Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic

Honda and Kawasaki are two of the top Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. Both motorcycle brands specialize in producing versatile motorcycles, including sport bikes, adventure bikes, dirt bikes, tourers, and cruisers. However, Honda and Kawasaki only have a few cruiser lineups.

Honda started producing the Shadow series in 1983, featuring cruisers with engine displacements ranging from 125-1,100 cc. The Honda Shadow lineup ran on a 45 or 52° V-Twin engine. Initially, due to restrictions preventing the import of Japanese motorcycles with a displacement over 700 cc into the U.S., the 750 cc Honda Shadow VT750’s engine was reduced to 700 cc. Later, when tariff restrictions were lifted, Honda started producing cruisers with displacements over 700 cc for the American market. As of 2022, the Honda Shadow lineup has limited itself to producing only 750 cc models, including the Honda Shadow Phantom and the Honda Shadow Aero.

Meanwhile, Kawasaki launched the Vulcan series in 1984 with V-Twin engines ranging between 125-2,053 cc. However, Kawasaki introduced the beginner-friendly Vulcan 800 series in 1995, including the VN800A (Chopper-style cruiser) and VN800B Classic with retro looks. This article is a detailed comparison between the Honda Shadow Aero 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic.

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 is a classic cruiser with a planted design, low seat height, and a longer wheelbase. It is available in a vintage color scheme with a blacked-out and chrome finish. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 has long, chopped front and rear fenders with a classic, diamond-shaped tail/stop light. It also has a tuck-and-roll rider seat and a separate, cushioned passenger seat. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 also includes low-mounted, swept-back buckhorn handlebars with chrome round-shaped side mirrors. The chrome gauge cluster is mounted to the peanut-shaped fuel tank with the Shadow signature on both sides. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 has a blacked-out engine with a teardrop-shaped air filter cover and chrome short dual exhausts. It has a longer trail size and a lower front end that give it an extended look. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 also has a round headlamp fitted around a chrome nacelle and wire-spoked wheels wrapped around the fat front and rear tires.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is an old motorcycle introduced in 1995 and discontinued in 2006. However, being built with a classic cruiser design, this Kawasaki model is a stylish motorcycle with a chrome finish and single-tone color scheme. Unlike the Honda Shadow Aero 750, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic has a taller front end with a smaller trail size, ensuring a high ground clearance of 6.3 inches and a seat height of 28.5 inches. It also comes with a two-piece saddle capable of two-up riding and gauges mounted to a teardrop-shaped fuel tank. The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is also fitted with full-sized, chopped front and rear fenders with an extended tail/stop light. For an enhanced old-school look, it comes with separate dual slash-cut mufflers, a chrome round-shaped air filter cover, and a large round headlamp fitted inside a chrome nacelle. The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 classic has a slightly slimmer front fork, modified rectangular-shaped side mirrors, and semi-sweptback handlebars. To give this motorcycle a cleaner-looking rear end, the rear mono-shock is hidden below the seat.

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 is powered by a 745 cc (45.46 cu in) liquid-cooled, 52° V-Twin, four-stroke engine capable of a horsepower of 44.6 hp at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 64.94 Nm at 3,500 rpm. It is fitted with a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with a 34 mm throttle body for hassle-free cold starts and better fuel mileage of 56 mpg. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 also has a wide-ratio, five-speed transmission with a cleaner shaft final drive and wet, multi-plate clutch for a smooth and quiet operation.

The 745 cc, 52° V-Twin engine ensures a good throttle response and adequate horsepower for a comfortable cruising experience, daily commutes, and long weekend rides. The engine also has a long-stroke design, ensuring low-end torque at all gear levels. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 is fitted with a 41 mm telescopic front fork and preload-adjustable dual rear shock absorbers, ensuring reasonable wheel travel for a comfortable riding experience. The longer wheelbase and low seat height ensure a low center of gravity for more stable handling and linear performance.

The 2022 Honda Shadow Aero 750 was available with an optional ABS feature. However, the 2023 model has not yet launched with an ABS feature.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic runs on an 805 cc (49.19 cu in) liquid-cooled, four-stroke, V-Twin engine capable of a horsepower of 54.38 hp and a torque of 64 Nm at 3,300 rpm. Being an older model, the engine runs on a Keihin CVK36 carburetor, ensuring a fuel economy of 39.7 mpg. The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic also has a five-speed gearbox, a final chain drive, and a cable-operated multiple-wet disc clutch for smooth and light gear shifts and clutch operation.

The 805 cc V-Twin engine provides adequate power delivery and low-end torque for a better cruising experience. It offers comfortable high-speed cruising at a constant speed of 80 mph. The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is an ideal cruiser with its engine producing fewer vibrations. It also comes with a 41 mm Cartridge-style front fork and preload-adjustable swingarm uni-trak mono-shock, having long wheel travel for comfortable handling on linear roads. However, the ride is slightly uncomfortable while turning corners. The 300 mm single front disc brake and a 180 mm rear mechanical drum provide adequate braking,

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 is a comfortable, beginner-friendly motorbike with a low-powered engine and an ideal cruiser design. It has a low seat height of 25.9 inches and forward-mounted footrests, ensuring a low center of gravity and adequate legroom. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 is stable and easy to handle due to its planted design and low overall height. The low-mounted, pulled-back buckhorn handlebars are within comfortable reach of the rider and ensure a relaxed riding position for comfortable, continuous long-distance rides. The Honda Shadow Aero 750’s comfortable ergonomics make it ideal for shorter and taller riders.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is a beginner-friendly cruiser with comfortable ergonomics. However, its seat height of 28.5 inches makes it slightly uncomfortable for shorter riders. The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic comes with forward-mounted foot controls and semi-sweptback handlebars, ensuring adequate legroom and an upright back position. It is comfortable for cruising on open roads with a better linear performance.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is a retro-style cruiser with full-sized fenders and can attain a top speed of 115 mph if you twist the throttle to the maximum. For a smooth cruising experience, this motorcycle can travel at a constant pace of 80 mph without any vibrations.

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 is not a fast motorcycle and can only reach a top speed of 95 mph. Due to its low-power specs, low weight, light handling, low seat height, and low center of gravity, it is an ideal choice for novice riders.

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 has the ideal cruiser design and ergonomics for comfortable long-distance rides. The V-Twin engine, suspensions, and braking are also adequate for a better cruising and touring experience. However, with a few add-ons, including saddlebags, backrests, and windscreen, it can become a touring bike.

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic are classic cruisers with retro-style looks and full-sized fenders. Both motorcycles are ideal for daily commutes, around-town cruising, and long-distance weekend rides. However, the Honda Shadow Aero 750 has better comfort, handling, and cornering. It has an ideal cruiser design with an extended wheelbase, low seat height, and pulled-back buckhorn handlebars for a relaxed riding position. Being the latest model, the Honda Shadow Aero 750 also comes with a programmed fuel injection system for good throttle response and better fuel economy. Meanwhile, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is an older but still popular model with a traditional look and versatile cruiser performance. Despite being an old-school motorcycle, it is still a perfect cruiser for continuous rides on open roads and highways with better linear stability. For a better cruising experience, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic can be modified by installing a windshield, saddlebags, and backrests.