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I'm looking into getting my first bike (MSF in Jan) and am still entertaining a few models. I've sat on some and think I like the shadow aero the best so far. The problem is that there are not so many used ones for sale compared to other models, but I've read that the aero is a descendent of the ACE. Since I haven't been able to see an ACE at a dealer (at least yet) or sit on it I'm wondering how different the feel of it is from the aero.

If anyone can shed a little light on this matter I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm considering maybe getting an ACE, also possibly a shadow spirit as well as a V-star (haven't sat on one yet either). I ruled out the suzuki C50 and M50 though, just didn't feel right to me.

THANKS!

I thought they replaced the ACE with the Aero. both look identical except the aero has a shaft drive and a slightly smaller tank.

The Shadow Aero sits well for me. Some of the optional paint schemes are beautiful. If I was to buy a cruiser bike, it would be the Aero.

Maybe someday, but right now I'm working on getting a bike that will cover lots of highway comfortably and quickly with good fuel efficiency.

qwerty wrote:The Shadow Aero sits well for me. Some of the optional paint schemes are beautiful. If I was to buy a cruiser bike, it would be the Aero.

Maybe someday, but right now I'm working on getting a bike that will cover lots of highway comfortably and quickly with good fuel efficiency.

What do you think would be uncomfortable with the aero with a lot of highway use?

Just wondering.

Thanks

teabgs wrote:

qwerty wrote:The Shadow Aero sits well for me. Some of the optional paint schemes are beautiful. If I was to buy a cruiser bike, it would be the Aero.

Maybe someday, but right now I'm working on getting a bike that will cover lots of highway comfortably and quickly with good fuel efficiency.

What do you think would be uncomfortable with the aero with a lot of highway use?

Just wondering.

Thanks

I prefer standard ergonomics for a long distance ride, say, 600 miles in a day. Cruiser ergos hurt my back after an hour or two on the highway.

I don't really like the feel when I am on a cruiser... it feels like my lower spine is now a shock absorber. But people say kidney belts help with comfort... but im sure my lower back will still feel the impurities on the road surface.

When I ride a cruiser, I think it feels like a woman in stirrups would, waiting for a gynecological exam. When I ride a sportbike, I can't shake the feeling that humping a rabid monkey would feel about the same. Both leave me in pain after a short ride. I prefer standard ergos. Works for me. YMMV.

Nothing would be uncomfortable about the Aero on a highway. Some prefer the standard straight up riding postion, some the tank hugging of a sporty, others the laid backedness of a cruiser.

I've ridden my cruiser hundreds of miles in a day and never had any comfort problems. My old UJM standard made my "O Ring" and back hurt after an hour or 2. Never rode a sportsbike, and probably never will so I can't comment on the comfort of that riding position.

If thats what you want, get it. It will be fine.

qwerty wrote:When I ride a cruiser, I think it feels like a woman in stirrups would, waiting for a gynecological exam.

You would be very, very wrong.

Nalian wrote:

qwerty wrote:When I ride a cruiser, I think it feels like a woman in stirrups would, waiting for a gynecological exam.

You would be very, very wrong.

Hmmm? How would you know what anything feels like to me or what I imagine? You feel different, well, good for you, ride whatever you like. If you feel like you imagine a king on a throne would feel when you are riding a cruiser, well, more power to ya! Enjoy your cruiser. I surely won't tell you you would be very, very wrong. I expect the same respect in return.

Word to the wise: buy a cheap used model of the type bike you are looking for. Ride it for a while, give it some TLC, and if you really like that type bike after living with one awhile, sell it for what you paid and put that money down on a nicer model. If you find you really might prefer another type motorcycle, sell it and buy another type cheap motorcycle. Plan on going through a few learner bikes of different types before making a decision on the right bike in which to invest substantial dollars.