The 2012 Honda Shadow Phantom

Honda Motorcycles have always produced nice-looking motorcycles. Sturdy, reliable and well-built, the engines are practically bulletproof and the styling is always spot-on. The 2012 Honda Shadow Phantom was brand-new for the 2011 model year, and returns for 2012. This Honda Motorcycle sports a blacked-out engine and body work, minimal chrome, and loads of character.

2012 Honda Shadow Phantom Engine

The 745cc powerplant utilized throughout the Honda Shadow lineup has been more or less unchanged since its introduction, following the design theory that "if it ain't broke, why bother trying to fix it?" What they have added to the engine is the fuel injection system that makes the Honda Shadow Phantom a breeze to start regardless of the temperature outside, or how long you've let the bike sit. A standard five-speed transmission links to the rear wheel via a shaft drive, added several years ago to the Shadow line to help keep maintenance on the bike low. A nice added bonus to the Shadow is the fact that it gets an estimated 56 miles per gallon fuel economy. Mind you, that's in an EPA tailpipe test, but your results shouldn't be too far off of that if you don't ride the Shadow like you stole it.

2012 Honda Shadow Phantom Styling

The styling of the 2012 Shadow Phantom is where the bike really stands out. Harley Davidson might have pioneered the blacked-out motorcycle look, but Honda made it affordable. The one-piece custom seat flows elegantly over the sculpted rear fender. The engine features blacked-out jugs combined with a black air cleaner cover, and matte aluminum brightwork instead of chrome. You can still see the polish on the exhaust tubes, but otherwise, this bike's about as blacked-out as they come.

The wheel rings, axle hubs and headlight bucket are all matte black, and the upper fork tubes are both matte aluminum to match the cylinder heads.

The 2012 Honda Shadow Phantom is a good, basic motorcycle that's literally dripping with style. Priced at just a hair over $8,000 brand-new, most riders shouldn't have a problem bringing this ride home with a great financing deal that'll keep payments down. It may also be worthwhile if you want to save some cash, to look at the 2011 model. These Honda Motorcycles are the same inside and out, but you might luck out come February when the dealers start getting itchy about getting the previous year's models off the sales floor. There really is nothing like a great motorcycle for a great price.

Sources:
Honda Motorcycles: 2012 Honda Shadow Phantom: powersports.honda.com