2008 Honda Cruiser reviews

After many, many years of fathering kids and doing the dad stuff, I opted to get back on a used 2008 Honda Shadow VT750 Aero. I used to ride waaaay back in my teens, circa 100 years ago. The thrill of getting on this machine is just too much to describe. I am the type of guy who will use this cruiser to, well, cruise. Hit the speed limit and I'm good. Wait a few extra seconds after the traffic light has turned green, and I am safe to go on. I let the crotch-rocketers zip by me. That's cool. The bike only has 7,800 miles on it! That's 7,800 miles on a 14-year-old bike! The last, and the only owner didn't ride it for two years and she put something like 560 miles a year during its life. I got the bike for a song and added some nice, black leather bags which cost me nothing. A friend just gave them to me. Cannot beat this deal. The bike is low and I feel in complete control. It's heavy enough to sustain moderate winds and happily hums at 60 mph. The gearing is a little low and you are soon into 5th by the time you hit 40 mph. The bike will let you know when to start downshifting. It's big enough to stand out in moderate traffic and I have not yet felt threatened by any tailgaters. Its also a gas-siper which is a good thing today. I believe it gets 60-70 MPG. Though, don't quote me on that. I fully recommend this bike to any other old fart, like me. It's also a nice bike to learn on. Not too big/too small. Perfect. Oh, and if you do buy this bike, don't forget a solid helmet and good quality jacket! Show less

It's a great bike with plenty of power. It has a Champion Trike kit that is great and sleek. I graded comfort down due to handle bars, but plan to get risers, and bars if needed. It's a great bike for the money instead of the 30 grand for Goldwings. If you plan to be on road trips a lot, spend the extra money. I trailer mine, then go riding. Show less

After a long illness, this bike was just the right size for me. It's a great looking bike, too. Show less

This is probably my last bike. Over the years I've had more than a few bikes, mostly Honda and mostly Cruisers. I can't say enough about Honda reliability. This bike was bought new in 2010 as a left over 2008 (saved a bunch of $). The stock seat as with most bikes was comfortable for short distance, but we went for the Mustang wide touring seat for all day comfort. This bike will go all day with her sweet spot around 80-85 mph. With accessories as noted below we have a solid touring bike with enough roll on power to pass all traffic. Show less

I just purchased this VTX1300R brand new with zero miles on it from a dealer in Virginia, and I couldn't be happier. I had been thinking about moving up from my Aero750 but was a bit hesitant. I saw this on special for $7,500 and thought I'd take the plunge. Right from the start I was impressed with the handling of the VTX1300R. Although you can feel that it is a bigger bike, the handling is very much like the Aero750. The braking is a lot more responsive with the disc rear, and there seems to be a lot more throttle left when cruising at 70+mph. My average MPGs range from 43 to just over 50 in the first 416 miles of driving. Show less

This is my 5th bike in 3 years. Had just bought a VTX1300C and in less than a month wanted the 1800. Definitely a nice muscle bike. More bang for the buck too. Has more metal chrome than plastic. Runs very smooth. Doesn't feel much more bulkier than the 900 Vulcan I had. The digital tach is cool. The hydraulic clutch is great. Linked brakes are nice. Inverted fork tubes look sweet. This one is a "keeper"! Test drove a H-D_VRod 1250. The VTX smokes it. Show less

When I first started looking for a cruiser bike I was drawn to the VStar 650's but after getting on one of them I realized they were too small for me. I had a friend suggest the 750 Shadow but thought the same thing. After going to the dealership and taking one for a test drive I was amazed. It felt great!! I've put nearly 500 miles on it since getting it and there isn't a complaint I have about it. In a few years I know I'll be moving up to a larger bike for an increase in comfort on long road trips but wouldn't mind hanging on to this Shadow 750 forever. Great job by Honda! Great job by their sales people to get me in a bike I love!! Show less

This has been a great bike. I wanted to ride it for a year before I gave the review. I have no complaints. No problems and a great ride every time. I'm getting way over 40 mpg even on short rides. It's able to cruise at 70 with no problems. Show less

Ride all the time, to work, grocery shopping, and cross country. Will stay with this bike for the rest of its lifetime. After a Honda 600, then a 750 Shadow Aero (great bike, as well!), engine size is now satisfactory for city streets and cross country. Always runs, regardless of heat, cold, rain, or fog, very reliable. She's like the other part of me. Elegant, quiet, easy to maneuver. Thanks Honda! Show less

This is my second Honda purchase - my first Honda was a 2004 - 600 Shadow which was a good starter bike after 30 years since I owned a 175cc Enduro as a kid. Moving up to this bike was so easy - loved the clean lines, very nice seating (I sat on a 880/1200 Harley - I thought I was sitting on wood board is was so uncomfortable). I've owned the Honda 1300 for 2 years - it's been extremely reliable and it's as much fun to ride today as it was on the first day I rode it. Show less