2020 Honda Shadow Aero

The 2020 Honda Shadow Aero is comfortable in its own skin for another year. It holds steady in the midsize cruiser segment as an attractively priced, though somewhat ordinary, V-twin model that’s great for riders who don’t want to stand out too much. That being said, the Shadow line can trace its roots back to the early ’80s, which is a lot more than a lot of models on the market can claim.

The 745cc, 52-degree V-twin is the beating heart of the Shadow Aero, and its configuration calls back to the VT Shadows Honda brought to market in ’83. It’s got a tidy, classic, and laid-back style that’s all about comfort and convenience, plus it comes in ABS and non-ABS flavors. These are great features on their own, but the bike is under increasing attack from the more customizable and more modern-looking Vulcan S from Kawasaki and the Yamaha Star Bolt. And yet, the Shadow Aero persists for all those who want a simple, reliable machine that can crush a commute and make a weekend road trip smooth and enjoyable as anything on the road.

No updates for 2020.