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May 25, 2023

Honda Shadow Phantom Cruiser Becomes Better Than Ever For 2024

The Shadow Phantom has had some notable updates for 2024 Back in 1983, Honda

The Shadow Phantom has had some notable updates for 2024

Back in 1983, Honda whipped up the Shadow to take on the then-ripening American cruiser market. 40 years later, the Japanese cruiser is still on sale in the U.S. and has just received a sizable update for MY24. The Shadow Phantom gains new colors, features, and a design refresh, all of which make it more relevant in this day and age. None of this comes at an obnoxious price hike either.

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Kicking it off with the design, the 2024 Shadow Phantom looks more butch in its new avatar. Credit here goes to the 1960-inspired fork gaiters, a bigger headlight, and new fenders fore and aft. The rear fender is much shorter and chopped to add a bobber-like appeal to the cruiser, amped up by the absence of a pillion saddle. Yes, you read that right, the new Phantom doesn't come with a rear seat since it's now sold as an accessory. Complementing this is a set of all-LED indicators, a blacked-out two-into-two exhaust, and sportier Deep Pearl Grey or Orange Metallic two-tone color options.

The Phantom is also different once you hop aboard. There's a new handlebar at the helm, with a new clamp for a higher and forward position. Right behind it lies a new semi-digital instrument cluster (although with the same basic readouts) which you can enjoy from the new ribbed seat. It is 0.2 inches closer to the ground at a seat height of 25.6 inches. Add to this the 543-pound curb weight (six pounds lower than the ‘23 model), and the cruiser motorcycle will feel more accessible now, regardless of your dimensions.

Finally, another noteworthy update is the addition of ABS and a rear disc brake. The drum brake has made way for a 276 mm rear rotor clamped by a two-pot caliper, enabling the inclusion of dual-channel ABS. What will further help inspire confidence is the new set of Bridgestone Exedra G701/ G702 tires. However, it's worth noting the ABS is an optional extra in all 49 states, except California (where it comes as standard).

Besides all this, the Shadow Phantom has no mechanical updates. It continues to employ a 745cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine that supplies all of its juice via a shaft-driven five-speed gearbox. You will notice a new air filter cover and dual-tone fins, but these are just for aesthetic purposes. Similarly, the 41 mm telescopic forks and dual shock absorbers remain unchanged, and so does the 17/15-inch spoke wheel combination. Same goes for the 3.9-gallon fuel tank capacity.

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Powersports Honda has priced the new Shadow Phantom at $8,399–$400 more than before–which is well-justified in our opinion. The addition of ABS takes the price to $8,699. Sadly, the Phantom's biggest roadblock is Honda's own Rebel cruiser series. The Rebel 500 offers similar peak power and features at $2,000 less, while the Rebel 1100 has a lot more for just $1,000 more. Nevertheless, if an authentic American experience with Japanese reliability is what you want, there's no beating the Shadow.

Punya is an avid motorcyclist who's always up for a ride to the canyons or the racetrack. He insists his riding skills are better than his writing skills, even though he's worked with some world-renowned automotive websites.