. As for the Nighthawk 750, I'm planning on keeping mine forever. With the upcoming emissions requirements, it's doubtful we'll ever see the old air cooled inline 4 powerplant again.

Hell, the Honda Rebel with 500cc or greater would be just as good too but what do I know?

Or maybe the bring back the Nighthawk 450 & 550 ?

I really miss the (what used to be called) mid-sized standards. They were great for around town, yet had the guts to take on the freeways when needed. The EX500 and the GS500, minus the plastic, would come pretty close.

[/quote]

This is America, us folk only go for them cruisers or high powered sportbikes.

I don't know why standards are not popular here like they are in Europe and Japan.

[ofblong]

I just wish that they bring back the Honda Magna and the Nighthawk 750.

The Magna was OK, but even better would be the old V45 Sabre. Nice standard ride with that butt kicking V-4. As for the Nighthawk 750, I'm planning on keeping mine forever. With the upcoming emissions requirements, it's doubtful we'll ever see the old air cooled inline 4 powerplant again.

Hell, the Honda Rebel with 500cc or greater would be just as good too but what do I know?

Or maybe the bring back the Nighthawk 450 & 550 ?

I really miss the (what used to be called) mid-sized standards. They were great for around town, yet had the guts to take on the freeways when needed. The EX500 and the GS500, minus the plastic, would come pretty close.

This is America, us folk only go for them cruisers or high powered sportbikes.

I don't know why standards are not popular here like they are in Europe and Japan.[/quote]

because until recently people didnt care about gas prices and mileage.

[Shorts]

because until recently people didnt care about gas prices and mileage.

mmmm, while midsized bikes are great for this, I don't think mileage is completely why they're popular here in JPN. I think it's because the bikes serve a purpose and they were built small-midsized because the majority of roads here are not big (yes there are expressways and toll roads). Big, fat recliners on wheels and juiced up I4s are traditionally in less demand than in the US (in fact, JP puts a cap on engine size allowed for production for domestic market. Most big bikes are imported domestics/ EU/USA imports). Do the JP love the liter bikes and big cruisers? - yes. But bikes serve a bigger purpose here other than leisure weekend trips and track days (or the occasional gang ride out). Bikes and scooters are use for everything every day by young adults to elderly farmers. Nimble bikes are a must. Delivery services and commuting are tops.


I swear, everyone in the States should travel here and see what I have. You'd truly be amazed. Well, we're here 'til Feb. If you make it up here, you have a place to stay.

[JMack]

you either have really short legs or are under 5' tall cause I work with a lady that is 5' tall and she can flat foot my honda shadow VLX. you sure you were on a VLX?????

I have really short legs. Inseam is about 26". I've sat on the VLX, Yamaha V Star 650 Custom, Suzuki Savage, Honda Rebel, and the Nighthawk. Based on seat height, the VLX should have been ok, but it wasn't, I think because it has a wider seat. The V Star wasn't too bad. I remember being comfortable on the Savage, but that was when I was looking a few years ago.


Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.

[ofblong]

you either have really short legs or are under 5' tall cause I work with a lady that is 5' tall and she can flat foot my honda shadow VLX. you sure you were on a VLX?????

I have really short legs. Inseam is about 26". I've sat on the VLX, Yamaha V Star 650 Custom, Suzuki Savage, Honda Rebel, and the Nighthawk. Based on seat height, the VLX should have been ok, but it wasn't, I think because it has a wider seat. The V Star wasn't too bad. I remember being comfortable on the Savage, but that was when I was looking a few years ago.


Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.

oh yeah I COMPLETLY forgot about the wide seat.

[flynrider]

I don't know why standards are not popular here like they are in Europe and Japan.

American buyers just want cruisers and sportbikes. Everytime they try to introduce a standard into the market, sales are dismal.

Kawasaki makes a nice naked standard version of the Ninja 500 for the non-U.S. market. Hard to believe that nobody would want one of these :