2003 Honda 750 Shadow Ace-Modification Problems?

Question

Don't get me wrong-my bike is cool! It only has 9000 miles, and it's my favorite color with custom paint. The problem is there are so few aftermarket "pretties," and I am having so many problems (including throttle and carb issues) that I am thinking of going to an HD Dyna. I only have a 3 gallon tank and can only go about 120 miles between fillups. My husband can go 190+ miles with his 5-gallon tank Heritage, which makes me embarrassed. He has his bike all decked out real cool because there are so many affordable options for HD, whereas I have had to settle on only modifying to buckhorn handlebars with ISO-grips (and even had to lengthen my throttle cables to do this). I hate to have to give up my paintjob; other than JP Cycles, are there ANY places to get affordable parts and accessories for a 750 Ace, or should I just get the Dyna? I have searched the internet, and affordable is the operative word.

Answer 1

If you first concern is to build a show pony, go with the H-D.

Answer 2

Go with the Harley. You won't regret it.

Answer 3

There certainly aren't as many after-market parts for the ACE 750 as there are for H-D bikes.  However, you can usually find what you're looking for at one of the following sites.  I have ordered several parts for my ACE from Cruiser Customizing.  They have been a good source for me.

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/

I've heard Bike Bandit is a good place to shop, however, I don't have any experience with them.

http://www.bikebandit.com/

For Honda OEM parts, try:

http://www.hondaparts-direct.com/

Also, you might be interested in the Honda Shadow forums website.  This site is very active and the forums are filled with Shadow enthusiasts who are extremely knowledgeable.

http://www.hondashadow.net

And finally, don't forget about eBay Motors.  There's usually something interesting for the ACE bikes available there.

Regarding the ACE's tank size.  Usually, I go around 130-140 before filling up, and even then I haven't yet hit reserve.  I get around 55 mpg, and this is with after-market pipes, K&N air filter and a re-jet.  I find that I'm usually ready for a short break after riding 120 miles, anyway.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I have a 2008 Shadow Aero. The bike looks fine without a whole lot of dress. I put on extra lights and saddle bags. I want a rack and backrest but to do that I will convert to Mustang seats. I have seen just about anything a Harley can have at one place or another. Even down to and including special shifters. (air, electric and heel/toe) My bike averages 58+mpg and has a 3.8 gallon tank. The reserve is evidently around .5 gallons because I put 3.2 gallons in it the other day and hadn't switched to reserve. Let me know if you want to sell yours because I am looking (sort of) for a Shadow for my wife.

Answer 5

Get the Harley, its time. You won't be happy till you do.

Answer 6

I have been building choppers all my life and have done several j*p or metric choppers. it takes a lot more skill to do a metric bike because there isnt nearly as many parts available. Cobra makes a lot of things, you might wanna find somebody like me who builds customs. I would probably adopt a mustang tank {4 gallon} to that bike. Actually I would probably throw everything away and put the motor into a rigid frame with a springer front end.once you did that you would have no problem finding things to fit and work because you would be using Harley oriented parts. you would also have a real head turner.and you would still have a reliable gonna run forever Honda. you could do the whole job yourself for a couple thousand dollars.A ridgid frame for a sporty would fit your motor just have to change the motor mounts the frame is around 700 bucks. you could still use the honda front end if you wanted to.then with a mustang tank and solo seat a set of pipes you got the makings of a true one of a kind custom. and it wouldnt cost a fortune.I have an old yamaha Virago thats a straight up old school chopper I only spent about 3,000 dollars building it.