1998 Honda reviews

This bike is a gem. I put 30K miles on it: track days, lots of street, and a couple of 6 hour days. I consistently find that owners know and love this bike and the "experts" don't recommend it. It's not a dedicated race/track bike--of course. It took me 30K miles to grow out of it and upgrade to slightly better forks. I frequently blew away all brands: Ducati/Japanese/etc. I also received a lot of flack from other "riders" some talented, most not. Completely reliable enough to instill a ton of confidence from the rider. The only short-coming I see is the brakes: just add steel-braided on front ($65) and engine stalls after stoppies: reroute fuel lines. Biggest and goofiest myths: "Small tank and a gas guzzler" I won't even address gas mileage: it's a bike - enough said.
Tank: I could go a whole track day on one tank.
Touring: after 2 hours doesn't someone in the group need to fill up or use the restroom? I guess not.
Other myths: "It's a girl's bike" (?) Yes, in a way it's a good entry level performance bike with someone with some experience. Strengths: cheap! Pick a used one up with all the bells and whistles for nothing: just pay for tires and you're good to go! You can't break this thing. Totally flickable bike, carbs are incredibly smooth, comfortable, solid, tons of power, power band allows for a lot of ease in accelerating/deccelerating, etc. Show less

I currently have 58K+ miles on this bike. It is a fairly comfortable bike to ride even more so when I have a backrest, such as my drybag. It feels best when riding at 75-80mph on the highway. The cornering isn't all that great but that's probably attributed to its length and slightly raked front forks. Riding at speeds mentioned, I get about 110 miles before reserve. I've had to replace front wheel bearings(35,000mi), front fork seals(28,000mi), and carburetor diaphragms(49,500). For "preventative" maintenance I've replaced rear wheel bearings(37,000mi), coolant(28,000mi), spark plugs annually, rear-end grease annually, air filter when needed. First to second gear has been clunky since day one. Top speed with windshield is about 112-115mph. It is a dependable bike. There are various fit & finish items that Honda could have done better on i.e. where seat meets the tank. It could also use drain plugs on the front forks. Power/acceleration are acceptable. Overall I'm very happy with the bike. I am currently trying to find the cause of a creaking noise coming from the rear-end. It occurs at the same spot in tire rotation every time. Show less

I have had my bike for a little over 1 thousand miles now. It was my first bike and it's just great. Pluses: gas mileage, comfort, riding position, visibility, torque, responsive powerband, linked brakes. Minuses: vibration in throttle, needs aftermarket pipes to be heard, stiff suspension stock. The V-4 engine is great and it keeps up with the inline 4 600's. Keep in mind this machine wasn't made for hard cornering without the experience and know how to do so, and stunting isn't easy to do because of the linked brakes, but it's a sports tourer and not a high output sportsbike. Driving to work, long trips, or riding 2 up for a little sight seeing is the best. Want to go really fast really quick, stunt, or outrun anything with more cc's, it won't do it. Show less

I wish this bike would give me a reason to sell it! I've had it 5 years. It's taken me all over this great country. Other than adding accessories and changing fluids and tires, it has not been touched by a wrench. I love its form fit and function. I could afford most any bike on the road but I just can't find it in me to get rid of this one. Others in my family have Harleys and a cousin has a VTX 1800R. I've ridden all of them but don't want any of them. I just love my orange Spirit. I get between 170 and 190 miles out of each tank (47 to 49 MPG). And that with 87 octane! That range puts me right at home with the much bigger bikes I tour with. Speaking of touring, I slip a T-Bag over the sissy bar between the bar and me. That makes a great backrest, which provides the support, and comfort that allows me to put in 800-mile days - no problem. There's nothing currently on the market that I want more than my Spirit 1100. Show less

HAVE OWNED MANY BIKES, BUT NEVER A SPORTBIKE. FOR 599cc I CAN'T GET OVER THE POWER THIS BIKE PRODUCES. THE MOST FUN COMES OVER 10,000 RPM'S. THE BIKE SCREAMS AND HANDLES UNBELIEVABLY WHEN DIVING INTO TURNS. THE ONLY MODS I HAVE ARE EXHAUST AND FLUSH MOUNT SIGNALS. BIKE WAS BROKEN IN ON 114 OCTANE AND DRINKS NOTHING LESS. I RACE MY BUDDIES GSXR1000 REGULARLY AND I've DONE NO WORSE THAN MAYBE 2 FULL BIKE LENGHTHS AT MOST BEHIND IN THE 1/4, that's NOT REALLY BAD CONSIDERING THE DIFFERENCE IN H.P. AND THAT HE IS 20 POUNDS HEAVIER (HIS 175LBS. TO MY 190)! ANY OTHER 600 THAT YEAR IN MY TOWN NEVER STANDS A CHANCE. Show less

Since I bought my Aero new in '98 I have put a custom 5 gal. Harley style tank on it, only because I didn't like the way you had to put gas in the old tank. Too many spills and drips on the paint. I changed the exhaust to Cobra slash cut drag pipes and jetted the carbs. I put on Leather like hard bags,sissy bar,wind screen, and running lights. I put chrome fender tips front and rear. Next is a Mustang seat. I had the sides of the tank airbrushed with a skull and flames. When I go down the road people take notice,and when I stop they say "Thats a Honda?" Iproudly answer it sure is! Show less

I purchased my 1998 Shadow Ace tour brand new in 2000. The only thing I have done to it is add accessories and oil changes. I have put 12,000 miles on it in the last three years, and it has performed superbly. I just completed a 1200 mile trip in the Appalachian mountains. The first day I rode almost 600 miles in 15 hours. Most of the riding was on two lane twisties. The bike has plenty of clearance for leaning into turns, which is not hte case for many cruisers. The bike has plenty of power and shifting is minimal. There is enough storage that you can take a three or four day trip without looking like a gypsy. I added forward highway pegs, backrest, luggage rack, and a K&N air filter. The K&N is my favorite since it added more low end power making it pull harder out of a turn. Unless you are heading for the drag strip you won't need a bigger displacement bike. Wheelies are easily achieved for shocking your Harley buddies, and when the front tire finds terra firma, you will think you just landed the space shuttle. The bike is big and roomy. My wife and I have overnighted on the bike and it met our every need. Phil VT1100 ACE TOUR 1998 Show less

I own a '98 and can't allow myself to get rid of it for a newer bike. The bike handles great, accelerates hard, brakes well, eats rear tires, but all in a sophisticated Honda manner. I have Two Brothers Racing oval cans on mine, my buddy has the rounds on his- both work great but the ovals sound better. I will never go back to an I-4 sportbike again. Lots of low end, and plenty of high end, if you really feel that you need it. By the way, it has seen 168 mph (indicated) and also a few high 11 second passes at the track. Hey, I weigh around 220, with no drag experience to boot, so I can't complain. I suggest trying one on for size. Show less

This is my third Honda street bike, and I absolutely love it! From the feeling and the rumble of the engine, to the styling, the Shadow ACE is a bikers dream! One gets all the Harley styling without any of the headaches or the exorbitant cost. In fact, most times, people ask me what model of Harley it is. The ride is smooth and comfortable, with plenty of power for passing and quick starts. If you plan on having passengers often, I would recommend a sissy-bar, so your passenger stays on the bike when you take off! At cruising speed, with your legs stretched out, you can almost forget that it is a motorcycle and not a La-Z-boy. Also, there are a variety of extras that can be added to customize the bike to your exact specifications and needs. Because it is a wide and fairly heavy bike, I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner, but if you're looking for your next bike, I strongly suggest you take one for a spin. One test ride and you should be hooked... I was! Keep the rubber side down, and keep rolling! Show less

This motorcycle has to be the smoothest running bike ever! And if you are looking for a sharp looking, dependable and quiet ride ... this is it. We have ridden our bike over 44,000 miles with nothing more than routine maintenance and she is still going strong. I'd have to give her a 5 Star Rating TWICE! Show less