how is it going from a honda shadow to a harley?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 5,148
From: Robbm sucks
My friend has a 2002 shadow. He loved my 883 sportster because it felt tighter and had more get up and go. He hasn't tried my street bob yet, I can only imagine how much he'd like it better than the shadow.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 114
Likes: 77
From: New Hampshire
I get that this is an older thread and the original poster has long decided for himself, but it is still interesting reading.
I owned lots of Hondas from the time I was 14 (over 50 years ago!)
I went from a 94 Shadow 1100 to a 98 Dyna Wide Glide. This might be interesting to folks as the Shadow 1100 is essentially a metric version FXDWG in looks, but I found them to be VERY different bikes.
Here's how they compared in my humble opinion:
The Honda
-idles much more smoothly and without mirrors bouncing
-drinks regular gas
-is quieter running- fewer engine noises
-had 4 speed gearbox, meaning 4th never got used except on the highway over 65mph.
The Harley
-bounces at idle, but stretches out underway to a more comfortable ride
- drinks more expensive gas, but wth - maybe $25 per season.
- more engine noises, but a richer and more iron thump that makes my pulse quicken
- 5-speed gearbox, so I get to up and downshift with a satisfying roar more often, but still have a highway gear
- AND the Harley ride is MUCH more comfortable. Less felt vibration overall, better handling, better over bumps.
I owned lots of Hondas from the time I was 14 (over 50 years ago!)
I went from a 94 Shadow 1100 to a 98 Dyna Wide Glide. This might be interesting to folks as the Shadow 1100 is essentially a metric version FXDWG in looks, but I found them to be VERY different bikes.
Here's how they compared in my humble opinion:
The Honda
-idles much more smoothly and without mirrors bouncing
-drinks regular gas
-is quieter running- fewer engine noises
-had 4 speed gearbox, meaning 4th never got used except on the highway over 65mph.
The Harley
-bounces at idle, but stretches out underway to a more comfortable ride
- drinks more expensive gas, but wth - maybe $25 per season.
- more engine noises, but a richer and more iron thump that makes my pulse quicken
- 5-speed gearbox, so I get to up and downshift with a satisfying roar more often, but still have a highway gear
- AND the Harley ride is MUCH more comfortable. Less felt vibration overall, better handling, better over bumps.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,368
Likes: 1,768
From: Central Texas
well you are right Balchie, this is an old thread, but far be it from to turn down a quick reply. When I climbed off of a 78 Honda 750 and climbed on to a 2000 Harley Wide Glide it was so good that when the first ride was over I thought I was supposed to smoke a cigarette, LOL but it was really wonderful.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 114
Likes: 77
From: New Hampshire
well you are right balchie, this is an old thread, but far be it from to turn down a quick reply. When i climbed off of a 78 honda 750 and climbed on to a 2000 harley wide glide it was so good that when the first ride was over i thought i was supposed to smoke a cigarette, lol but it was really wonderful.
