The 750 Shadow Aero is an excellent bike. I actually think it is kinda small, I'm used to a 1340cc Harley FLHTCU.



My mom picked up this beauty for $3000 even. The seller included the Vance & Hines pipes (pictured) and helmet. 2006 with 15,000 miles. Great acceleration, decent mileage (although the tank is kinda small, only 175 miles until reserve) but she sounds excellent for around town trips.

 

I'm 5.6 and I can tell you a 250 is WAY TOO SMALL. You will be unhappy in a very short time.
Taking the MSF class is a good first step. It teaches safety and basic M/C operations.
It doesn't teach you how to ride. It teaches you how to get your M/C endorsement.
The MSF class uses 250's they are very small & very light so they can teach easy.
Before you take the MSF beginner class purchase the Ride Like a Pro DVD.
IMHO The BEST motorcycle investment is in your skills and knowledge.
Learn to Ride The Easy Way DVD 40min and Ride Like a Pro DVD 2hrs
These DVD's will teach you the tips & tricks to easily pass the MSF.



The wife & I have over 100k on the odo's from Sturgis SD to Daytona FL
We try to ride the Blue Ridge mountains every summer that we can.
We ride together and in groups. The best rides are the two of us.
..Yes she rides her own, and yes, she never thought she would..

 

Looks real good, nice touring style, windshield is important and it can carry a passenger.
175m on a tank is not bad. After 175 miles it's nice to get off and stretch your legs a bit.

 

They must of changed the MSF class up then. I went there with no riding experience and passed with ease. No prior studying, just showed up and did as instructed.

OP, Bring coffee though. The classroom portion can be a little dry.

 

That's about average for most cruisers.

I think my dads new cross country is getting around 200 all highway, and my hammer is only getting 125ish cruising back roads but it's not built for longer trips.

 

Well I looked and looked and finally found a good deal.
I just got home from looking at a 2007 Shadow spirit 750 (red) that is almost perfect.
It was dropped and has some scuffing on the left side. but a otherwise clean and clear title.

Starts at first crank, sounds great. Looks all stock, comes with a new set of mirrors (square ones) and a back seat with back rest.

Otherwise all stock, just a few minor scratches. It has 5,XXX miles on it too. Tires looked brand new.
Guy was the second owner and told me all he was going to do with it was change the plugs and oil because the plugs are factory and the oil was changed last year and only drove 1,000 miles.

Tested the bike out and everything was working great. $3,000.

Can't want to pick it up tomorrow.

Edit
I was hoping so much that the weather would hold tomorrow, looks like it won't.

 

Wow, thats a great deal! Post pics!

 

I agree with JNC995, the MSF course must have changed drastically since the early 80s.

It was a learning process on counter steering stopping on a curve and the likes.
It was more than just passing the motorcycle test at the state, the state's test was easier to pass than the MSF course at the time.

Oddly enough when I started the Cali Superbike school in the late 80s to get my racing cert, the same physics learned @ MSF applied to what as being tough at the time @ CSB school.
Keith changed up the course work since then, but this is going back to Twist of the Wrist time frame when I was taking classes.

 

Did it come with sat. TV, or is that something you added?

 

I kind of scanned through the first couple pages, so forgive me if this is irrelevant at this point. I have been riding sport bikes for going on 10 years now, currently on a gsxr 1000 for street use and a gsxr 750 for track days. My opinion is buy used for your first bike. Buy a cheap piece of crap that youcan pay cash for. Spend your money on good high quality gear. I guarantee you, you will be tired of a 250 by the end of the year. When you sell it, the value plummets just like your car will. That 2500 dollars turns into 800 to a new rider who knew to buy his first bike used. Invest in quality gear that you can carry over to your next bike. Search craigslist. People who are selling their bike will do so at the very beginning of spring when most people are looking. Most important, be safe and keep the rubber side down.

 

Anddd.... It was irrelevant! Haha sorry man great find! Enjoy it!

 

I've been riding just as long as your have and I have to disagree with you on one thing and that's the resale value of the 250. If you look at the Ninja 250 it has the best resale value of pretty much any sportbike. You can pick up a decent 250 for about $2500, ride it and sell it back for about the same amount

 

I'm not saying the MSF course is not easy to pass...for most folks it is fairly easy.

RLAP is based on motor officer training. The Ride Like A Pro DVD teaches how to ride a motorcycle.

Trust me when I tell you there is a big difference!

How many of you on here that ride can say they can make a 18 foot (or less) left or right U turn?
How many of you can do a 24 foot U turn after you got your MSF endorsement and a larger bike?
That's the maximum turning distance to pass the test. (Another reason to use tiny bikes for class)

I have had many folks say to me "I don't need this class I've been riding for over 20 years."
When the class was over NOT ONE person ever left without being at least a 100% better rider.
You need to be observant, safe and completely master the skills of your scoot to stay alive.

IMHO The RLAP DVD is one of the most important "pieces of motorcycle gear" you can purchase.

---------------------

Ride Safe, Be Safe and always keep your eyes on the horizon!

 

Don't get a motorcycle that's too small for you.



Don't get a motorcycle that's too BIG for you. (and yes, it runs!)



ENJOY and have fun!

---------------------

Ride Safe, Be Safe and always keep your eyes on the horizon!

 

Ill get some pictures up for everyone later.
But here is the details, I spent $3,000 for the bike
2007 Honda shadow spirit 750,. Clean and clear title. It has 65XX miles on it and has been laid down. I got the bike all factory and working fine. He threw in a second set of smaller mirrors. I also got the back rest for the passenger (no bolts) and a skull cap.
No major or deep scratches, it will need a turn signal because the chrome is scratched bad on one side but the signal works.
They paid the taxes due and I just paid for the transfer and tags.

I ordered a helmet, 2 pairs of gloves (heavy with insulation and normal leather gloves) and chaps. I was given a leather riders jacket. Everything should be in by Monday I hope.
My helmet will be in Friday or Saturday, the rest next week.

I got a little under $3,500 in it now all total, and I took my permit test and passed it. The state says I can ride all I want anytime I want but I can't have a passenger.
I am going to look into getting a copy of the DVD you guys talked about, and I will be taking my MSF course in April. Passing that will move me from a permit to a full license.

When I picked the bike up this morning they took it for a last spin then loaded it for me after taking some pictures. I think he just needed some money.

I am very excited to get back on it, I took it for a little spin this morning. All this weekend and Monday-Wed should be prime riding conditions.

I *might* need a battery. Otherwise everything is working perfectly.