2002 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 or 2002 Triumph Bonneville

Not totally sure which one to get... both are ~$4000. The Honda has 10k miles and the triumph has 5k. Which one is a better deal/better bike? I currently have a honda rebel and don't like how small/crunched I feel. Is the Shadow the same way? It's larger but looks like you are limited to the seat where as the bonneville you can move back if needed... Granted i'm 5'7" and 150lbs... the shadow is probably much bigger than the rebel. Anyone? Help!

the spirit is the smaller of the Shadow's, made to compete in size with the Sportsters, the Aero and Ace are the bigger body styles. The best advise I can give you is to sit on one and see if you fit, that's the best way to find out.

My first instinct was to say "Get the Triumph!" But, that's because I've wanted a Bonneville for quite some time now.

I'm sure the Honda is a nice bike. Realistically, Goliath616 is absolutely correct with his advice to try sitting on both, and see which fits you best.

FWIW, the '02 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 books for $3500 on Kelley Blue Book, whereas the '02 Triumph Bonneville books for over $4400. In that regard, and also considering the slight difference in mileage, and the fact that used Bonnevilles can be difficult to locate and are usually priced higher than this, and the fact that Honda Shadow Spirits are not particularly difficult to locate, I'd still be more tempted by the Bonneville.

I just found 17 2002 Spirit 750s for sale on Cycletrader.com, although most of them are asking more than $4000, so maybe yours is a decent deal. On the other hand, there are only 2 listings for 2002 Bonnevilles, and one of those is a Bonneville America, and both are asking more than $4000. I'd imagine the maintenance would be slightly more expensive on the Triumph.

Again, how each one feels to you is definitely the more important factor.

Let us know which you decide to get.

Tim

I went with the honda... it had the edger look that i wanted... $3700... now how about this question. it currently has hard struts on it... is there a benefit of this over the factory shocks.... i was told it lowers the bike by 2-3 inches... anything else besides not a cushy springy ride?