2009 Honda Shadow Aero Review

Exterior

2009 Honda Shadow Aero

Ever since the Honda 750 ACE turned into Honda 750 Aero, the fairly small cruising machine didn’t feature any redesigns or visual changes despite the different color schemes that were added on or removed from through the years.

But the 2009 model year is definitely visually attractive not only for those who are into cruising, but for most people that see it ride down the highway. The deep, valanced fenders covering the 17- front respectively 15-inch rear standard spoked wheels initiate a bold style which reminds us of old school motorcycles, but the refined curves and the attention to detail ca only stand for modernity. Things are the same in the case of the 3.7 gallons tank. It features flawless lines, giving the idea of continuity as well as the “Shadow” writing on the sides.

Underneath the gas tank is what “makes” this Honda a Shadow, the 50-degree V-Twin engine that looks as good covered in chrome as it runs. Like in the case of the V Star 650, the Honda features two-into-one exhaust on the right side of the rider. Chromed, low positioned and nicely shaped, the exhaust enhances that V-Twin idea, but so is the shaft final drive on right side of the rider.

The seat is only 25.9 inches from the ground and it barely finds enough space between the gas tank and that stumpy rear fender, but that’s also what gives it the nice curved shape.

All classic cruisers feature plenty of chrome and the Shadow Aero gives the tone in Honda’s lineup. With chromed cylinder-head cover, air-cleaner cover, left and right engine sidecovers, brake and clutch lever brackets, rear brake pedal, shift lever, swingarm pivot cap, ignition ignition switch cover, handlebar, rear shock covers and headlight, what this bike really needed were some stand out color schemes. So it got those Metallic Titanium/White, Pearl Blue/Metallic Silver, Black/Snakeskin Pattern, Candy Dark Red, Black color schemes that stand as alternatives both for the demanding or the detained of you out there.

Test Drive

2007 Honda Shadow Aero

Getting a feel of a middleweight cruiser can only turn into an enjoyable experience especially when benefiting of Honda quality, comfort and reliability. So from the very first turn key, a little bit of choke fun and push button starting, the bike indicates it is there to respond and provide you with the best of a 52-degree 750 cc V-Twin engine. As it is carbureted, the engine provides a nostalgic sound for a trained ear and a curious, but definitely pleasurable one, for those who just turn into motorcycling.

Swing a leg over it and you’ll be introduced to a spacious, comfortable and low (less than 26 inches from the ground) seat on top of which you’ll be capable of emptying more than a few tanks of gas in a single day. And did I mention that a tank of gas will easily take you for around 140 miles? Now that’s comfort! The handlebars are pulled back at the rider, meaning that you won’t be stretching both your back and your hands as you ride, but the front positioned footpegs do require a little bit of stretching in the case of average sized riders.

Acceleration is emphatic mostly in first and second gears as the engine is tuned to deliver the best of it in the low-and-mid rpm range. This, together with the low seat makes it great for beginners and for those who plan to use it as a commuting mean. The wide-ratio gearbox shifts nice and precise, but the bike still doesn’t lose that healthy first gear cluck.

Properly accommodated and relying on a purring V-Twin engine, off I went for the highway. On my way there, I’ve come to realize that despite the bike’s 553 pounds, the handling is easy and responsive (mostly because of a very low center of gravity) making the easiest thing out of filtering cars and parking lot maneuvers.

2009 Honda Shadow Aero

Rev that engine healthier and you’ll be introduced to a fair share of vibrations which don’t manage to become annoying until you go above 60 mph. And the bike has no problems reaching speeds of approximately 100 mph, but the idea of cruising kept me well under that figure. Still, it feels stable and reassuring, like most cruisers do and the suspensions soak up any eventual bumps in the road with great easy. Still, when doing 50 mph with a passenger on my back, I felt the suspensions reaching their limits on a bumpier road. That’s never enjoyable, but I’m sure it wouldn’t have happened if I would have ridden alone on that portion of the road.

Wind protection isn’t something we can talk about as the rider also plays the role of both fairing and windshield so…

But braking is and the 296mm front disc with twin piston caliper is alone efficient before cornering or when slowing down, but if needed to come to a complete stop, the rear 180 mm drum makes an entry and pulling both levers hard results into some serious front fork compression and 0 mph on the speedometer.

Price

The whole idea of this cruiser category is to offer motorcycles that don’t need to be replaced for a few years as they are still very pleasurable after learning to ride on them at a very affordable price. In this case, the $6,999 MSRP situates the 2009 Honda Shadow Aero in between the V Star 250 and the Suzuki Boulevard C50.

Conclusion

Going for its third decade even though having undergone some serious changes during the years and many are claiming it started to rewrite its history back in 2004, the Honda Shadow Aero is simply an impressive balance between performance, style and price, but don’t be surprised when people will be supposing you’ve paid that amount and half more on it. That is what I like to call “the Shadow effect”.

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