Purchasing a new bike - need advice

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R3sp4wN · #1 Post by **R3sp4wN** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:44 am

I am a beginner rider and have been riding my 99 Shadow VLX since late March. This is the only bike I have ever ridden; it is 600cc. I am wanting to get something a little bigger and more suited for interstate travel, as the VLX is fairly under powered. I am looking at a 2000 Honda Shadow Sabre; it is 1100cc. Would this be a suitable upgrade for me? I am 5'9" 220 lbs and have had no problems handling the VLX. Also, is there anything about this model that I should know going into the purchase? Thanks for any information you guys can offer.

Here are some pics of the new bike:

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Television discussion

#2 Post by **Big B** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:33 am

from everything i've heard about the shadow, it's purt near bulletproof. it's a great bike, i was looking at a couple several years ago as an upgrade to my cx500, rode them, and loved them.

#3 Post by **fireguzzi** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:38 am

I doubt you would have any problems moving up.

The only experience with a shadow I had was driving the schools shadow through the parking lot. But I would doubt there are a great many problems with the model in general as it is very popular and has probably had the kinks worked out by now. The one I drove was smooth... like butta. Very manageable feel.

RhadamYgg · #4 Post by **RhadamYgg** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:31 pm

For a while I wanted the Shadow Sabre. It is a good looking bike, with wheels instead of spoke rims.

They don't make them new anymore, I don't think it would be too difficult to find a new one that is a leftover. I think that model ended in 2007?

RhadamYgg

XB08 · #5 Post by **XB08** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:38 pm

I only had little things that went wrong on the Honda I owned. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

drifter_144 · #6 Post by **drifter_144** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:48 pm

i had a 600 myself and found the same thing. being only a 4 speed trans and 600. your left a little short on major highways. around town and 2 lane hwy's the 600 is awesome.
honda makes a solid product and i'm sure you'll find a lot more enjoyable ride with the 1100 and have the cruising power with no problem.
nice looking bike by the way
you'll enjoy it and have a great riding season

R3sp4wN · #7 Post by **R3sp4wN** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 12:34 am

I bought it! Man, it handles like a dream. It seems much easier to handle than the VLX. It is just alot wider, so I am having to get used to that.

drifter_144 · #8 Post by **drifter_144** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 7:28 am

congradulations on getting your bike, you'll find a big difference especially cruising on the highway. where the 600 was struggling. your 1100 will just hummmmmmmm along.
enjoy and have fun. ride safe

#9 Post by **Big B** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 9:00 am

congrats on the new ride!

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Purchasing a new bike - need advice

Purchasing a new bike - need advice

Hondas

nice update