Honda Shadow
Aero 750
MSRP: $7299
Caretaker: Masker
Measurements:
5'5"/175 lbs/28" Inseam
Odometer: 2451
Miles Since Last Issue: 74
Modifications: Road rash
Let's get one thing clear: it wasn't me. And this time I mean it. With us road testing eight other fun bikes this month, our long-term Honda Shadow Aero didn't see much action in the last cycle. So far the new Jardine pipes have been good; we haven't noticed an increase in torque off the line but riding on the freeway is a bit smoother thanks to increased efficiency at highway speeds.
The little riding our Shadow did get this month was pretty intense, though, as you can see. One of the guinea pigs in our new rider motorcycle test (you'll see it next issue) dropped it at low speed. It taught him a valuable lesson about what not to do in a turn. It was the sort of experience many of us have when we're first starting out. We'll give you the full low-down on that incident in the main article. What's really important is that he's okay and our Honda is still ridable. It fell on the pipe side and got little doses of road rash from stem to stern plus a bent handlebar and rear brake lever.
The incident threw a kink our plans (although not as big as the one it put in our handlebars). We were going to take it in for a service next, then add an aftermarket air cleaner or swap the tires. All of that's been back-burnered in favor healing the damage. More updates on our patient will follow as it convalesces. In the meantime, we'll still be on the road, logging miles, and keeping you posted.-MM
Honda VTX 1300T
MSRP: $11,299
Caretaker: Zimmerman
Measurements:
5'10"/220 LBs/32" Inseam
Odometer: 1073
Miles since last issue: 387
Spring has finally come to New England. So me and my trusty VTX are finally on a roll, both figuratively and literally. Although I may not be setting the world on fire as far as mileage goes, I'm finally able to ride the bike on a regular basis, although it's certainly true that I'm not riding very far. Of course my daily commute involves walking from one part of the house to another.
I've also found some time to work on the bike and even bolt on a few accessories (see How-To and CR Tested). Opening up the pilot screw two turns eliminated the VTX's tendency to talk back on a closed throttle, and moderated the bike's balkiness when accelerating out of slow turns. There's still a minor hitch in the bikes giddiup, especially when the temps are below 60-degrees, but I can live with it for the time being and suspect that final cure may involve a small shim placed under the VTX's carburetor needle.
The bike is also due for its first service in the next few days. I don't expect to find any surprises, and I'll be using a new "green" oil from Kendall so you can expect some commentary on that in the very near future as well.
Being an information junkie, I've got some nice gauges coming from Motosens, and an article on installing them is in progress as we speak or read or whatever. I'm still on the prowl for a good set of driving lights. If any of you have any suggestions, as far as driving lights that is, please don't be bashful. I'm also planning to install a set of hard bags on the bike. The OEM semi-soft bags are okay, but I'm planning several long rides this year, at least one of which will be to the MotoGp in Indy, at least if everything goes according to plan, so something that's slightly more pilfer proof and has just a bit more room would certainly seem to be in order.-MZ