Honda Shadow RS vs. HD Sportster 883
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
Honda Shadow RS vs. HD Sportster 883
While surfing the web I ran across a couple articles on a new bike that Honda has developed called the Shadow RS. Being a motorcycle enthusiast, I clicked on the links and read about this new bike. I must say, judging from the photos Honda has developed a really nice classic looking Standard.
In looking at the photos, it's clear to see that Honda clearly relied on the Sportster for it's design influence, because their new bike has many similiarites to the Sportster. Not surprising, HD's are the most copied motorcycles in the world. You can judge for yourself by viewing the links below. Anyway I was reading the specs on the bike....750cc, fuel injection, etc, etc. Then I came to the price....$7799. WHAT! Are you kidding me? A Sportster 883 Low starts at $6999. I thought to myself, "what are they thinking?" The Sportster is the genuine article, not some look alike and it's $700. cheaper. Not to mention the Sportster has a bigger engine (883 vs. 750).
I'm not in a market for another bike at the moment, but if I was I certainly wouldn't pay more for a Honda when I could have a Harley for less. That's just nuts! Of all the Sportster models, my favorite would have to be the Iron 883 which sells for $7999. Again not that it matters, because I'm not in the market but seriously who does Honda think their foolin'?
What do you think?
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...ow_rs%2010.htm
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/623/50...irst-Look.aspx
In looking at the photos, it's clear to see that Honda clearly relied on the Sportster for it's design influence, because their new bike has many similiarites to the Sportster. Not surprising, HD's are the most copied motorcycles in the world. You can judge for yourself by viewing the links below. Anyway I was reading the specs on the bike....750cc, fuel injection, etc, etc. Then I came to the price....$7799. WHAT! Are you kidding me? A Sportster 883 Low starts at $6999. I thought to myself, "what are they thinking?" The Sportster is the genuine article, not some look alike and it's $700. cheaper. Not to mention the Sportster has a bigger engine (883 vs. 750).
I'm not in a market for another bike at the moment, but if I was I certainly wouldn't pay more for a Honda when I could have a Harley for less. That's just nuts! Of all the Sportster models, my favorite would have to be the Iron 883 which sells for $7999. Again not that it matters, because I'm not in the market but seriously who does Honda think their foolin'?
What do you think?
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...ow_rs%2010.htm
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/623/50...irst-Look.aspx
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
It's not a bad looking bike. It's copied right off the Sportster after all! 
Being a Honda, I'm sure it'll run good, maybe better than the Sportster in spite of it's displacement disadvantage. At least that wouldn't surprise me but it's yet to be proven. We'll see! It'll probably be dirt reliable for way longer than most people will ever keep it, but as you said, with a smaller engine and $700 (actually $800!) higher price, what would be the point.
As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
To each their own!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Being a Honda, I'm sure it'll run good, maybe better than the Sportster in spite of it's displacement disadvantage. At least that wouldn't surprise me but it's yet to be proven. We'll see! It'll probably be dirt reliable for way longer than most people will ever keep it, but as you said, with a smaller engine and $700 (actually $800!) higher price, what would be the point.
As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
To each their own!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
I think there are a lot of "non-Harley" riders out there with the impression that Harley=$$$$, where Japanese bikes give more bang for less bucks. While the argument is accurate to a point, it isn't true across the entire Harley lineup, and the Sportster being the best example.
Honda's likely betting on the fact that the vast majority of buyers in the market for a smallish cruiser will do little or no research on what is available in their price range, and simply start shopping with what is advertised the most. Honda has always been pretty aggressive in their marketing, and they sell a lot of cars and bikes because of it.
Would I change to a Honda from a Sportster? NO. They're great bikes; I've owned a bunch of them over the years, and the longest trip I've ever made on a bike was on a Honda 750 (circumnavigated the continental US and most of the rideable coastlines of Canada). Even if the Honda was priced $700 LESS than the sportster, I wouldn't trade. But; there are probably more die-hard Honda owners than there are Harley owners, and they will sell them, and they will sell a lot of them. Nature of the beast
Honda's likely betting on the fact that the vast majority of buyers in the market for a smallish cruiser will do little or no research on what is available in their price range, and simply start shopping with what is advertised the most. Honda has always been pretty aggressive in their marketing, and they sell a lot of cars and bikes because of it.
Would I change to a Honda from a Sportster? NO. They're great bikes; I've owned a bunch of them over the years, and the longest trip I've ever made on a bike was on a Honda 750 (circumnavigated the continental US and most of the rideable coastlines of Canada). Even if the Honda was priced $700 LESS than the sportster, I wouldn't trade. But; there are probably more die-hard Honda owners than there are Harley owners, and they will sell them, and they will sell a lot of them. Nature of the beast
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 709
Likes: 0
the shadow
I've had two Hondas over the years that I bought new and sold them both for almost as much as I paid for them. Never one bit of trouble. Mainly I'd put gas in them and ride. If you like wrenchin' don't get a Honda.
I ride an '09 fxd and I'm thinking about a second inexpensive bike to mess around on and keep at our weekend getaway place. I've been looking hard at that Honda Phantom 750. Design wise it kinda looks like a Bobber in ALOT of ways and I like it.
Honda has an ad on the internet...a clip where there designers talk about what americans want and how their design team has worked to supply it. They use the word....Bobber. Honda's got a chopper now, too.
Honda's gonna get that market and in a way it's a shame. Take a look at what Succer Punch Sally's is putting out...Killer designs, great bikes but on the expensive side...
I ride an '09 fxd and I'm thinking about a second inexpensive bike to mess around on and keep at our weekend getaway place. I've been looking hard at that Honda Phantom 750. Design wise it kinda looks like a Bobber in ALOT of ways and I like it.
Honda has an ad on the internet...a clip where there designers talk about what americans want and how their design team has worked to supply it. They use the word....Bobber. Honda's got a chopper now, too.
Honda's gonna get that market and in a way it's a shame. Take a look at what Succer Punch Sally's is putting out...Killer designs, great bikes but on the expensive side...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,528
Likes: 606
From: Raleigh NC
The 750 Honda V Twin, has been around for several years.... dead solid reliable powerplant.... The 750 Spirit, has been compared to the 883 for at least the past 7 years.... and face it... the 750 was made in the 883's image....
Now Honda, has gotten this bug up their ****, and boosted the price to, and in this case BEYOND the price of the competition..... dunno WHAT they are thinking over there.
Yamaha (star)came out with a nice bike the Raider... @1700 cc, and it's a DARN good bike... Honda counters with the Fury...1300 cc for the same price.
Now Honda, has gotten this bug up their ****, and boosted the price to, and in this case BEYOND the price of the competition..... dunno WHAT they are thinking over there.
Yamaha (star)came out with a nice bike the Raider... @1700 cc, and it's a DARN good bike... Honda counters with the Fury...1300 cc for the same price.
Last edited by skootchnc; Dec 16, 2009 at 02:42 PM. Reason: spelling
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,071
Likes: 89
From: NEPA
Dead ringer for a sportser!!! Honda makes a nice machine, they're just not for me.
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