Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

• Table of Contents
• 1. Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 2. Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Phantom and the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 3. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 4. Design: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 4.1 Design: Honda Shadow Phantom
• 4.2 Design: Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 5. Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 5.1 Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom
• 5.2 Engine and Performance: Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 6. Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 6.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom
• 6.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 7. Technology and Features: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 8. Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 8.1 Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom
• 8.2 Pros and Cons: Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 9. Colors and Cost: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
• 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 10.1 Is the Honda Shadow Phantom Good for Beginners?
• 10.2 How Fast is the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec?
• 10.3 What is the Difference Between the Yamaha Bolt and the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec?
• 11. Which is Better: the Honda Shadow Phantom or the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec?

1. Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

Honda and Yamaha are two tough competitors that produce the most reliable motorcycles. Both Japanese motorcycle brands produce reliable and affordable motorbikes. However, both motorcycle brands have few cruisers as they focus on producing versatile motorcycles, including sports, track race, dirt, adventure, and touring bikes. Yamaha motorcycles tend to have an appealing design, but Honda motorcycles have better raw performance.

Both Honda and Yamaha have a long history of producing motorcycles. Yamaha introduced its first motorcycle, the Yamaha YA-1, in 1955. Meanwhile, Honda created its first motorcycle in 1903, paving the way to becoming the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.

The Honda Shadow Phantom and the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec are beginner-friendly motorcycles with bobber-inspired looks and minimalist designs to ensure agile performance. The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is slightly more powerful and agile due to being fitted with a bigger engine than the Honda Shadow Phantom. It is also suitable for intermediate-level riders as it ensures a fun riding experience. Meanwhile, the Honda Shadow Phantom is a low-powered motorcycle with a low overall height and center of gravity that makes it an ideal beginner-friendly bike. This article is a detailed comparison between the Honda Shadow Phantom and the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec.

2. Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Phantom and the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Phantom and the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
Honda Shadow Phantom	Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
745 cc	942 cc
Liquid-Cooled	Air-Cooled
Less powerful and torquey engine	Slightly more powerful and torquey engine
Shaft final drive	Belt final drive
Two-into-two exhaust pipes	Two-into-one exhaust pipe
Fuel tank-mounted gauges	Handlebars-mounted gauges
Drum rear brake	Single hydraulic disc rear brake
Good rear wheel travel	Small rear wheel travel
Raked-out front end	Less raked-out front end
Single-piece saddle capable of two-up riding	Tuck-and-roll solo rider seat
Shorter front end	Taller front end
Wire-spoked wheels	Stylish 12-spoke wheels
Teardrop-shaped blacked-out air filter cover	Modern-style air filter cover
Simple cruiser	Aesthetically more appealing

3. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

Honda Shadow Phantom		Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
Identification
Honda	Maker	Yamaha
Shadow Phantom 750	Model	Bolt R-Spec
2023	Year Model	2023
Custom / Cruiser	Motorcycle Type	Cruiser
$7,899	Base Price	$8,899
Engine and Performance
745 cc / 45.46 cu in	Displacement	942 cc / 58 cu in
52° V-Twin, Four-Stroke Engine	Engine Design and Type	SOHC V-Twin Engine
Liquid-Cooled	Cooling System	Air-Cooled
Two	No. of Cylinders	Two
Three	Valves Per Cylinder	Four
44.6 hp @ 5,500 rpm	Horsepower	65 hp
64.94 Nm @ 3,500 rpm	Torque	80.4 Nm
76 mm / 3 in	Stroke	3.26 mm / 83 mm
79 mm / 3.11 in	Bore	85 mm / 3.34 in
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 34 mm Throttle Body	Fuel Injection System	Twin-Bore Fuel Injection
9.6:1	Compression Ratio	9:1
Wide-Ratio, Five-Speed	Transmission	Five-Speed
Shaft	Final Drive	Belt
Wet, Multiplate	Clutch	Wet, Multiplate
56 mpg	Fuel Economy	51 mpg
Chrome, Separate Dual Mufflers	Muffler	Stylish Single Muffler
Two-Into-Two Exhaust	Exhaust	Two-Into-One Exhaust
Steel Frame	Frame	Double-Cradle Frame
Electric	Starter	Electric
Fuel Tank-Mounted	Gauges	Handlebars-Mounted
Wheels
Steel-Spoked Wheels with Black Rims	Wheels	Stylish 12-Spoke Wheels
Front: Dunlop® 120/90 R17 64S Rear: Dunlop® 160/80 R15 74S	Tires	Front: Bridgestone® EXEDRA G721 F Rear: Bridgestone® EXEDRA G722 R
Braking
296 mm Single Disc with Twin-Piston Caliper	Front	298 mm Single Hydraulic Disc
180 mm Drum	Rear	298 mm Single Hydraulic Disc
No	ABS	No
Suspension
41 mm Front Fork	Front	Telescopic Fork
Dual Shocks with Five-Position Spring-Preload Adjustability	Rear	Dual Piggyback Shocks
116.84 mm / 4.6 in	Front Wheel Travel	119.38 mm / 4.7 in
88.9 mm / 3.5 in	Rear Wheel Travel	71.12 mm / 2.8 in
Dimensions and Weight
160 mm / 6.3 in	Trail	129.5 mm / 5.1 in
34°	Rake	29°
3.7 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	3.4 gal
129.5 mm / 5.1 in	Ground Clearance	129.5 mm / 5.1 in
825.5 mm / 32.5 in	Width	944.88 mm / 37.2 in
1089.7 mm / 42.9 in	Height	1120.14 mm / 44.1 in
2395.22 mm / 94.3 in	Length	2291 mm / 90.2 in
655.32 mm / 25.8 in	Seat Height	690.88 mm / 27.2 in
1640.8 mm / 64.6 in	Wheelbase	1569.7 mm / 61.8 in
549 lbs / 249 kg	Wet Weight	542 lbs / 245.84 kg

4. Design: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

4.1 Design: Honda Shadow Phantom

Photo Credit: @baltimoresun

The Honda Shadow Phantom is the simplest cruiser in the Honda lineup with no fancy, heavy parts and a bobber-inspired look. It is a small cruiser with a low seat height and a planted design. The Honda Shadow Phantom is available in two simple single-tone color schemes with a matte black finish and separate short dual chrome mufflers. It has a slightly raked-out front end with thick front forks, ensuring a low overall height and an extended wheelbase. The Honda Shadow Phantom has bobber-style front and rear fenders with an integrated tail light that improves its classic retro look. It is also fitted with a small round headlight enclosed in a matte black nacelle and bullet-shaped front and rear turn signals. The classic analog gauges cluster is mounted to a teardrop-shaped fuel tank with a capacity of 3.7 gal. The spatula-shaped chrome side mirrors are mounted to wide, semi-sweptback handlebars with standard risers. The Honda Shadow Phantom is also fitted with a gunfighter-style saddle capable of two-up riding. It also comes with fat Dunlop tires wrapped around wire-spoked wheels to give this motorbike an old-school look.

4.2 Design: Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

Photo Credit: @wilsonpowersports

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is also a bobber-style cruiser with a tall, slim front fork and a low rear end. It has a minimalist and lightweight design that is easily customizable. The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec has a simple, small peanut-shaped fuel tank with a capacity of 3.4 gal and a flat solo rider seat. It also comes with a bobber-style front fender and a small-sized chopped rear fender with a small LED tail light mounted on top. Unlike the Honda Shadow Phantom, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec has a small LCD display meter mounted to simple drag handlebars. It also comes with a small round headlamp and bullet-shaped front and rear turn signals. To ensure a taller front end, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is fitted with a tall and narrow Bridgestone® EXEDRA G721 F 100/90-19 front tire and a fat and wide Bridgestone® EXEDRA G722 R 150/80-16 rear tire wrapped around stylish 12-spoke wheels.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is available in only a storm gray single-tone color scheme with a matte black and gray finish. It has a stylish and uniquely-designed engine and frame with a two-into-one exhaust pipe that gives it a modern look. The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec shares a close resemblance with the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 and it also has an aggressive riding style.

Also Read: YAMAHA BOLT VS HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 1200: DETAILED COMPARISON

5. Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

5.1 Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom

Photo Credit: @motoworldracing

The Honda Shadow Phantom is an entry-level, beginner-friendly cruiser powered by a small 745 cc liquid-cooled 52° V-Twin engine capable of a horsepower of 44.6 hp @ 5,500 rpm and a torque of 64.94 Nm @ 3,500 rpm. Despite being a simple and low-budget cruiser, it comes with a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) that ensures a smooth throttle response and a fuel mileage of 56 mpg. The Honda Shadow Phantom has a wide-ratio, five-speed transmission, a wet multi-plate clutch, and a cleaner shaft final drive for smoother gear shifts, clutch operation, and riding experience. Due to being a lightweight motorcycle, the 745 cc engine provides enough power and torque delivery to ensure a thrilling riding experience for beginners. However, the Honda Shadow Phantom would be a slow and boring motorbike for intermediate and expert riders.

The Honda Shadow Phantom’s low seat height, low center of gravity, less weight, and smaller size make it nimble and agile. It is easy to operate and balance even at high speeds. The Honda Shadow Phantom also has neutral handling for turning corners or making U-turns.

The Honda Shadow Phantom has a 41 mm front fork and dual rear shock absorbers with spring preload adjustability to ensure a smooth and comfortable riding experience on paved roads. The wider and thicker front fork comes with a billet aluminum triple clamp that ensures neutral handling. The front suspension has a wheel travel of 4.6 inches, while the preload-adjustable dual rear shocks have a wheel travel of 3.5 inches. The Honda Shadow Phantom does not come with a standard ABS, but the 296 mm single front disc and a 180 rear drum brake provide adequate braking.

5.2 Engine and Performance: Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

Photo Credit: @yamahapart

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is also an entry-level motorcycle with a simple and minimalist design. However, it provides quite a fun riding experience due to being fitted with a 942 cc air-cooled, V-Twin engine capable of a horsepower of 65 hp and a torque of 80.4 Nm. The 942 cc V-Twin engine ensures smooth torque and power delivery at all speeds, while the two-into-one exhaust pipe produces a satisfying rumble. The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is also fitted with a twin-bore fuel injection system to ensure a good throttle response and has a fuel economy of 51 mpg. Being a lightweight motorcycle, the 942 cc engine produces good acceleration at all gear levels.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec also does not come with standard ABS but due to being a lightweight vehicle, but the 298 mm single hydraulic front and rear discs ensure reliable braking. However, the braking is slightly inadequate while riding at high speeds. You must press the front and rear brakes simultaneously to safely stop the bike.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is also a popular and reliable motorcycle with its five-speed transmission and belt drive that can last more than 100,000 miles. The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is one of the best V-Twin cruisers for beginners and intermediate riders.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec has a taller and less raked-out front end which makes the wheelbase shorter, ensuring smooth and easy handling while turning tight corners and making U-turns. The front telescopic fork has a wheel travel of 4.7 inches, while the rear dual Piggyback shock absorbers have a wheel travel of 2.8 inches.

Also Read: YAMAHA BOLT VS HONDA REBEL 500: DETAILED COMPARISON

6. Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

6.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom

Photo Credit: @bikescatalog

The Honda Shadow Phantom is a comfortable motorcycle with forward-mounted foot controls, ensuring adequate legroom suitable for all riders. This motorbike is fitted with low-mounted, semi-sweptback handlebars, but the low seat height of 25.8 inches and the handlebars’ position ensure an upright back position. The rider can ride this motorcycle for 3-4 hours continuously without getting fatigued. Despite being a small cruiser with a basic, lightweight design, it is suitable for shorter and taller riders due to its comfortable rider triangle. The Honda Shadow Phantom is an ideal beginner-friendly urban cruiser suitable for cruising on highways and open roads with the inclusion of a windshield and backrest. It can also be used for comfortable light touring by installing specially designed saddlebags for the Honda Shadow Phantom available at Viking Bags.

6.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

Photo Credit: @wilsonpowersports

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is a sporty cruiser with an aggressive riding style and ergonomics. It comes with mid-mounted foot controls ensuring compact legroom and low-mounted, drag handlebars. The rider has to sit slightly forward to reach the handlebars. However, due to its taller front end and comfortable rider triangle, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec provides enough space for taller riders to adjust their limbs. Despite its sportier ergonomics, it is suited for comfortable all-day rides.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec has a basic design that can be easily customized. Due to being a popular customizable motorbike among custom builders, there are several small companies besides Yamaha that produce Yamaha Bolt R-Spec aftermarket parts. By installing aftermarket parts, you can transform this vehicle into a bobber, chopper, or café racer. The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec can also be transformed into an ideal touring bike by installing saddlebags, windscreen, sissy bars, and backrests. With an aftermarket passenger seat, it can also be used for comfortable two-up riding.

7. Technology and Features: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

Honda Shadow Phantom		Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
Technology and Features
No	ABS	No
Analog	Speedometer	Digital
Digital	Odometer	Digital
Analog	Tachometer	No
No	Fuel Gauge	No
No	Clock	Digital
Digital	Trip Meter	Digital
Yes	Fuel Level Warning	Yes
Yes	Oil Pressure Warning Light	Yes
Yes	Engine Management Warning	Yes
Yes	Pillion Seat	No

8. Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

8.1 Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom

Honda Shadow Phantom Pros	Honda Shadow Phantom Cons
Beginner-friendly	No ABS
Lightweight	Single front disc brake
Low seat height	Rear drum brake
Nimble	Low-power bike
Affordable	Small engine size
Comfortable for shorter and taller riders	Lacks sixth gear
Comfortable ergonomics	Not ideal for two-up riding
Good for continuous long-distance rides	Low ground clearance
Basic styling
Customizable
Good fuel economy

8.2 Pros and Cons: Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

Yamaha Bolt R-Spec Pros	Yamaha Bolt R-Spec Cons
Aesthetically appealing	Mid-mounted foot controls
Produces adequate power	Slightly uncomfortable for long-distance rides
Smooth power and torque delivery	Compact legroom
Good throttle response	Forward riding position
Matte black finish	No stock passenger seat
Easily customizable	No ABS
Good handling	Lacks sixth gear
Agile
Affordable
Sports-style cruiser
Good fuel mileage

9. Colors and Cost: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

10.1 Is the Honda Shadow Phantom Good for Beginners?

The Honda Shadow Phantom has all the good qualities of an ideal beginner-friendly bike. It comes with a low-power engine, low seat height, and a low center of gravity. The Honda Shadow Phantom is also quite easy to handle due to being lightweight. It is a perfect fit for riders with no prior riding experience.

10.2 How Fast is the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec?

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is a sports-style cruiser with an aggressive riding style and basic design. The 945 cc V-Twin engine makes it quite a maneuverable and nimble motorcycle able to reach a top speed of 106 mph. The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec produces adequate power and torque at all gear levels, which makes it suitable for beginners and intermediate riders.

10.3 What is the Difference Between the Yamaha Bolt and the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec?

The Yamaha Bolt is the base model, while the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec comes with additional features, including gold-anodized and fully-adjustable piggyback rear shock absorbers with remote reservoirs for comfortable riding. The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec also comes with a solo rider seat and a simple storm gray color scheme.

Also Read: YAMAHA BOLT R-SPEC AND C-SPEC: DETAILED SPECS, BACKGROUND, PERFORMANCE, AND MORE

11. Which is Better: the Honda Shadow Phantom or the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec?

The Honda Shadow Phantom and the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec are beginner-friendly motorbikes with good handling and cornering capabilities. Both motorcycles are reliable, affordable, and customizable due to having a basic, minimalist design. However, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is fitted with a slightly bigger engine that produces adequate power and torque delivery at low and high speeds. Despite costing $1,000 more than the Honda Shadow Phantom, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec has better performance, styling, and value. It is an aesthetically appealing motorbike with a basic overall design and dozens of aftermarket parts available for customization. The Honda Shadow Phantom is only suitable for beginners due to its small engine size.

However, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is powerful enough for both beginners and intermediate riders. Both motorcycles also have different riding styles and ergonomics. The Honda Shadow Phantom has ideal cruiser ergonomics with forward-mounted foot controls and an upright back position. Meanwhile, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec has mid-mounted foot controls and an aggressive riding style.

Both the Honda Shadow Phantom and the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec are popular among custom builders due to their being easy to modify. If you are a fan of custom motorcycles and are looking to modify your bike, you can easily find good-quality aftermarket parts at Viking Bags. The aftermarket parts include sissy bars, crash bars, fairings, and handlebars. There are also different luggage options available at Viking Bags, including saddlebags and sissy bar bags.

Photo Credit: @kingsbayhonda, @wilsonpowersports