My very first bike was an 84 500 Shadow. I rode that thing through the Rocky Mountains at least 5 times all loaded down with throw over saddlebags and a seat bag, plus my 160 lbs. I had to ride it hard on some of those hills and that little bike took everything I could throw at it. Great little bike for what it was. Your vid sure brings back some great memories. Thanks man!
Glad the video brought back some good memories! That's cool man glad you enjoyed the video! I feel that the older shadows tend to be underrated, but after having been on both a 1985 and a 2000 model, the 1985 felt more lively and energetic. Keep on riding riding bro, and please, feel free to check out some of my other videos!
My first bike was an '86 shadow 500 with candy apple paint that I bought new for $2600 It had air adjustable front shocks which were hard to get just right plus it would walk you into the oncoming lane in a curve if there were road undulations. The throttle spring was too stiff for extended runs insomuch that I installed a cheapo cruise control throttle clamp device on the hand throttle but wouldn't work right if you were trying to maintain a constant speed.
I owned one, along with a whole lotta other cruisers from 250 to 1400. I can't think of a smoother V twin cruiser than this. I wonder whether you needed new rubber mounts for the engine? The V twin Ascot you refer to was solidly mounted and had a lot of vibration. The 750 Virago I replaced this with had uncomfortable handlebar vibration above 65, not the little Shadow. Anyway, I've been riding since 1975 and this is one of the most fun around town and afternoon ride bikes I've ever owned; and great handling for a cruiser. Looked up video's because I missed it.
You should try the Virago 500 from the same era. Handles great, sporty engine that already picks up nicely from about 2000 rpm, and no nasty vibrations at all. An absolutely wonderful little bike.
Nice video. This was my first road bike. I bought a 1985 new out of the crate in 1987 for 2000 dollars(how this happened i don't know but it was cheap) Mine was black. I really miss the bike. I have had several bikes since then including 2 Kawasaki 454 LTDs which was the competing bike going head to head with the Shadow 500 at the time...Identical horse power almost but an inline twin Ninja engine. I really miss those handle bars, the ergonomics of the way they bent inward was very pleasant. Also that seat was the most comfortable of any motorcycle i have had.
Glad you enjoyed the video! The 85 shadow 500 is a great bike, as the one featured I have owned for about a year and a half. It is a comfortable and nimble cruiser which is why I enjoy riding it.
its hard to go wrong with an 80s honda.they were built to last with minimal maintenence.you just have to choose the right bike for what you want to do with it.
I started out on an '84 V-65 Magna... back then, these bikes were referred to as "Sport-Touring". I have never heard of these referred to as "cruiser" bikes...until recently, while searching videos.
Yes, I've heard the V65 Magna being referred to as both a Sport Touring and a Muscle Bike, however the Shadow, such as this 1st gen featured in the video, is considered a cruiser. Although, in my opinion, the 1st gen Shadows don't ride like traditional cruisers, and behave more like a standard bike. The later gen Shadows are more of the traditional cruiser type.
I really suggest you replace the OEM handles to something more similar to a motocross configuration, and those front forks are air adjusted (via the needles on top of the columns).
Thanks glad you liked it! I am working on getting better audio equipment and using Audacity more for sound mixing, so hopefully future videos will have better sound!
If the 1985 is the same as 1984 (wich i own), its frustrating to cruise at 60 mph because rpm is too low to engage the sixht, and rev a little high in fifth, so you constantly alternate gears depending of the wind or if you climb a hill. Problem solved if you cruise at 70, engine is fine at that speed in sixth. And yes its very light bike but tons of fun (racing engine in a custom).
ive been rocking this bike in the same color sense about 03 ... its zippy stock... but .. open the pipes up.. high flow air filter..and a massive rejet will make the motor scream .. pulls the front wheel off the ground... and i hated the handle bars.. so i put a set of mini apes on it.. and a seat off an 84 to lose the sissy bar.. hate that dam thing too... all that aside.. i now have a screamer and i can comfortably go for long rides.. dose 70 with ease for hours
@@autos_in_review Love to hear it. I have the same bike. It's down to the frame at the moment. Tune up, nice new paintjob, and all new electrics and it'll be back on the road.
I disagree, they are a cruiser. Cruisers are for what you mentioned at the end, it's for around town and on backroad 2 lane highways where the speed limit is 55-60. It's a 500 CC bike, they aren;t sup[posed to go anything faster than that and anything faster than that isn't "Cruising" anyway.
@@mudejartrainingnaturalscie6938 No. At the time of filming the only mic I had was an old gaming headset. I currently have a studio mic for voice overs as well as a mic for my smartphone, though I still need one for the gopro
Just get a virago 1100 instead, they sound better, handle better, don’t pogostick like this bike, and they air cooled so you don’t have to deal with the liquid cooling system. And in my opinion they are way more reliable.
Vt500 better economy, more of a sport bike.. m friend had a virago 1100 and I give him dust.. looks better, I think the vt500 sounds better especially if you hit 10 -11rpm.
My very first bike was an 84 500 Shadow. I rode that thing through the Rocky Mountains at least 5 times all loaded down with throw over saddlebags and a seat bag, plus my 160 lbs. I had to ride it hard on some of those hills and that little bike took everything I could throw at it. Great little bike for what it was. Your vid sure brings back some great memories. Thanks man!
Glad the video brought back some good memories! That's cool man glad you enjoyed the video! I feel that the older shadows tend to be underrated, but after having been on both a 1985 and a 2000 model, the 1985 felt more lively and energetic. Keep on riding riding bro, and please, feel free to check out some of my other videos!
I have and am bringing an 84 VT500C back to life. It sat for years. Got it running last week.
Cool. Will you video it?
Wow. Hands on the greatest review i have seen in a while :)
Hahaha the beginning was pretty funny, thanks for the vid, have a nice day!
Glad you liked the vid!!!
Love your style of reviewing. Keep up the good work!
Used to hit the corners hard with this bike. Cruiser when I wanted, Sport Bike when I needed. I use to take this to 11,000 to 13'000 RPM
That was my first street bike. I got it when I was 15 in 94. It was a great reliable bike i wish i still had it
I am still riding it. It's an awesome bike
This review is really helping me make my decision on a bike similar to yours. Great review!
Thanks! Glad that you enjoyed the video
love the video! btw you look almost like a young neil degrasse tyson.
Glad you liked the video! However, I did just cut my hair, so I may no longer look like Neil Degrasse Tyson
Love your style of commentary, great review.
Glad you enjoyed the review!
86 had overdrive. Rode it 670 miles in one day. Lacks some power at 75mph but decent an smooth to me w foam grips
My first bike
Had an 1100 shadow in the 90s, awesome
Bike....
probably a perfect starter bike
I agree
My first bike was an '86 shadow 500 with candy apple paint that I bought new for $2600 It had air adjustable front shocks which were hard to get just right plus it would walk you into the oncoming lane in a curve if there were road undulations.
The throttle spring was too stiff for extended runs insomuch that I installed a cheapo cruise control throttle clamp device on the hand throttle but wouldn't work right if you were trying to maintain a constant speed.
I owned one, along with a whole lotta other cruisers from 250 to 1400. I can't think of a smoother V twin cruiser than this. I wonder whether you needed new rubber mounts for the engine? The V twin Ascot you refer to was solidly mounted and had a lot of vibration. The 750 Virago I replaced this with had uncomfortable handlebar vibration above 65, not the little Shadow. Anyway, I've been riding since 1975 and this is one of the most fun around town and afternoon ride bikes I've ever owned; and great handling for a cruiser. Looked up video's because I missed it.
Good to know. I will look into it
You should try the Virago 500 from the same era. Handles great, sporty engine that already picks up nicely from about 2000 rpm, and no nasty vibrations at all. An absolutely wonderful little bike.
Nice video. This was my first road bike. I bought a 1985 new out of the crate in 1987 for 2000 dollars(how this happened i don't know but it was cheap) Mine was black. I really miss the bike. I have had several bikes since then including 2 Kawasaki 454 LTDs which was the competing bike going head to head with the Shadow 500 at the time...Identical horse power almost but an inline twin Ninja engine. I really miss those handle bars, the ergonomics of the way they bent inward was very pleasant. Also that seat was the most comfortable of any motorcycle i have had.
Glad you enjoyed the video! The 85 shadow 500 is a great bike, as the one featured I have owned for about a year and a half. It is a comfortable and nimble cruiser which is why I enjoy riding it.
its hard to go wrong with an 80s honda.they were built to last with minimal maintenence.you just have to choose the right bike for what you want to do with it.
Great video, brother. You've earned yourself a subscribe for sure! 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
good review man
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. Feel free to check out any of my other videos!
Love the 1985 shadow!
I started out on an '84 V-65 Magna... back then, these bikes were referred to as "Sport-Touring". I have never heard of these referred to as "cruiser" bikes...until recently, while searching videos.
Yes, I've heard the V65 Magna being referred to as both a Sport Touring and a Muscle Bike, however the Shadow, such as this 1st gen featured in the video, is considered a cruiser. Although, in my opinion, the 1st gen Shadows don't ride like traditional cruisers, and behave more like a standard bike. The later gen Shadows are more of the traditional cruiser type.
Great video.
Thanks
I really suggest you replace the OEM handles to something more similar to a motocross configuration, and those front forks are air adjusted (via the needles on top of the columns).
the audio kind of sucks but man, such a cool vibe. Sub.
Thanks glad you liked it! I am working on getting better audio equipment and using Audacity more for sound mixing, so hopefully future videos will have better sound!
If the 1985 is the same as 1984 (wich i own), its frustrating to cruise at 60 mph because rpm is too low to engage the sixht, and rev a little high in fifth, so you constantly alternate gears depending of the wind or if you climb a hill. Problem solved if you cruise at 70, engine is fine at that speed in sixth. And yes its very light bike but tons of fun (racing engine in a custom).
Love your voice👍
Lol Angela Basset comparison. Good video!
Glad you enjoyed the video!
ive been rocking this bike in the same color sense about 03 ... its zippy stock... but .. open the pipes up.. high flow air filter..and a massive rejet will make the motor scream .. pulls the front wheel off the ground... and i hated the handle bars.. so i put a set of mini apes on it.. and a seat off an 84 to lose the sissy bar.. hate that dam thing too... all that aside.. i now have a screamer and i can comfortably go for long rides.. dose 70 with ease for hours
Interesting. I will have to look into this
@@autos_in_review I'm about to ride mine across the state of Ohio Friday... About a 3 hr+ ride
Do you think it's suitable for a side car what bike suits a sidecar maybe with a driven sidecar axle ✌️
Music toooo high.
Cool vid
Let’s get down to the real questions...
What’s that dance move called?
Lol I don't even know
Still got this shadow there boss? How's it treating you?
I've had it for about 4 years now, it's still going strong
@@autos_in_review Love to hear it.
I have the same bike. It's down to the frame at the moment.
Tune up, nice new paintjob, and all new electrics and it'll be back on the road.
I disagree, they are a cruiser. Cruisers are for what you mentioned at the end, it's for around town and on backroad 2 lane highways where the speed limit is 55-60. It's a 500 CC bike, they aren;t sup[posed to go anything faster than that and anything faster than that isn't "Cruising" anyway.
I have honda vt 500 c nice bike
You're funny as fuck man. Nice music.
looks like orchard lk road
Yes, parts of the video were filmed on Orchard Lake Road
@@autos_in_review Did you forget your microphone at home?
@@mudejartrainingnaturalscie6938 No. At the time of filming the only mic I had was an old gaming headset. I currently have a studio mic for voice overs as well as a mic for my smartphone, though I still need one for the gopro
Just get a virago 1100 instead, they sound better, handle better, don’t pogostick like this bike, and they air cooled so you don’t have to deal with the liquid cooling system. And in my opinion they are way more reliable.
Interesting. Will look into it
Manuel Smith oh you gotta
Vt500 better economy, more of a sport bike.. m friend had a virago 1100 and I give him dust.. looks better, I think the vt500 sounds better especially if you hit 10 -11rpm.