In addition to the nearly two-dozen all-new or improved models that Honda has released since 2012, Big Red is bringing back other popular bikes in its lineup with new colors and prices. Returning for 2014 are the Shadow and 1300 Custom lines of cruisers, as well as the Rebel cruiser and XR650L dual-sport.
“These well-established bikes continue to be favorites among riders,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. “Motorcycle enthusiasts have purchased hundreds of thousands of these returning models, and this says a lot about their popularity with consumers. With more favorite models added to the 2014 lineup, Honda riders have more options to choose from than ever before for both street and off-road riding. Honda is paving the way in the expansion of the powersports market, and we’re on the gas.”
2014 Honda Fury
When Honda introduced the Fury chopper for 2010, many folks were surprised, in part because it arrived just as the stretched-out, blinged-out chopper craze was coming to an end. But, as our first-year road test of the Fury revealed, it’s more comfortable and handles better than its long appearance suggests, and its liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 1312cc V-twin is remarkably civilized and returns over 40 mpg. With cast wheels, low-maintenance shaft drive and Honda’s usual high standards of fit/finish and reliability, the Fury is anything but. Available in January 2014 in Black and Matte Pearl White/Red for $13,390, or with ABS (Black only) for $14,390.
For more information: powersports.honda.com/2014/fury.aspx
2014 Honda Sabre
After the Fury was introduced, its long, lean chassis and 1,312cc V-twin provided the foundation for all-new versions of other cruiser models such as the Sabre, Stateline and Interstate. In 2010, we did a comparison test of all three: “The Sabre has muscular styling with shorty fenders, a skinnier front tire and a flat, pullback handlebar that places your arms farther forward and closer to your body than the other two,” wrote Donya Carlson. Honda used to call the styling “radical,” but now it refers to the Sabre as a “muscle-bound street rod” and a “pro-street-style cruiser.” It will be available in January 2014 in Black with an MSRP of $12,250; add a grand for ABS.
For more information: powersports.honda.com/2014/sabre.aspx
2014 Honda Stateline
Another “Son of Fury,” according to our comparison test, the Stateline “positions your arms spread-eagle with a big, wide handlebar, the engine is blacked out and the bike has a retro look with deep, flowing fenders.” Same long and low chassis, same 1,312cc V-twin as the rest of the VT1300 lineup. Like the Stateline, it will be available in January 2014 in Black only; MSRP is $12,150, or $13,150 for the ABS model.
For more information: powersports.honda.com/2014/stateline.aspx
2014 Honda Interstate
Last but certainly not least in the 1300 Custom cruiser lineup is the Interstate, which is “basically a Stateline model that’s been outfitted with a windscreen, rider floorboards, leather-covered saddlebags, a larger brake pedal and a heel-toe shifter.” Instead of bad-boy Black, the Interstate will be available in Light Silver Metallic in January 2014. MSRP is $13,240 for the base model, $14,240 for ABS.
For more information: powersports.honda.com/cruiser/2014/interstate.aspx
2014 Honda Shadow Aero
Honda has had Shadow cruisers in its lineup since the ’80s, and for 2014 there will be three models to choose from: Aero, Spirit 750 and Phantom (the roadster-styled RS has been dropped). We included a 2013 Shadow Aero in our middleweight metric cruiser comparison, and it was the smallest-displacement bike of the bunch. The Shadow Aero’s liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 52-degree V-twin has modest output (39.9 horsepower, 44.7 lb-ft of torque) but thanks to a low, 560-lb curb weight it has great fuel economy (51.3 mpg). The Aero has a retro look, with spoked wheels, valenced fenders and plenty of chrome, as well as low-maintenance shaft drive. Available in December 2013 in Black ($8,240) and Metallic Silver/Pearl White for ($8,540), or with ABS in Black only ($9,240).
For more information: powersports.honda.com/2014/shadow-aero.aspx
2014 Honda Shadow Spirit 750
Whereas the Shadow Aero has a classic look, the Shadow Spirit 750 C2 has more of a street-rod profile thanks to its narrow 21-inch front wheel, bobbed fenders and longer, lower stance. Like the other Shadows, its 745cc V-twin heart beats with a single-pin crank, and power is sent to the rear wheel through a 5-speed transmission and shaft final drive. Available in December 2013 in basic Black ($8,240) or more custom-looking Ultra Blue Metallic Flame ($8,540); ABS in Black only ($9,240).
For more information: powersports.honda.com/2014/shadow-spirit-750.aspx
2014 Honda Shadow Phantom
From our test of the Shadow Phantom in 2010: “Honda seems to be going for a bad-boy image with the Phantom name and blacked-out engine and wheels.” It was the first Shadow to get Honda’s programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI), which is now offered on all Shadow models, but it’s the only Shadow not available with ABS. Otherwise, it has the same liquid-cooled 745cc V-twin, same 5-speed transmission, same shaft drive with a rear drum brake. Available in December 2013 in Black or Grey Metallic with an MSRP of $8,240.
For more information: powersports.honda.com/2014/shadow-phantom.aspx
2014 Honda Rebel
If you’ve taken a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourse, then you’ve probably ridden a Honda Rebel, powered by an air-cooled 234cc parallel twin. With a 26.6-inch seat height and a claimed curb weight of just 331 pounds, despite its name, the Rebel is one of the most unintimidating, user-friendly bikes on the road. Honda says its good for 84 mpg, which would yield more than 200 miles per 2.6-gallon tank of gas. A bike that’s been around as long as this ought to be cheaper than $4,190 (Honda’s CBR250R is only $4,199), but it’s bullet-proof and costs of ownership are among the lowest around. It can be yours in November 2013 in either Black or Candy Red.
For more information: powersports.honda.com/2014/rebel.aspx
2014 Honda XR650L
In Clement Salvadori’s 2007 comparison test of the Honda XR650L, Kawasaki KLR650 and Suzuki DR650S, the iconic XR proved to be the most dirt-worthy of the three: “The XR could not have cared less about its status on the asphalt; it just wanted to get to the next dirt road.” Not much has changed since, except that the XR650L’s price has gone up by $841. Powered by an air-cooled 644cc single, like the Rebel, this bike is pretty much bulletproof and it has a huge aftermarket. If you can handle its 37.0-inch seat height, this legendary dual-sport will take you just about anywhere. Available in December 2013 in Honda Red only; MSRP is $6690.
For more information: powersports.honda.com/2014/xr650l/offroad.aspx
