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I feel off balance on my 2006 Honda Shadow Aero VT750C

by Shelah
(NE Washington State)

I love my deep red ride. I'm 5'4" and like that the seat is low, riding position comfortable, enough power for me, but after riding it for 7 years, I have to admit I don't always feel completely balanced on it, especially on turns, especially those slow turns. Initially, I thought it was the placement of the handlebars, keeping my arms stretched out beyond what I was used to. I've replaced handlebars, finally using a Yamaha model which helped, but I still don't feel good balance and control when not driving straight down the road. A visit to the dealer didn't turn up anything unusual with the bike.

I started on an '83 Honda Shadow 500 and didn't have this problem. I only find glowing reports on these Shadow Aero bikes and since I seem to be the only person I know that experiences this sensation on one, I'm thinking it's me and considering giving up riding for safety's sake. Has anyone else experienced this control issue on a 750 Honda Shadow Aero, or any other bike for that matter, and if so, were you able to get it resolved?

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Jun 27, 2015
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Good possibilities
by: Shelah

Thanks! Good suggestions. I've wondered if it simply is that the shadow Aero is heavier than I should be riding, but didn't know what was out there to try. The suggestions of the Suzuki S40 or S50 are good as they both still weigh less than the Aero. I have them on my list to test drive. I'm curious about the new Indian Scout with its lower center of gravity. Lots of glowing reviews. It's a similar weight but worth a try if the showrooms can ever get them in. I did have an issue with the factory handlebars. They were too wide and created an awkward posture. I changed them out - twice - for closer, more accessible handlebars. It helped but didn't completely eliminate the problem.

Jun 25, 2015
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A matter of balance
by: Anonymous

Shelah I have read your blog several times about the problem you are having with balance. Both bikes you refer to are Hondas.... The one you learned on was a 500 and the one you are having a problem with is a 750. The Honda 500 is not in production now and would be most like the 250 in weight and frame size. Perhaps your problem has more to do with the the weight , frame size or both. Why not sit on a Honda 250 sometime when you go to the dealership just to see if it feels more like your 500. I this is true, I can think of only one other bike that might feel like you're Honda 500 and that would be the Suzuki S40. It weights about 350 lbs and would feel much like your old bike, but with more power. Try sitting on the Suzuki S40 and get a feel for the bike before you give up something you love.

Jun 24, 2015
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Honda aero
by: Anonymous

Maybe the handle bars. Are too wide, and your arms are stretched outward instead of reaching forward.

Jun 24, 2015
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For Shelah
by: AWindsister

Shelah... My sister is about your size and has the same problem you do do on the Yahamah bike which we own, but does not on the Suzuki S40 which we also own. I fits her perfectly and there is no balance issues. It might just be as simple as the size of the frame. Also, the Suzuki S40 weights only about 356 lbs and the Honda about 500 lbs. The weight plus the frame size might be the problem. It won't cost you anything but your time to check this out. I have a Harley Sporty, but my sister much prefers the Suzuki S40 which is a smaller lighter bike and is plenty fast enough for our area which has many expressways and bridges. I can't catch her if she gets out too far in front of me. She loves that bike!

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