Honda VF1100S V65 Sabre reviews

After two years and over 4000 miles of fun, I cannot imagine a better ownership experience. The more I ride and the more I learn about the bike, the more I love it (if that was even possible). Gas, oil, and ride. It starts and runs smoothly and perfectly, doesn't leak a drop, never needs an expensive valve adjustment (has hydraulic lifters), is lightweight for its size and power, has tubeless tires, terrific styling (looks virtually identical to the Harley Fat Boy), has oodles of power (even with two people), and handles far better than anything else I've ever ridden in it's class. The 1100 engine feels bulletproof and is geared like a street rod (yet has plenty of gear for the highway), the technology and design of the bike is time-tested, and has long since proven itself as virtually maintenance-free (Honda has produced this bike for over 7 years, and the engine, frame, and drive components have been on the road for years before that). Basically, except for oil changes, there's nothing to do on it besides ride. Unlike lots of others (who don't have a Sabre) I do not have a story about my bike being in the shop. Awesome bike. I got the Titanium Flame. It is worth every penny. Show less

I think my father would have liked a boy, but never said. He gave me my first Honda dirt bike when I was 7 yrs. old. I upgraded over the years and of course, when I got my drivers license, I stopped riding because the car was more fun! 30 years later, I decided I wanted to ride again. I never thought twice about getting anything other than a Honda. I started a couple of years ago with the Spirit 750, to reacquaint myself. wasn't long after, I wanted a bigger bike. This bike rules. It is so comfortable and easy to handle. Thanks HONDA!!! Still in love with your after all these years! Happy riding to all. Show less

My first motorcycle was a 1983 Honda Magna 750, my second was a 1999 Honda Shadow Spirit 600, and now a 2007 Honda Shadow Sabre 1100. Out of all of the bikes the Sabre is the best on gas, the fastest as far as the start line and at highway speeds I can accelerate up hill with no problem. The bike is very smooth and no vibration, which is what I disliked about the Spirit. Even the wife enjoys driving it to places unknown. I have a very hard time getting off of the bike, hence the high mileage that I've put on it. I get between 40-45 mpg. Show less

Within seconds of test riding this bike, I knew I had to have it! Smooth bike, very comfortable! I would recommend this bike to even a beginner. It's very forgiving of tight cornering and it easy to handle. If you are not a small guy, like myself, this is a perfect fit! Show less

I bought my 84 VF100 V65 Sabre in 2005. At the time I wasn't aware of just HOW powerful this bike is. I like the standard position. I'm a big guy and this is a big, tall bike. At 6'1", I can just put both feet flat on the ground when stopped. It's top heavy, but with my size I find I can throw it around ok. As I mentioned this bike has POWER. Most bikes have a distinct power band (good low end torque, or power that doesn't really kick in until you hit 4-5k rpm). Not this bike. This bike had tons of smooth power in every gear at every rpm. It's seamless. Just twist the throttle and accelerate as fast and hard as you want, for as long as you want. A true muscle bike. The only downside is the lack of a windscreen/fairing (they are out there, I just don't have one). At about 70 mph you have to hold on for dear life. And 70 mph comes quick! Show less

This is my first bike. I took the MSF class in 10/06, and purchased the Sabre in 11/06. 10,000 miles later in 8/07, I'm quite satisfied. Every so often, I'm asked by observers who didn't notice the Honda Shadow Sabre decal, if it's a custom. Though I haven't done much to it. Power delivery is fantastic. 2 plugs per cyclinder, 3 valves per cylinder, and the gearing must help greatly. The reviews by various publications are correct: It keeps pulling strongly all of the way to the rev limiter. Though I have yet to hit the rev limiter in 5th gear, even though I was riding at 130 mph or more. The brakes are great. They are definitely strong enough. Enjoy The seat... Well, let's just say that you'll probably want to unstaple the leather cover, and replace the innards with memory foam from Joanne's Fabrics. But then again, I may ride more than 5 hours without rest on weekends... I originally thought that I should have saved more money and bought the VTX1300. But in retrospect, the VTX1300 would have been too cumbersome. I prefer the flickability and agility of the Sabre (VT1100C2). It's much easier to flog, and my awareness extends to it's boundaries more easily. I think that this is the perfect medium between a humongous, less agile cruiser, and a small cruiser without enough power. Show less

I have owened a 1984 V-65 Manga for about 9yrs and it has been a great bike . This bike is super fast. This bike is in its own class and very reliable. The handling is great with a smooth ride and comfort is pretty good on the road. Show less

I bought my 02 two years ago with 5,000 miles on it and have since put 15,000 on. I have not had one single problem with this incredible bike. I ride with many types of bikes and have no problem running with any of them. I have Cobra slash cut drags, bags and a memphis shades wind shield. Even two up riding is no problem as my wife has taken an interest. I have been on several other bikes and at my height, this is by far the most comfortable. I have a corbin seat and kuryuken grips and pegs, and custom paint (color called FX that changes color as you move around it). I recommend this bike to anyone looking for a fun ride, low upkeep, and extreme dependability. Show less

Ok, this is back to biking. I've had the bike for over 1 year. I've put 14,600 miles on it, most of it cruising. Some rides 400 miles round trip through some harsh conditions, desert at over 105 degrees, rain, snow, etc. The bikes first 5000 miles, no water in the radiator. That would have destroyed most other bikes, the Honda kept running. I am suprised how well this bike has lasted, compression still strong, ride semi comfortable. I would have to state, all in all, this is a very sturdy and reliable bike. It has always started without fail. I have always made it back home from where ever I have taken it. I am very pleased with the bike. But, it tops out at 91 mph; anything after 75, gas mileage goes down; speedometer off by 10%; not that many upgrades for the Sabre as compared to other bikes. But upgradeable. Comfort was increased when I installed 5 inch forward controls. Louder pipes make it really nice, but still missing the rumble I am looking for. After a year, I still get compliments on the stock paint job. It is a very nice ride and even with all the trouble I had on it at first, I would recommend this bike. This bike is a real cruiser that has always gotten me there and back home. Yes, get one for a first time cruiser or an upgrade from a smaller cruiser. Show less

It has been 17 years since I last rode - then it was 6 or 7 days a week everywhere I went (drove cross country twice on my shafty Suzuki 850 with the Vetter fairing). Picked the bike up last fall and put 1800 on it in 3 months and have already ridden 800 in the last 2 months here and it's still in the 30's some mornings! Power is good - smooth from bottom to top - comfort is outstanding for a cruiser, wouldn't want to ride 8 hours without a Mustang or similar seat but stock is good 2 - 3 hours at a time. Holds the corners well but being an old crotch rocket rider I have banged pegs a couple of times when pushing it. Brakes are mediocre but stop you so.... I will end up saying while I recommend this bike highly I will probably trade in another year to a Harley or Victory just because. Show less