The 2024 Honda Shadow Aero trades its rear drum for a 276mm disc brake, which also lets the optional ABS work on both wheels. Otherwise, it remains what it has been since 1998, a simple, easy-to-ride cruiser for urban and suburban duty.
Power comes from a liquid-cooled, 745cc, 52-degree V-twin with three valves per cylinder and two spark plugs per cylinder. It makes about 35 horsepower, delivered smoothly enough to reassure new riders. A 5-speed transmission and shaft final drive keep maintenance simple.
The 26-inch seat height is low and novice friendly. With a buckhorn-bend handlebar and forward-mount footpegs, the ergonomics are compact without being cramped, and the rider has a good sense of control of the 560-pound bike.
Honda expects the Aero to go in a straight line. Rake is 34 degrees, trail is 6.3 inches, and the Dunlop D404 tires on 17-/15-inch wire-spoke wheels like heading in one direction. The tall, rubber-mounted handlebar flexes, which gets vague when pushed hard and forgives long-ignored city streets.
The non-adjustable 41mm fork has 5.5 inches of travel, while the spring-preload adjustable shocks have 3.6 inches. The shocks do fine until that travel is used up, and the saddle has limited padding, so the Aero is happiest at a relaxed pace.
The front 296mm disc does most of the stopping and has good feel. The new rear disc is a minor improvement over the old drum. ABS adds $300 and 10 pounds, and a non-ABS version is available outside of California.
Honda calls the only color Black, though the tank has brown insets and raised Shadow badging, and the two-piece seat is also brown. The mix of black and chrome adds to the premium appearance. There are no power modes, traction control, or cruise control.
The list price is $7949, only $450 above the 2015 Aero. It suits new riders as well as experienced riders who are downsizing.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
* * * * *
Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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![2024 Honda Shadow Aero Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]](https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2024-honda-shadow-aero-first-look-768x432.webp "2024 Honda Shadow Aero Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]")
