2003 Honda Shadow Sabre Cruiser reviews

This was my fifth bike - I bought this bike used with only 5,000 miles. I have had no major repairs and I've taken road trips yearly. This bike is great in city commuting as well as at home on the open road. I love the balance and the power-to-weight combination. So now with 37,000 miles, I'm looking to finally trade up to a "used 2008 VTX1800" and my son will enjoy my old and still very clean VT1100. Show less

As a new rider, I was originally looking at the Shadow 600. Thinking that was too small, I then checked out the 750 and was one day away from buying the Spirit 750 when I saw the Sabre for sale. My first thought was that an 1100 would be too much bike for a new rider. It just ain't so. The Sabre takes care of you and eases you into motorcycling in a very nice way. I use it mostly as a commuter but I really look forward to weekend rides. It's got it all really. Plenty of power without throwing you off the bike. It's fairly comfortable, stops with no problem, handles easy and it gets admiring nods from other riders. The shifting is a little clunky...mostly downshifting from 2nd to 1st. It's also a little cold-blooded. You'll need to warm it up. No maintenance problems so far. Honda got it right with this bike. Show less

I traded a 750 ACE in on this "Kick Butt" Black Sabre and I wish I had purchased it to begin with. I really like the handling and the smooth acceleration. The factory exhaust had to go, it sounded like an old VW Bug .. My DG Hard Khromes made a real difference as well as the VH jet kit. I have made a lot of mid distance trips on it and am heading for a full ride to Sturgis this year .. I have upgraded to the Mustang tourer seat for this one.. numb butt no more.. Show less

I bought my 2003 Shadow Sabre used from a dealer and can't say enough about it. I get asked all the time about the paint job and overall looks of the bike. I hope to soon change the exhaust and give it a little more throaty sound though. I felt very comfortable with this bike from the first time I sat on it. Show less

I bought my '03 Shadow Sabre 1100 in Dec. 2002. My first reaction was how the seat was positioned. It sat a little higher than my Shadow 750 Spirit. But, in time I got used to it. The stock pipes were horrible and were replaced with Cobras the first week. I have since changed out the wide slung handlebars for drag bars (from the 750 Spirit) and added some chrome features. However, I see a lot of Sabres that are over done with accessories. I prefer a nice clean look without a lot of added accessories. This is a sport bike....not a big cruiser. So, before adding a windshield, saddle bags, back rest and a lot of unnecessary stuff.....take a look at how clean the bike looks without it all. Show less

Just bought my 2004 Honda Shadow Sabre and I love it. The more I ride it the more I love it. I put a set of Hard Krome pipes on it and it feels like I gained 30% more HP. The bike pulls very hard in every gear. The Sabre has great build quality and looks great too. To sum this bike up, it is the best bang for the buck. Show less

The Sabre isn't the fastest bike in the world but it will do a solid 115mph! I pretty much had the throttle pegged. This bike feels its best at 80mph all day long. The gears ratios are pretty forgiving. The bike feels light when you're going down the road. A good buy for the money. It leans well and accelerates nicely. Show less

I bought this bike in the fall of 03 from a local Honda dealer after 20 years between bikes. Had to wait 4+ weeks for delivery. The frame underside had some visible rust, which I sanded & painted. The seat is bad. Replaced with a Mustang seat in which is great. Noticeable improvement thru-out the power curve with a Cobra jet kit, K&N air filter & Cobra lo boy staggered pipes - like a whole new bike. A lot louder now, but sounds like a motorcycle instead of a lawn mower. Original pipes are also heavy. Speedo reads 80 when going 74 (damn lawyers). It is a great overall bike and fun in the curves. Bigger tank would be nice - about 34 - 36 mpg provides 150 mile range. Right foot can't fit the peg without hitting the rear brake lever. Cool paint scheme -everyone asks who painted it. Almost time for a new rear tire. Show less

This bike is a great looking cruiser, simple but elegant lines. Excellent on road handling, you can even see in the mirrors at any speed. Performance is good but will not rip your head off. The bike is very well balanced and easy to handle in the parking lot. I had not ridden for almost 15 years and this bike was like putting on an old shoe. I have added a lot of chrome, exhaust, etc. The bike will never sound like a HD but it can be made to sound very good with Cobras or V&H and then wrap the baffles with S/S wool and that stopped that blarty sound, a much deeper rumble now. I'm very happy with this bike, yes a few more HP would be good but isn't it the human thing to always want more. Show less

I am a short big guy and I am very happy with my sabre. Lots of power and torque it will run with the other big bikes, my Sabre seems to like to cruise at 70-80 mph with no problem. Even with a twist of the throttle at 80 mph it gets up and goes. The only thing I changed is the seat, had memory foam and gel pad put in seat. I get a few comments on the bike every one likes it. Show less