Shadow Spirit 750 - 2007 or newer if I'm not mistaken?
I'd like to read a ride comparison/impressions between this and the hawk if you feel like indulging me(us).
I can do that! It's a 2007 Shadow Spirit C2 (the C2 designation indicates shaft drive). I actually rode my Nighthawk and the Shadow back-to-back yesterday, so I can offer a review...
The difference between the two bikes is like night and day! Although both bikes deliver more than adequate power (the Nighthawk is quicker), the way they deliver the power is totally different. The Nighthawk comes on step at 5000 rpm and only increases in power up to the redline. It is an undeniably quick bike. On the other hand, the Shadow has gobs of torque that it delivers practically from idle. Just open the throttle and feel the torque. It's great for cruising the Hill Country backroads, but not as good trying to pass on the freeway. But since the power is delivered down so low in the rpm range, it's easy to bounce off the rev limiter (which I did twice yesterday). Note the Shadow doesn't have a tach, but the rev limiter will keep that engine from eating itself. We'll call this one a tie since they almost can't be compared.
Ride Quality. The two bikes are again totally different. The Nighthawk definitely lets you know what kind of surface you're riding over, while the Shadow has a more floaty, comfortable ride. The shaft drive is also a big plus. It makes shifting smoother and none of that familar chain clatter (yes, it's time to replace the Nighthawk's chain). Advantage: Shadow.
Comfort. Ironically, the stock saddles on both bikes are terribly uncomfortable. The Shadow's saddle quickly makes my butt sore. It needs more of a "pocket" for my butt...and my butt ain't that big! I can ride the Nighthawk a while longer without discomfort, but we all know its saddle ain't that great. Advantage: Nighthawk. (Aftermarket seats could change the equation entirely.)
Wind. The Nighthawk puts the rider up and in the wind. We all know THAT feeling. The Shadow is much better since you sit low...almost "in" the bike, so to speak. A small fairing would make it even better. Great for cruising. Advantage: Shadow.
Rider position. On the Nighthawk, the rider sits high, which is great for riding in traffic and urban conditions. You can see what's going on ahead of you in traffic. I've always been amazed by the excellent visibility this bike affords me. Since you sit very low on the Shadow, you can't see as well. The Shadow is a great bike for a shorter rider, since you sit about as low as you can get. But the Nighthawk is a great bike for anyone over 5'8" or so. Advantage: Nighthawk.
Handling: I saved the most interesting thing for last. Since the Shadow is a cruiser, it has a much larger wheelbase. And since it's also about style, it has a very large and skinny (90/90-21) front tire. That little tire is TERRIBLE on the freeway! It tramlines like crazy, and gets skittish on uneven pavement. I was going around a wide, sweeping turn at speed and felt the tire lose grip for a fraction of a second...not a good feeling at all. I think some fresh rubber in front is called for -- perhaps that will change my opinion a bit, but it won't cure the tramlining. Since the is Nighthawk has a shorter wheelbase, it is much more nimble in traffic, and feels like a more capable bike overall. To its credit, the Shadow does have a very low center of gravity, which gives it an almost gyroscopic quality. Again, this is great for cruising. Advantage: Definitely Nighthawk.
Conclusion: The two bikes are totally different machines built for totally different purposes. The Nighthawk is a fantastic all-around bike, but as we all know the wind can make it tiresome, especially in colder conditions. The Shadow is a purpose-built cruiser -- stylish and torquey. It's perfect for exploring twisty backroads at a respectable pace. The Nighthawk is a little more high-strung than the Shadow, but not to the extreme of something like a Yamaha FZ6. At least the Nighthawk still has some usable torque down low. If I could only have one bike, it would be the Nighthawk because of its overall practicality. But if cruising was the only thing I ever did, I would pick the Shadow due to its specific characteristics. Fortunately, I get to keep both bikes (anybody wanna buy a 1964 Karmann Ghia?)
How's that for a review?
