how is it going from a honda shadow to a harley?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,594
Likes: 178
From: east texas
oh man your response makes me even more excited to try a harley for a big time! im so excited and counting the days till i get to ride a few hehhe 
i know what u mean on the slow speed and balance,i can ride at very slow speeds pretty well but sometimes it feels like my honda shadow spirit cant lol,another question for all you guys how is it going from an 540 pound bike to a 730 pound bike? thats how much my spirit weighs and also how much my future bike the fatboy lo weighs 
i know what u mean on the slow speed and balance,i can ride at very slow speeds pretty well but sometimes it feels like my honda shadow spirit cant lol,another question for all you guys how is it going from an 540 pound bike to a 730 pound bike? thats how much my spirit weighs and also how much my future bike the fatboy lo weighs the weight depends on where it is , I/E a sportster is harder to hold
off/ balance than a softail...
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario
i currently ride a 2009 honda shadow spirit,i been riding for about a year,i am planning on getting a 2012 harley davidson fatboy lo by the end of this year but anyway this saturday im going to a harley davidson demo day and plan to ride as many bikes as i can,just wondering how it will feel going from a 750cc to a 1690cc? im very stoked and cant wait,i am an everyday freeway commuter, just wanted to hear your guys experiences from going from a 750 to a harley for those of you that did this as well,just trying to see what im in for
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 117
Likes: 2
From: Canada
Went from a Honda Shadow to an Intruder 1500, then to a Fatty.
Easy transition.
The Fatty handles much better than the Intruder 1500, but, In my opinion, Isnt quite as nimble as the Shadow........Way COOLER though! LOL
Easy transition.
The Fatty handles much better than the Intruder 1500, but, In my opinion, Isnt quite as nimble as the Shadow........Way COOLER though! LOL
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 292
From: Pennsylvania
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,320
Likes: 3,860
From: Upstate New York
As the salesman said, "the bigger the bike, the bigger the ride." Yes, I know, salesmen and all, but, in this case, he was right.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 226
From: W PA
I currently own essentially both ......... 07 Honda Shadow Spirit (wife's ride) and a 07 HD Fatboy (wife's ride in waiting, couldn't pass on the deal). Both are opened up (Stage 1 equivalents, both purchased as such). I've ridden both about the same amount which is probably 200 miles on each, this is what I can convey in my experience.
- The FB feels significantly heavier
- I'm not sure you can sit "in" a motorcycle more than the Shadow Spirit at 24" off the ground, I'd think it would be a great ride for someone of shorter stature
- The Spirit is a cramped ride for anyone over 6'
- The HD runs significantly better obviously, most that ride this FB can't believe how much better it runs from stock.
- I can do low speed maneuvers much better on the HD. Not sure why, may be the low seat and larger circumference tire on the Spirit.
- Vibration at 60 mph is greater on the Honda surprisingly
- Shifting is much smoother on the Shadow, again obvious observation
- I'm sure they have the 1st gear ratio a bit better on the 12 but this 07 is just a bit high, the main reason I'm making the wife get more road time before putting her on it.
- The HD is a smoother ride across all spectrum's except for handling in the 20-35 mph speed range, The weight and gear ratios sorta ruin it.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 145
Likes: 7
From: Houston
I went from a Honda Shadow Aero to a Road King. The biggest differences I notices were obviously the weight (almost 400lbs more), that highway speeds are MUCH more comfortable (the Shadow buzed and vibrated like an angry bee at 65+) and how much less the wind affects the heaver bike. The honda really was more fun on twistier roads because it was lighter and more nimble.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,588
Likes: 328
From: Florida
Don't think I've ever seen a Fatboy with dual disk brakes on it.
