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So got some money saved up and can start exploring my options. I can't really spend too much over $5,000, and obviously would like to spend less. But right now I can't decide between the Honda Rebel and the Honda Shadow.

***One big thing effecting my decision is insurance. I have 2 DUI's, will liability on a motorcycle cost a substantial amount more than it would for a car? And would it be considerably cheaper on the Rebel than the Shadow?

***I'm wanting something primarily for riding around town and cruising, but the ability to go on the occasional long distance trip appeals the hell out of me. I've heard 250cc's aren't cut out for distance and that being air cooled doesn't help either. This is the only thing stopping me from just going with the Rebel. So how long would you drive at 65-70mph non-stop on the Rebel before you'd consider it as being rough on the engine?

***I can afford a new rebel, and like the idea of getting something new, but I assume used is a better value, and if I go with the Shadow I'll have to go used, but what would you consider to be low mileage? And what steps can I take to make a low-risk decision?

***And any opinions regarding longevity between these two bike?

to the Total Motorcycle community!

$5000 is quite the budget! I would suggest going used, even if you can afford to go new, a used 1-2 year old bike is usually much better value than new and is basicly, still new.

Either would work for you, the Shadow (are you taking about the 600cc or ...?) will offer more of a relaxed ride (from the engine not having to spin as high) but it will come at the cost of insurance and gas. The 250 will be a joy as it is so easy to ride and maintain, cheap and cheerful. A 250cc you can ride for hours and not worry, you'll just have to pick your passing points with more. Both are Honda's and should last 20+ years if taken well care of.

Just liability on a bike is the cheapest option, I've had it myself on all my bikes and payed $140 or less in Canada and the UK.

I think it will come down to fit and comfort for you (both physical and mental) on what you get plus a little different in running costs. Either would make good first bikes.

Mike

Hey there. First I'm gonna be straight up with you, if you can't stop drinking and operating a motor vehicle, riding isn't for you. It takes a whole lot more concentration, balance, coordination, etc, plus you're a whole lot more exposed than in even the most complicated and least protective vehicle out there.
There's a whole lot more I could say about drinking/driving, but I'll bite my tongue.

That said, with all of what you said, I'd go with the Shadow. The Rebel just isn't cut out for highway cruising on today's high speed roads. Can it do 65? Sure. Will it like it? Not at all. A friend of mine tuned his ex-gf's Rebel so it would do 85, but that was flat out, light person on it, straight pipes (had even less torque than stock), worked carbs, and flowed heads. So the Shadow is a good beginner's bike and will handle the highway comfortably.

I rode a Rebel for a year and a half; it'll do 80 on the Interstate all day long with no issues. You just have to learn how to wind it up before shifting gears. And I'm not a light person... It's a fun little bike, very forgiving, very good as a first bike. The engine is tough and built to take the revs. The only real downside would be for longer trips you can't carry a whole lot even with saddle bags just because of the weight limitations.

But consider it carefully...you probably won't be taking long trips for a while and by the time you do you'll be itching to move up to a bigger bike.

The Shadow depends on which Shadow. The Spouse Thingy started out with a Shadow VLX (the 600cc) and he liked it, but that sucker was buzzy as all get out. The few times I rode it I hated the buzz.

The other Shadows, the 750s, are all good bikes and as long as you're not a super tiny person, they'd be fine as first bikes.

The insurance on the bigger shadows will likely be a little more--my company bases rates on engine size, at least--but those DUIs might bite you in the butt. That's something you might want to check into before buying a bike at all, make sure you're insurable on a bike.

If I were starting over, knowing what I know, I'd probably still start on the Rebel. It can't be beat for its learning potential, and it's fine for 99% of the riding you tend to do over the first couple of years.

Go with the Rebel. It'll cover all the aspects you're looking for while being lower cost to buy, own and operate. Either way, buy it used and chances are you benefit from the upgrades the other owner(s) made.

I have had a 2003 Honda Shadow spirit 750. I have owned it two years and am the third owner. I bought it with 12,000 Klm on it. The first year I put on 6,000 Klm last year I put on 12,000 Klm. I do day long rides at highway speeds and have more then enought power. I find it a very gutsey bike. I have added a lot of toys since buying it but is a Bike I intend on keeping.

Larry