Known problems
Harsh rear ride over bumps
low concern2004 Aero, 2007 Spirit and likely other bikes with the same shocks
Rider's 2004 Aero test said limited rear travel sent harsh jolts through the seat on choppy pavement. Rider's 2007 Spirit test found the suspension compliant but said big freeway potholes bounced the tester out of the seat. Some owner reviews on Motorcycle.com's 2009 Spirit page also mention bouncing at highway speeds. This is a riding trait, not a defect. We did not confirm how common it is on later bikes.
Ask or check: Test ride over rough pavement and at highway speed. Look for oil on the shock bodies, and check that the preload setting is the same on both shocks.
Sources: Rider archive: 2004 Honda Shadow Aero review , Rider: 2007 Shadow Spirit 750 C2 road test , Motorcycle.com: 2009 Shadow Spirit 750 (owner reviews)
Limited cornering clearance
low concern2004 Aero, 2007 Spirit, 2010 Phantom
Rider's tests of these models all noted footpegs that touch down early. For the 2010 Phantom it measured about 8.5 inches from the pegs to the pavement. Scraped peg feelers or pegs are normal wear, not damage. This only matters if you ride hard.
Ask or check: Look at the underside of the footpegs and exhaust for heavy scraping, which can point to hard riding or a dropped bike.
Sources: Rider archive: 2004 Honda Shadow Aero review , Rider: 2007 Shadow Spirit 750 C2 road test , Rider: 2010 Shadow Phantom 750 road test
What to check on a Shadow 750
- Find out which version it is. The ACE and the early Spirit have chain final drive, per Wikipedia. The Aero and later Spirit use a shaft.
- On a chain-drive ACE or early Spirit, inspect the chain and sprockets for tight spots, rust and worn teeth.
- On a shaft-drive bike, ask when the final drive oil was last changed and look for oil leaking at the rear wheel.
- Carbureted models that sat unused may run rough or hesitate. Ask when the carburetors were last cleaned and how long it sat.
- Check the charging system with a voltmeter if you can. Some owners report stator and regulator trouble, but we did not confirm how common it is.
- Look at the fuel tank and the pegs for signs of a drop. These bikes are heavy and often belong to newer riders.
- Check the rear shocks for leaks and the fork seals for oil.
- On a 2010 or 2011 bike, ask whether the bank angle sensor recall was done.
- Confirm the fuel system: Phantoms are fuel injected, and Aero and Spirit models changed to fuel injection later. Match the VIN and title year to the bike.
- Test both brakes. These models use a single front disc and a rear drum, so expect the rear to feel less sharp than a disc.
Do these on top of the standard walkaround. The free kit has the full list. Want a pro to look it over? Find a local shop.
Safety recalls
Recalls are fixed free by a dealer, but only if someone took the bike in. Ask the seller for proof, or have a dealer check the VIN. You can also check a VIN yourself at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2014 to 2015 relay #15V439000
NHTSA lists this for: VT750. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 ST1300PA, 2014-2015 CB500, CBR500, CRF250L, CBR650, CTX700, NSS300, VT750, VT1300, 2015 CB300F, CBR300, CBR600, and 2014-2016 NC700 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, sealant may have been incorrectly applied to the starter relay switch, and as a result, the electrical system may have a loss of power.
Risk: A loss of electrical power may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace any affected starter relay switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JS9 and JT0.
2010 to 2011 electrical system #11V310000
NHTSA lists this for: VT750. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 VT750 MOTORCYCLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 25, 2009, TO MARCH 28, 2011. THE BANK ANGLE SENSOR MAY BE INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED CREATING THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ERRONEOUS READING WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL.
Risk: AN ENGINE STALL, WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS BEING OPERATED, MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: HONDA WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED BANK ANGLE SENSORS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 27, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA MOTORCYCLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.
2010 to 2016 wiring #15V874000
NHTSA lists this for: VT750. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 VT750CA, VT750C2 and VT750C2F, 2011-2016 VT750C, 2013-2016 VT750CS, 2010-2016 VT750C2B and 2013-2014 VT750C2S motorcycles. Engine vibration may cause the bank angle sensor wire to rub on the wire harness joint connector, resulting in a loss of the sensor signal.
Risk: Without the bank angle sensor signal, the engine may stall while riding, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the joint connector and replace the bank angle sensor, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2016. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JW7.
2007 owners/service/other manual #06V270000
NHTSA lists this for: VT750, VT750DC. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
Risk: THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
Fix: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.
2007 to 2008 delivery #08V141000
NHTSA lists this for: VT750. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
HONDA IS RECALLING 38,934 MY 2006-2007 VT600 AND MY 2007-2008 VT750 AND VTX1300 MOTORCYCLES. THE MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM AND THE FUEL VALVE MAY DRIP FUEL.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, DRIPPING FUEL POSES THE RISK OF FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 22, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
2006 switch #05V562000
NHTSA lists this for: VT750C. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, A DAMAGED CONNECTOR IN THE HANDLEBAR MOUNTED HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY FAIL.
Risk: IF RIDING AT NIGHT, THE SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW LEFT AND RIGHT HANDLE SWITCH ASSEMBLIES WITH UNDAMAGED CONNECTORS FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER TO OWNERS WAS MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2005. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
NHTSA data fetched 2026-11-06.
Is it a good first bike?
Seat heights around 26 inches, a smooth and mellow engine, and simple controls make it a friendly learner. It is heavy, so practice slow-speed handling and picking it up.
Generations
Shadow ACE (American Classic Edition)
About 1998 to 2003
Carbureted 52-degree V-twin with chain final drive, per Wikipedia. Sold in ACE and ACE Deluxe trims. Dates vary by source, so check the model year on the title.
Shadow Spirit (VT750DC)
2001 to 2007, with 2004 skipped
Bobbed, hot-rod style cruiser. Chain final drive and dual carburetors, per Wikipedia. Dates come from one source, so confirm the year of a specific bike.
Shadow Aero
2004 onward
Retro look with valanced fenders. Rider says the 2004 redesign switched from chain to shaft drive. Wet weight was 553 pounds and seat height 25.9 inches.
Shadow Spirit (VT750C2)
2007 onward
Rider says the 2007 Spirit has a new frame, a 21-inch front wheel, shaft drive and a 25.7-inch seat. Still on sale for 2010.
Shadow Phantom
2010 onward
Rider called it the first fuel-injected 745cc V-twin in the Shadow family. Blacked-out bobber styling, shaft drive and a 25.7-inch seat. Later Aero and Spirit models also gained fuel injection, but we did not confirm the exact years.
Shadow RS
2010 to 2013
Wikipedia lists a chain-drive, fuel-injected RS in this period. We did not find a review to confirm the details.