2023 Honda Shadow Aero 750 vs 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic Comparison

Our today’s article is about the comparison review of 2023 Honda Shadow Aero 750 vs 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic. The two leading Japanese motorcycle manufacturers are Honda and Kawasaki. Both motorcycle manufacturers focus on making motorcycles with various uses, such as sports bikes, adventure bikes, dirt bikes, tourers, and cruisers. Honda and Kawasaki, however, only offer a small number of cruiser models. Honda began production of the Shadow series in 1983, consisting of cruisers with 125–1,100cc engines. A 45° or 52° V-Twin engine powers the Honda Shadow family of vehicles.

The 750cc Honda Shadow VT750’s engine was initially downsized to 700cc due to regulations with Japanese motorcycles displacing more than 700cc. The displacement was limited to the US market. By 2023, the Honda Shadow lineup — which includes the Honda Shadow Phantom and Honda Shadow Aero — will only be able to produce 750cc variants. Let’s briefly review the 2023 Honda Shadow Aero 750 vs the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic.

2023 Honda Shadow Aero 750 vs 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic – Features Comparison

Design

A traditional cruiser with a low profile, low seat height, and ample wheelbase is the Honda Shadow Aero 750. It is offered in a retro color scheme with a blackout and chrome finish. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 has a traditional diamond-shaped tail and stop lights and long, chopped front and rear fenders. A separate, cushioned passenger seat and a tuck-and-roll rider seat are also included.

Also Read: 2023 Sportster 1200 Custom vs 2023 Street 750

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 also features chrome circular side mirrors and a low-mounted, swept-back buckhorn handlebar. The petrol tank is shaped like a peanut and has a chrome gauge cluster with a shadow logo on either side. The Honda Shadow Aero 750’s blacked-out engine features a teardrop-shaped air filter cover and chrome short dual exhaust. It appears taller due to its lower front end and greater tail size. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 also gets wire-spoked wheels wrapped around the larger front and rear tires, as well as a circular headlamp around a chrome nacelle.

Released in 1995, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic motorcycle was retired in 2006. However, this Kawasaki model is a fashionable motorcycle with a chrome finish and single-tone color scheme, as it was built using a traditional cruiser design. The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic, unlike the Honda Shadow Aero 750, has a more prominent front end and smaller trail size, resulting in a ground clearance of 6.3 inches and the seat height of 28.5 inches. It also features equipment such as a teardrop on the petrol tank and a two-piece saddle that can accommodate two riders.

Additionally, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic features long tail/stop lights and full-size, chopped front and rear fenders. It features a separate dual slash-cut muffler, a circle-shaped air filter cover made of chrome, and a large round headlamp set inside a chrome nacelle to enhance the vintage look. The vintage Kawasaki Vulcan 800 features semi-swept back handlebars, redesigned rectangular side mirrors, and a shorter front fork. The rear mono-shock on this motorbike is hidden under the seat to give it a clean look.

Engine and Performance

The 745cc (45.46 cu in), 52° V-Twin, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine that powers the Honda Shadow Aero 750 is capable of producing 64.94 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm and 44.6 hp at 5,500 rpm. It is fitted with a programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) system with a 34mm throttle body for trouble-free cold starts and high fuel economy of 56 mpg. Additionally, the Honda Shadow Aero 750 features a wet, multi-plate clutch, a wide ratio, five-speed transmission, a cleaner shaft final drive, and more for quiet and smooth operation.

For casual cruising, daily commuting, and extended weekend excursions, the 745 cc, 52° V-Twin engine delivers excellent throttle response and plenty of horsepower. Long stroke design is another engine feature that guarantees low torque at all gear ratios. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 features pre-loadable dual rear shock absorbers and a front fork that telescopes up to 41 mm to provide a pleasant ride. To provide more stable handling and linear performance, the long wheelbase and low seat height guarantee a low center of gravity.

ABS was a feature that could be added to the 2022 Honda Shadow Aero 750. However, the ABS feature is yet to be introduced for the 2023 model.

A liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 805 cc (49.19 cu in), V-Twin engine powers the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic motorcycle with a maximum output of 54.38 HP and 64 Nm at 3,300 rpm. Despite being an older model, the engine still achieves a fuel efficiency of 39.7 mpg thanks to its Keihin CVK36 carburetor. A final chain drive, a cable-actuated multiple wet disc clutch, and a five-speed gearbox also feature on the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic. These features allow quick and easy clutch and gear changes.

An enhanced cruising experience is made possible by the 805cc V-Twin engine’s adequate power delivery and low torque. With an average speed of 80 mph, it allows for comfortable high-speed travel. Due to its low engine vibration, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic makes an excellent cruiser.

Additionally, it features long wheel travel, an adjustable swingarm uni-track mono-shock for preload, and a 41mm cartridge-style front fork for smooth handling on straights. However, cornering makes the ride a bit uncomfortable. A 180 mm mechanical drum at the rear and a 300 mm single front disc brake offer ample stopping power.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 is a comfortable, beginner-friendly motorcycle with classy cruiser styling and a low-powered engine. Its forward-mounted footrest and a low seat height of 25.9 inches guarantee a low center of gravity and ample legroom. Due to its ground form and short overall height, the Honda Shadow Aero 750 is stable and easy to manage.

The rider can comfortably reach the low-mounted, pullback buckhorn handlebars, which offer a pleasant riding position for fun, sustained, long-distance rides. For short and tall riders, the ergonomic comfort of the Honda Shadow Aero 750 is ideal.

The ergonomically sound Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is a good cruiser for beginners. For smaller riders, meanwhile, its 28.5-inch seat height can be a bit uncomfortable. With its forward-mounted foot controls and semi-swept back handlebars, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic offers plenty of legroom and a straight back. It has linear solid performance and is comfortable to cruise on wide open roads.

2023 Honda Shadow Aero 750 vs 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic -FAQs

How Fast Can the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic Go?

A retro-style cruiser with full-size fenders, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic has a top speed of 115 mph when the throttle is fully opened. The bike can go up to 80 mph without vibrating, making for a comfortable experience.

How fast can the Honda Shadow Aero 750 travel?

Capable of a top speed of just 95 mph, the Honda Shadow Aero 750 is hardly a fast bike. It is the best option for beginner riders because of its low power characteristics, lightweight, easy handling, low seat height, and low center of gravity.

Can Honda Shadow Aero 750 be used for touring?

For ergonomic and comfortable long-distance rides, the Honda Shadow Aero 750 offers the perfect cruiser design. For a better cruising and touring experience, the V-Twin engine, shocks, and brakes are also adequate. However, it can be converted into a touring bike with some additions, such as saddlebags, backrests, and a windscreen.

2023 Honda Shadow Aero 750 vs 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic – Technical Comparison

Engine and transmission

Chassis, suspension, brakes, and wheels

Physical measures and capacities