The Honda Shadow Phantom is one of Honda's most successful bikes. It seems to have a winning design and level of efficiency that not only make it optimal for first-time riders, but also make it unchanged for several years in a row. With appeal to both people favoring old-school bikes and people who enjoy modern cruisers, the bike can be found for roughly $7,900 new and $2,000 used. It has several accessories for riders who want room for passengers or for cargo space, and it's known for its blacked-out matte look. Other Honda bikes, such as the Fury, were often overlooked in favor of the Shadow Phantom.
Read on to find out more about the Shadow Phantom before deciding if purchasing one is a practical decision.
Little To No Changes With Latest Model
Honda has opted not to mess with success with the latest model of the Shadow Phantom. Minimal changes have been implemented this year, if that, and for good reason, as there have been no outstanding concerns or problems with the preceding years' models.
The $7,899 price tag and color selection of black or matte pearl white even carry over from the 2019 model. The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected V-twin engine displaces 745cc and the bike takes cues from a “bobber-inspired style” to try and operated smoothly. The wheels are wire-spoked and the tires are fat, and the engine is known to perform reliably and run smoothly, justifying Honda's decision to not significantly alter the Honda Shadow Phantom for 2020.
In fact, it's been years since the Shadow Phantom's last major change, suggesting that Honda struck a winning formula for their bike some time ago. Both the front and rear of the Shadow Phantom have single brake discs. It also has a five-speed transmission to smooth transitions between gears, and the seat is a little lower than most bikes.
However, the 41mm absorbs any shock from bumps on the front end, and speaking of shock, the rear suspension is dual-shock and showcases five-position spring preload adjustability. It has a 64.6-inch wheelbase with a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons. Among the bike's advanced technology is a fuel injection system, which helps give the bike solid operations while riding through the rev range.
Its fanbase? People who want both an old-school look and a modern cruiser.
Optimal For Beginners
Honda is known for making good beginner bikes, such as the Rebel 500. And bikes like that have a reputation that justifies a new model in the following year. The Shadow Phantom follows that trend, as it is also considered a solid beginner motorcycle.
It's easily controlled and doesn't overwhelm the rider with excess force. Its 45 horsepower and 46.5 lb-ft of torque gives the rider a decent amount of power, but not an overwhelming amount of power.
The Shadow Phantom is also a lightweight bike, which, while heavy, isn't quite as heavy as a “standard” bike would be. The wheelbase length is also suitable for beginners, as wheelbases with car length are hardly optimal for first-time riders. Further, a low center of gravity for the rider gives the bike an easier time when it comes to handling.
The seat is also low, which helps the rider get into a comfortable seating position less likely to cause strain or damage to wrists or back. The low seat height also helps contribute to safety, as it means riders can flat foot a motorcycle at a stoplight and safely stop. Price is also user-friendly, as while a new one retains the aforementioned price tag, a used model only costs around $2,000.
Blackout Mode
Black is key through aesthetics and design. The 2020 Honda Shadow Phantom decided to forego chrome and color in favor of smooth black accents and trim, as evidenced by spoked wheels, black rims, bobbed fenders, matte black accents. With this bike, even the engine is black. That 745cc V-twin engine powering the Shadow Phantom received the same treatment as the rest of the bike did. The bike also features a 120/90-17 front tire and 160/80-15 rear tire to complement the spoked black wheels and hubcaps. The finish is considered blacked-out and matte at the same time.
Specs & Stats
The Honda Shadow Phantom showcases twin shocks, a drum rear brake, and non-adjustable suspension. While mainly meant for city driving, the engine is powerful enough to support a highway trip. It has a 9.6:1 compression ratio, two spark plugs for each of its cylinders, and a 64.6-inch wheelbase.
The seat is only 25.8 inches from the ground, and the bike has a curb weight of 549 pounds. Fuel economy is approximately 56 mpg, and the bike's design emphasizes its minimalist front fender and bobber-style handlebar shape. The Honda Shadow Phantom can also carry a passenger while sporting extra cargo space with its massive saddlebags.
Featured accessories include tall or low backrests, a custom rider seat, a solo rider rear carrier, saddlebag supports, a touring bag, and mounting brackets. While the Shadow Phantom is advertised as lightweight, it's still heavier than the Ninja models or any entry-level dual-sport offerings.
Sources: cycleworld.com, motorsocietyusa.com, hbhonda.com, webbikeworld.com, ultimatemotorcycling.com, hondanews.com,