- Table of Contents
- 1. HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
- 2. Detailed Specs Comparison: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
- 3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
- 4. Design: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
- 5. Engine and Performance: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
- 5.1 Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Sabre 1100
- 5.2 Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Spirit 1100
- 6. Comfort and Ergonomics: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
- 6.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Sabre 1100
- 6.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Spirit 1100
- 7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
- 8. Pros and Cons: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 9.1 What are the major differences between the Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 and the Honda Shadow Spirit 1100?
- 9.2 Which is a better beginner motorcycle: the Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 or the Shadow Spirit 1100?
- 9.3 What are the most common modifications you can make to the Honda Shadow Sabre 100?
- 10. TAKEAWAY
1. HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
Photo Credit: @hondanews
The HONDA SABRE was first introduced in 1982 and remained in production until 1985. Honda re-launched this motorcycle in 2000, except it had the engine used for the Honda Shadow series. The Honda Shadow Sabre 1000 was first released in 2001 and remained in production until 2007. Meanwhile, the Honda Shadow is one of Honda’s oldest motorcycle series. The Honda Shadow series was launched in 1982, with many of the models still in production. The Honda Shadow 1100 was first introduced in 1985 and remained in production until 2007. In 2001, the first HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT variants had a 750 cc or a 1100 cc engine. The Honda Sabre 1100 and Shadow 1100 Spirit shared the same type of engine. However, the Sabre 1100’s engine has a slightly lower gear ratio than the Shadow 1100 Spirit. The Honda Shadow underwent several upgrades over the years. Like previous Honda Shadow models, the Sabre 1100 and the Shadow 1100 Spirit also came with a five-speed transmission system. In 2001, Honda also launched the ACE Tourer based on the Spirit 1100’s engine
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2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
| HONDA | HONDA | |
|---|---|---|
| BASIC INFORMATION | ||
| Year | 2006 | 2007 |
| Model | Shadow Sabre 1100 | Shadow Spirit 1100 |
| Motorcycle Type | Cruiser | |
| Base Price | $8,599 | $8,599 |
| Colors | Candy Black Cherry, Black/Flame | Cascade Silver Metallic and Black |
| ENGINE & SYSTEMS | ||
| Displacement | 67.1 cu in (1,099 cc) | 67.1 cu in (1,099 cc) |
| Engine Type | SOHC, 45° V-Twin | SOHC, 45° V-Twin |
| Cooling System | Liquid-Cooled | Liquid-Cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Stroke | 91.4 mm (3.6 in) | 91.4 mm (3.6 in) |
| Bore | 87.5 mm (3.44 in) | 87.5 mm (3.44 in) |
| Cylinders | Two | Two |
| Drive Train | Shaft | Shaft |
| Transmission | Five-speed | Five-speed |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Exhaust | Two-into-Two | Two-into-Two |
| Fuel Delivery System | Two 36 mm constant velocity carburettor | Dual 36 mm Keihin Carbs |
| PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY | ||
| Horsepower | 68.9 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 67 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 67 ft-lbs (91 Nm) @ 2,700 rpm | 67 ft-lbs (91 Nm) @ 2,700 rpm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.2 gal (15.8 L) | 4.2 gal (15.8 L) |
| Oil Capacity | 4 quarts (3.8 L) | 4 quarts (3.8 L) |
| Mileage | 45.5 mpg (19.3 km/l) | 45.5 mpg (19.3 km/l) |
| Reserve | 0.6 gal (2.27 L) | 0.6 gal (2.27 L) |
| DIMENSIONS | ||
| Trail | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 152.5 mm (6.0 in) |
| Rake | 32.4° | 32.4° |
| Seat Height | 691 mm (27.2 in) | 729 mm (28.7 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,650 mm (65 in) | 1,651 mm (65 in) |
| Weight | 612 lbs (277.6 kg) | 556 lbs (252 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | N/A | N/A |
| Length | 2,440 mm (96 in) | N/A |
| Width | 965 mm (38 in) | N/A |
| Height | 1,160 mm (46 in) | N/A |
| SUSPENSIONS & BRAKES | ||
| Front Suspension | 41 mm fork | 41 mm fork |
| Front Suspension Travel | 119.38 mm (4.7 in) | 160.02 mm (6.3 in) |
| Rear Suspension | Dual Shocks with five-point pre-load adjustability | Dual Shocks with five-point adjustability |
| Rear Suspension Travel | 99.06 mm (3.9 in) | 99.06 mm (3.9 in) |
| Front Brake | Single 316 mm disc brake | Single 336 mm disc brake |
| Rear Brake | Single 276 mm disc brake | Drum |
3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
| Key Similarities | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Both have a pre-installed passenger seat | The Shadow Spirit comes with a backrest for the passenger, while the Sabre 1100 does not have a backrest |
| Both have a two-into-two exhaust system | The Shadow Spirit has chopped fenders, while the Sabre 1100 has full-sized fenders |
| Both have forward-mounted footrests | Both have different cast wheel rims |
| Both operate on a shaft drive train | The Shadow Spirit has a higher handlebar than the Sabre 1100 |
| Both have the same fuel tank capacity | Both have different tail lights |
| Both have a similarly sized, liquid-cooled engine | The Shadow Spirit has rear drum brakes, while the Sabre 1100 has a single rear disc brake |
| The Shadow Spirit has a separate rider and passenger seat, while the Sabre 1100 has a combined rider and passenger seat |
4. DESIGN: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
4.1 Design: Honda Shadow Sabre 1100
The HONDA SABRE 1100 is a retro cruiser with an overall bulky body. The Sabre 1100 has full-sized fenders and a bulky fuel tank. The chopped fender and the fuel tank are the only colored part of the motorcycle, while the rest of the motorcycle is covered with chrome paint. The rider and passenger seats are combined and lack a BACKREST. The Sabre 1100 has a large retro-style round headlight. At the front, it has a 41 mm stanchions fork with a wheel travel of 160 mm, a single 316 mm disc brake, and a tire size of 120/90-18. At the rear, it has dual pre-load adjustable shocks with a wheel travel of 100 mm, a single 276 mm disc brake, and a tire size of 170/80-15.
4.2 Design: Honda Shadow Spirit 1100
The HONDA SHADOW 1100 SPIRIT is a retro-style cruiser with chopped fenders and a bulky fuel tank. The fenders and the fuel tank are the only colored parts, while the remaining parts, including the suspensions, HANDLEBARS, exhaust, engine, and side panels are covered in chrome paint. The Shadow 1100 Spirit has separate passenger and rider seats, the latter coming with a backrest. The Shadow 1100 Spirit also has a small round headlight and a uniquely styled tail light. At the front, it has a 41 mm telescopic fork with a wheel travel of 160.02 mm, a single 316 mm disc brake, and a tire size 110/90-19. At the rear, it has dual five-position pre-load adjustable shocks with a wheel travel of 100 mm, fitted with a tire size of 170/80-15. Unlike other cruisers, the Shadow 1100 Spirit has drum brakes rather than disc brakes.
5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
5.1 Engine & Performance: Honda Shadow Sabre 1100
The Honda Sabre 1100 runs on a 67.1 cu in (1,099 cc), SOHC, liquid-cooled V-Twin engine with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. It has a stroke size of 91.4 mm (3.6 in) and bore size of 87.5 mm (3.44 in), capable of a horsepower of 68.9 hp @ 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 91 Nm @ 2,700. The Honda Sabre 1100 is fitted with a dual 36 mm constant velocity carburetor with a fuel mileage of 45.5 MPG (19.3 km/l) and a fuel tank capacity of 4.2 gal (15.8 L).
5.2 Engine & Performance: Honda Shadow Spirit 1100
The Honda Shadow runs on a 67.1 cu in (1,099 cc), SOHC, 45° liquid-cooled V-Twin engine with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. It has a stroke size of 91.4 mm and a bore size of 87.5 mm. This engine offers a horsepower of 67 hp @ 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 67 ft-lbs (91 Nm) @ 2,700 rpm. The Shadow 1100 Spirit has a 4.2-gal (15.8 L) fuel tank capacity equipped with dual 36 mm Keihin Carbs capable of fuel mileage of 45.5 MPG (19.3 km/l).
6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Sabre 1100
The Honda Sabre 1100 has a classical style seat with forward footrests, a low seat height of 691 mm (27.2 in), and a wheelbase of 1,650 mm (65 in). It has upright and wide handlebars with a trail size of 161 mm (6.3 in) and a rake angle of 32.4°. The Sabre 1100 is a large cruiser with a length of 2,440 mm (96 in), a width of 965 mm (38 in), and a height of 1,160 mm (46 in). The Honda Sabre 1100 has a pre-installed passenger seat and forward-mounted footrests ensuring a comfortable riding position. The Sabre 1100 is a heavyweight cruiser with a wet weight of 612 lbs (277.6 kg).
6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Spirit 1100
Photo Credit: @motorcyclecruiser
The Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit has a classic style seat with forward footrests, a low seat height of 729 mm (28.7 in), and a wheelbase of 1,651 mm (65 in). It has upright and chopper-style wide handlebars with a trail size of 152.5 mm (6.0 in) and a rake angle of 32.4°. The Sabre 1100 is a large cruiser with dimensions very similar to the Honda Shadow 1100 Sprit. The Honda Sabre 1100 has a pre-installed passenger seat with a backrest. The Sabre 1100’s forward-mounted footrest provides a relaxed riding position. The Sabre 1100 is a middleweight cruiser with a wet weight of 556 lbs (252 kg).
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7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
| FEATURES | HONDA SABRE 1100 | HONDA SHADOW 1100 SPIRIT |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | No | No |
| Gauges | Handlebar-mounted | Handlebar-mounted |
| Clock | X | X |
| Engine Kill Switch | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speedometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Odometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tachometer | X | X |
| Gear Indicator | X | X |
| Fuel Gauge | X | X |
| Fuel Warning Indicator | X | X |
| Cruise Control | X | X |
| Low Oil Indicator | X | X |
| Slip & Assist Clutch | X | X |
8. PROS & CONS: HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 VS HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100
8.1 Pros & Cons: Honda SHADOW SABRE 1100
| HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 PROS | HONDA SHADOW SABRE 1100 CONS |
|---|---|
| Maintenance-free shaft drive | No ABS |
| Good power delivery | No multiple riding modes |
| Comfortable seating position | No low fuel-indication |
| Entry-level cruiser | Starter issues |
| Suitable for all riders | No traction control |
| Reliable engine performance | |
| Easily customizable |
8.2 Pros & Cons: Honda SHADOW 1100 Spirit
| HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100 PROS | HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100 CONS |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | No ABS |
| Maintenance-free shaft drive | No multiple riding modes |
| Powerful torque delivery | No traction control |
| Suitable for all riders | Discontinued |
| Passenger backrest | |
| Comfortable seating | |
| Chopper-style handlebars |
9. FAQs
9.1 What are the major differences between the Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 and the Honda Shadow Spirit 1100?
The Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit has chopper-style handlebars and a backrest, while the Sabre 1100 has a standard wide handlebar but no backrest. The Sabre 1100 has a combined rider and passenger seat, while the Shadow 1100 Spirit comes with separate rider and passenger seats. The Shadow 1100 Spirit has rear drum brakes, while the Sabre 1100 has rear disc brakes.
9.2 Which is a better beginner motorcycle: the Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 or the Shadow Spirit 1100?
Both motorcycles share similar specifications and performance. However, the Shadow 1100 Spirit comes with chopper-style handlebars which offer better comfort and handling, especially for taller riders. Overall, both models are beginner-friendly vehicles due to having 1100 cc engines that have a manageable power output.
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9.3 What are the most common modifications you can make to the Honda Shadow Sabre 100?
Overall, the Honda Sabre 1100 has a comfortable riding position and a reasonably powerful engine. However, to improve its overall riding experience, many riders prefer to change out the standard footrests with floorboards and install backrests. Moreover, riders can also install saddlebags, motorcycle trunks, and other luggage bags to carry important cargo across long distances.
10. TAKEAWAY
The Honda Sabre 1100 and the Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit are ideal classic Honda cruisers without pre-installed luggage bags. Since both motorcycles belong to the Honda Shadow lineup, they share the same engine displacement size and performance. Both were released at similar prices and were discontinued by Honda before 2010. The major differences between these two motorcycles were their exterior designs. Both cruisers do not have safety features, like ABS, traction control, riding modes, etc., and they also do not have pre-equipped SISSY BARS, CRASH BARS, or saddlebags. However, there are still used versions of both models available at reasonable prices.
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