Honda Shadow 125....

[Girly Blue Eyes]

Hi I'm going to be doing my cbt soon and I'm considering a Honda shadow125. Can any one tell me their opinions of them and if they are any good for short riders thank you.

[Taught2BCauti...]

Mechanically, they have a good reputation, and the engine and gearbox are the same as the Varadero 125.

Whilst they are suitable for the vertically challenged rider, Cruisers in general are not considered best-suited for CBT-fresh riders, or for training towards your Mod1, as they are less manouverable through the cones.

I have never heard of a riding school that uses Cruisers for tuition.
____________________
Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu

[Doddmaster]

Great little bikes. Honda build quality makes them better than most 125s out there, and they have a low seat height for shorter riders.

It would be fine for your CBT. I did my test on my 125 Chinese cruiser, it was far easier to ride than the spindley CG125s that were on offer

[Rogerborg]

[Wednesday Biker]

Trouble with the cruiser 125s is they usually seem to be much slower than the likes of the ybr or varadero, which aren't exactly fast anyway.
I like the look of them but you could probably do the DAS and buy a bigger bike for what a shadow would cost.
Theres nothing wrong with doing some time on a 125 and if you do want one the shadow would be a nice bike I'm sure but if you have any thoughts about doing the test within the next 12 months I'd probably not bother with one.

[talkToTheHat]

The shadow is probably the best of the 125 cruiserettes, as mentioned the varadero engine is strong and right up there on the horespower limit.

It does depend on how long you intend to keep it. If you are under 19 and might have it for a while it's a top choice. If it's something to mess around on whilst you do your a2 or a licence, dont spend too much. A suzuki gz or yamaha ybr custom can be found for much less and are cheaper to run and come in at about 12 horses.

I was 27 and about 90kg when i got my first gz. Was on 125s for just over a year, loads of fun but a few months in they were a reason to get a bigger bike. I have short legs and knees that dont bend well so i was much more comfortable on a GZ than a YBR or chineese equivalent. Now im confident i dont mind riding taller bikes and find sportier bikes more comfortable although they require more thinking around town.
____________________
Bandit. does. everything.

[EazyDuz]

Cruisers while a little more tricky are fine to take tests on. I did, and passed first time.
For some reason the Shadow holds its value a lot more than any other 125 cruiser, i dont know why because to this day i think they still use carbs
____________________
To shreds you say? Tss tss tss

[struan80]

I had one for my first ever bike, briefly (did DAS quick), was ok, looks bigger than a 125. It has lots of shiny parts that rust easily if not cared for. It's a V twin.

My mate has a Varadero with the same engine, that would be easier to learn slow speed stuff on.

Shadow was good for me being short as a beginner.

Shadow is sexy and I got more than I paid for it when I traded it in, holds price if looked after for nil loss, Same with Varadero and any other cared for older regarded 125 that it seems.

[Taught2BCauti...]

The last one's were made in 2007, and sold in 2008, but good examples still fetch £2,500 plus.

They never did a PGM-Fi version though
____________________
Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu

[talkToTheHat]

Learn to U-Turn a Shadow or a GZ in your 7 metres, and nevery worry again. Turning circles are large. It's only a problem if you are prone to getting lost down narrow lanes.

That said I'd rather U-turn a bike I could get a foot down with room to spare thant a bike i was on tiptoe should I encounter anoter 1:3 descent on damp cobblestones strewn with hedge trimmings.
____________________
Bandit. does. everything.

[stevo as b4]

From the ones I've seen they look almost as well put together and as nice as the Shadow 750, which is a really good bike and nicely finished too compared to nearly everything else in class.

You cannot argue with depreciation proof or appreciating 125's, it has a bit of style unlike the thrown together Chinq cheap imports, (not so cheap).

I like that little 14.6bhp V-twin motor it sounds nice and though it's high revving nature is not typical of the nasty shuddery big block cruisers, it also won't leave all your clothes stinking of a pre 2001 GP Paddock.

[northernsky]

I have a shadow 125.

the only bike I've ever owned. its perfect for smaller riders.
the build quality is very good and as mentioned probably the best of the 125 cruisers.

takes time to get used to turning at lower speeds, but it was good for me as when I got on a normal bike you could turn no bother at low speeds.

I did not do my CBT on it and wouldn't want to (I used instructors bike) figure of 8s etc are difficult.

they look great too.

[Ste]