Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

• Table of Contents
• 1. Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Sportster Iron 1200
• 2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Sportster Iron 1200
• 3. Design: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Sportster Iron 1200
• 3.1 Design: Honda Shadow Phantom 750
• 3.2 Design: Harley Sportster Iron 1200
• 4. Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Sportster Iron 1200
• 4.1 Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom 750
• 4.2 Engine and Performance: Harley Sportster Iron 1200
• 5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Sportster Iron 1200
• 5.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom 750
• 5.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Sportster Iron 1200
• 6. Technology and Features: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200
• 7. Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Sportster Iron 1200
• 7.1 Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom 750
• 7.2 Pros and Cons: Harley Sportster Iron 1200
• 8. Colors and Cost: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Sportster Iron 1200
• 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 9.1 Is the Harley Sportster Iron 1200 Good for Long Trips?
• 9.2 How Fast is the Harley Sportster Iron 1200?
• 9.3 What are the Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
• 10. Which is Better: the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 or the Harley Sportster Iron 1200?

1. Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Sportster Iron 1200

Honda and Harley Davidson are two successful motorcycle brands with a rich history of producing reliable, high-performance motorbikes. Harley Davidson is an American motorcycle brand that has been around since 1903. Harley Davidson specializes in old-school cruisers with modern features. Meanwhile, Honda is a Japanese motorcycle brand that specializes in creating reliable motorcycles from almost every category. Honda motorcycles last longer, have low failure rates and require less maintenance.

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 are two modern cruisers with simple designs. Both motorcycles are beginner-friendly due to being fitted with low-powered engines capable of producing smooth low-end torque. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 has a classic cruiser design with a chopper-style look. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 has an extended wheelbase due to its raked-out front end and larger overall size than the Harley Sportster Iron 1200. It also has a slightly larger fuel tank and more ground clearance. Despite the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 having more ground clearance, both motorcycles have similar low seat heights. Meanwhile, the Harley Iron 1200 has a bigger engine and weighs more than the Honda Shadow Phantom 750. The Harley Iron 1200 has a unique cruiser design, a solo rider seat, and mid-mounted foot controls. This article is a detailed comparison between the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Harley Sportster Iron 1200.

Also Read: 2022 HONDA REBEL 1100 VS. 2021 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER IRON 1200: A DETAILED COMPARISON

2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

Honda Shadow Phantom 750		Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200
Identification
Honda	Maker	Harley Davidson
Shadow	Series	Sportster
Phantom 750	Model	Iron 1200
2023	Year Model	2021
Cruiser	Motorcycle Type	Cruiser
VT750C2B	Model ID	XL1200NS
$7,999	Base Price	$10,249
Engine and Performance
745 cc	Displacement	1,202 cc
52° V-Twin, Four-Stroke Engine	Engine Design and Type	Evolution™ V-Twin Engine
Liquid-Cooled	Cooling System	Air-Cooled
Two	No. of Cylinders	Two
Three	Valves Per Cylinder	Four
44.6 hp at 5,500 rpm	Horsepower	60 hp
64.94 Nm at 3,500 rpm	Torque	98.97 Nm at 3,500 rpm
76 mm / 3 in	Stroke	96.52 mm / 3.8 in
79 mm / 3.11 in	Bore	88.9 mm / 3.5 in
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 34 mm Throttle Body	Fuel Injection System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
9.6:1	Compression Ratio	10:1
Wide-Ratio, Five-Speed	Transmission	Five-Speed
Shaft	Final Drive	Belt
Wet, Multiplate	Clutch	Wet, Multiplate
56 mpg	Fuel Economy	48 mpg
Chrome, Separate Dual Mufflers	Muffler	Blacked-Out, Separate Dual Mufflers
Two-Into-Two Exhaust	Exhaust	Two-Into-Two Exhaust
Steel	Frame	Mild Steel, Tubular Frame
Electric	Starter	Electric
Fuel Tank-Mounted	Gauges	Handlebar-Mounted
Wheels
Steel Spoked-Wheels with Black Rims	Wheels	Nine-Spoke, Blacked-Out Aluminum Wheels
Front: Dunlop® 120/90 R17 64S Rear: Dunlop® 160/80 R15 74S	Tires	Front: Michelin® 100/90B19 57H Rear: Michelin® 150/80B16 77H
Braking
Single 296 mm Disc with Twin-Piston Caliper	Front	300 mm Single Disc with Dual-Piston Caliper
180 mm Drum	Rear	260 mm Single Disc with Dual-Piston Caliper
No	ABS	Optional ($795)
Suspension
41 mm Front Fork	Front	39 mm Cartridge-Style Front Fork, Non-Adjustable
Dual Shocks with Five-Position Spring-Preload Adjustability	Rear	Variable Rate Spring with Nitrogen Charged Emulsion-Style Dual Shocks, Preload-Adjustable
4.6 in	Front Wheel Travel	3.6 in
3.5 in	Rear Wheel Travel	1.6 in
Dimensions and Weight
160 mm / 6.3 in	Trail	116.84 mm / 4.6 in
34°	Rake	30°
3.7 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	3.3 gal
129.5 mm / 5.1 in	Ground Clearance	109.22 mm / 4.3 in
825.5 mm / 32.5 in	Width	109.22 mm / 36 in
1089.7 mm / 42.9 in	Height	1239.52 mm / 48.8 in
2395.22 mm / 94.3 in	Length	2199.64 mm / 86.6 in
655.32 mm / 25.8 in	Seat Height	652.78 mm / 25.7 in
1640.8 mm / 64.6 in	Wheelbase	1513.84 mm / 59.6 in
549 lbs / 249 kg	Wet Weight	564 lbs / 255.83 kg

3. Design: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Sportster Iron 1200

3.1 Design: Honda Shadow Phantom 750

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is a bobber-style cruiser with a simple and minimalist design. It has a raked-out front end, giving it a chopper-style look. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 has mostly blacked-out parts, including its front forks, handlebars, engine, frame, air filter cover, and chrome separate dual exhaust pipes. It comes with a peanut-shaped fuel tank with a capacity of 3.7 gal with gauges mounted on it. Due to being a chopper-style cruiser, it has a longer wheelbase of 64.6 inches and a planted design with a low seat height of 25.8 inches. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 has a bobber-style front fender and a chopped rear fender with an integrated LED tail/stop light. It also has a classic, round headlamp fitted inside a black nacelle. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 also has semi-sweptback, bent-shaped handlebars with standard risers. It also comes with a single-piece, gunfighter-style seat capable of two-up riding. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750’s custom look is improved by its steel spoked wheels with black rims.

3.2 Design: Harley Sportster Iron 1200

The Harley Sportster Iron 1200 is a unique cruiser with a minimalist design. It is also fitted with a bobber-style front fender and a chopped rear fender with bullet-shaped rear turn signals and a small LED tail/stop light. The Harley Sportster Iron 1200 is a motorcycle with an innovative design with color schemes and fuel tank graphics that were inspired by 1970s Harley motorcycles. It has blacked-out parts, including a small nose fairing, separate dual slash-cut mufflers, battery cover, engine, classic round air filter cover, and stylish nine-spoke aluminum wheels. The blacked-out side mirrors, gauges, and front turn signals are mounted to the tall, mini-ape handlebars. The Harley Iron 1200 is also fitted with a café racer-style solo rider seat.

4. Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

4.1 Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom 750

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is powered by a 745 cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 52° V-Twin 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 has a wide-ratio, five-speed transmission that connects to the rear wheel via a shaft drive. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 utilizes a programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) system to deliver fuel to the engine and provides a fuel mileage of 56 mpg. The raked-out front end and longer wheelbase ensure a low center of gravity, better linear performance, and better maneuverability. The final shaft drive is easy to maintain and provides a smooth riding experience and a wide torque distribution at all gear levels.

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is ideal for weekend rides, daily commutes, city travel, and long rides. It is not a fast motorcycle but provides adequate power and torque for comfortable cruising on open roads. A single 296 mm front disc with a twin-piston caliper and a 180 mm rear drum brake provide adequate braking. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750’s 41 mm front fork and spring preload adjustable, dual rear shock absorbers ensure a comfortable riding experience on paved and bumpy roads.

4.2 Engine and Performance: Harley Sportster Iron 1200

The Harley Sportster Iron 1200 is powered by a 1,202 cc air-cooled, Evolution™ V-Twin engine capable of a horsepower of 60 hp and a torque of 98.97 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Despite being fitted with a 1,202 cc engine, it is not a fast motorcycle and produces inadequate horsepower for long-distance rides. The Harley Iron 1200 also lacks the sixth gear necessary for a better touring experience. The electronic fuel injection system provides a fuel mileage of 48 mpg.

The Harley Sportster Iron 1200 is an entry-level motorcycle due to being lightweight and easy to handle while turning tight corners. The Harley Iron 1200 has a narrower design which makes it easy to handle. The 1,202 cc Evolution™ V-Twin engine produces a reliable low-end torque that ensures comfortable short-distance rides and city travel.

For a more comfortable riding experience on paved and bumpy roads, replace the stock non-adjustable Cartridge front fork and dual rear shock absorbers with better suspensions that provide more wheel travel. The Harley Iron 1200’s single front and rear disc brakes, and an optional ABS, ensure reliable braking.

Also Read: INDIAN SCOUT BOBBER VS. HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER IRON 1200

5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

5.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom 750

Photo Credit: @hondanews

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is an ideal cruiser with comfortable ergonomics. It has a planted design with a longer wheelbase and a raked-out front end, ensuring a low seat height of 25.8 inches and a low center of gravity that ensures a relaxed riding experience and better handling. Despite having a low overall height, it is comfortable for taller riders to ride due to its forward-mounted foot controls and adequate legroom. The semi-sweptback, flat handlebars also provide an upright back position and laidback riding ergonomics. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is also comfortable for shorter and average riders. However, shorter riders must sit slightly forward to reach the handlebars.

Overall, the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is a comfortable, lightweight cruiser ideal for beginners, taller, and average riders. For a better cruising experience on open roads and highways, the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 can be fitted with an aftermarket windscreen to block the incoming wind. Also, with the addition of saddlebags and backrests, this vehicle can be transformed into an ideal cruiser.

5.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

Photo Credit: @harley-davidson-dubai

The Harley Sportster Iron 1200 is an innovatively-designed cruiser with unique ergonomics. It is fitted with mid-mounted foot controls and tall mini-ape handlebars, ensuring a slightly aggressive riding style. It is slightly uncomfortable for taller riders to ride on long-distance trips due to its compact rider triangle and ergonomics. However, due its high-mounted mini-ape handlebars provide enough legroom for the rider to adjust his/her knees. The Harley Iron 1200 ensures an upright back position that allows you to rest your arms at a tall height and reach the handlebars. An average and shorter rider will have to sit in a forward riding position due to its less swept-back and taller handlebars. However, the low seat height of 25.7 inches makes it an ideal motorcycle for beginners and shorter riders.

Also Read: HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER IRON 883 VS SPORTSTER IRON 1200

6. Technology and Features: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

Honda Shadow Phantom 750		Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200
Technology and Feature
No	ABS	Optional
Yes	Speedometer	Yes
Yes	Odometer	Yes
No	Tachometer	Yes
No	Fuel Gauge	Yes
No	Gear Indicator	Yes
No	Clock	Yes
Yes	Trip meter	Yes
Yes	Fuel Indicator	Yes
Yes	Pillion Seat	No

7. Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Sportster Iron 1200

7.1 Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom 750

Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Pros	Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Cons
Entry-level cruiser	Not a fast bike
Comfortable	Lacks the sixth gear
Low center of gravity	No ABS
Chopper-style front end	Single front and rear disc brakes
Good handling	No ride-assist and safety features
Beginner-friendly	Starter switch issue
Low seat height
Upright back position
Adequate legroom
Good for taller and average riders
Minimalist design
Lightweight
Customizable
A smooth shaft drive
Affordable

7.2 Pros and Cons: Harley Sportster Iron 1200

Harley Sportster Iron 1200 Pros	Harley Sportster Iron 1200 Cons
Nimble	Mid-mounted foot controls
Quality build	Tight legroom
Lightweight	ABS is optional
Customizable	No safety and ride-assist features
Slim design	Engine produces vibrations
Attractive style	Shorter wheel travel
Affordable
Good for shorter riders
Beginner-friendly
Quality parts are used
Reliable

8. Colors and Cost: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Harley Sportster Iron 1200

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

9.1 Is the Harley Sportster Iron 1200 Good for Long Trips?

The Harley Sportster Iron 1200 is not ideal for long-distance rides due to its compact legroom, slightly aggressive riding style, and lack of storage capacity. However, it can be transformed into an ideal cruiser by replacing the mid-mounted foot controls with forward-mounted foot controls and adding a few aftermarket parts, including saddlebags, backrests, a windshield, sissy bars, crash bars, and handlebars.

9.2 How Fast is the Harley Sportster Iron 1200?

The Harley Sportster Iron 1200 can attain a top speed of 118 mph and can jump from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 sec.

9.3 What are the Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?

Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200
Honda Shadow Phantom 750	Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200
745 cc	1,202 cc
Smaller engine size	Larger engine size
Liquid-Cooled	Air-Cooled
Three valves per cylinder	Four valves per cylinder
Engine produces less horsepower and torque	Slightly powerful and torquier engine
Shaft final drive	Belt final drive
Fuel economy of 56 mpg (Claimed)	Fuel economy of 48 mpg (Claimed)
Fuel tank-mounted gauges	Handlebar-mounted gauges
No ABS	ABS is optional
Longer wheel travel suspensions	Smaller wheel travel suspension
Raked-out front end	Smaller rake and trail size
High ground clearance	Low ground clearance
Slightly bigger fuel tank size	Smaller fuel tank capacity
Longer wheelbase	Smaller wheelbase
Two-up seating	Café racer-style, solo rider seat
No nose fairing	Small nose fairing

10. Which is Better: the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 or the Harley Sportster Iron 1200?

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Harley Sportster Iron 1200 have simple and unique designs. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 has a chopper-style front end and an overall bobber-style look with a minimalist design. It is not a fast motorcycle due to being fitted with a small-displacement engine. However, the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is easy to maneuver on twists and turns due to being lightweight. It has more comfortable ergonomics than the Harley Iron 1200 due to its forward-mounted foot controls and upright back position. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is ideal for daily commutes, city travel, and cruising on open roads. Meanwhile, the Harley Iron 1200 is a better-looking motorbike with a slightly aggressive riding style. Its mid-mounted foot controls make it uncomfortable on longer rides, especially for taller riders. The Harley Iron 1200 is also an ideal entry-level motorcycle due to having slightly underpowered engine. Its ergonomics can be improved by replacing the mid-mounted foot controls with forward-mounted foot controls. There are forward-mounted kits available for the Harley Sportster Iron 1200 to give it laid-back riding ergonomics and adequate legroom.

Photo Credit: @hondanews , @duboisharleydavidson