Shootout: 2010 Honda Shadow RS vs. 2010 Harley-Davidson 883 Low

[Hawg Dawg]

Since the 1980s when Japanese V-Twins began in earnest to whittle away from Harley-Davidson's customer base, a lot of discussion has evolved into what is now a perennial debate about who makes a better cruiser.

It's been a four-against-one prize match, and H-D has more than held its own, but that doesn't stop the Japanese from making motorcycles more and more like the original.

As previously written about, Honda's Shadow RS has been widely observed to have more than a passing resemblance to Harley's also recently reviewed 883 Low Sportster, although the Japanese bike's base price is $800 more.

Is Honda trying to say it has made a better Harley-Davidson than Harley can? Is it just a fluke of yen/dollar currency valuation that forces Honda to price its bike higher to make a fair profit?

In the case of the 883L and Shadow RS, it's almost beside the point, as this duo has personalities that are distinct from each other.

More: Shootout: 2010 Honda Shadow RS vs. 2010 Harley-Davidson 883 Low on Motorcycle.com

[zeta7]

At this point in the game i would'nt mind having a honda, least i would be ridin.

[Osco]

I rode a Shadow before I got my Lighty Used Sportster.
The Honda was way to cramped for me and had no power.
I'm shure Its a very reliable bike, But It has no Balls.
For a smaller person and for a city bike I'm shure It would do well.
It's sales numbers and the many I see on the road back this up.
The 883 low Is a far better bike,,BUT,,,You gotta spend money upgrading the Shocks
and often the seat so that 800 dollar difference Is Irrelevant.
The HD has the Shadow beat on looks and power. If there was no
competition the 883 would most likely cost more.
Thanks Honda keep up the good work.

[claytonandson]

i wouldnt trade my 2 H-D's for a hundred honda fury's. not that i have anything against the japanese, but they murdered my grandfather in hawaii and shot at my old man in the phillipine's, so ain't no way i'm firing up some harley jap look alike.....sorry if i offend.

[Blackdog 15]

They still run on rice & sound like crap..who cares how FAST they go....

[scol]

Originally Posted by zetaseven

At this point in the game i would'nt mind having a honda, least i would be ridin.

Dam you still havn't gotton your bike back?

[zeta7]

Originally Posted by scol

Dam you still havn't gotton your bike back?

No Sir, monday was 9 weeks.

[Rossco]

A Honda will never be a Harley, no matter how hard they try. Hondas are solid reliable bikes, but they have no character, and never will.

[roadking208]

I have had al major bike makes over the years and the last bounch have been Harleys. I can't say there was any of them that I didn't like as they were all purchased for a particular use. I do prefer Harley as thats where my life is. However you my not like metric bikes but thank you for making great bikes as it was the Honda's of the world that forced Harley to make the bikes we have today. Can anyone say AMF or remember the crap.

[Osco]

Originally Posted by roadking208

However you my not like metric bikes but thank you for making great bikes as it was the Honda's of the world that forced Harley to make the bikes we have today. Can anyone say AMF or remember the crap.

I remember I wanted a sporty when AMF was makin em,,rode one,,
damn near shook my teeth out and was leakin in two places.
I remember thinkin,,what a shame,,and bought a Honda.
The Sporty I have now Is exactly what I wanted 25 some odd years ago.
I still can't say what I like best about My Roadster.
Looks,,Its got it.
Sound,,dead on the mark.
Power when and where ya need it.
I've got the bike sorted pretty well now and I'm gonna
ride It till I get Killed on it or get too old to get on it.
I will never diss a Honda,,but they just ain't Harleys.