2018 Honda Cruiser Motorcycles Review

A Look the 2018 Honda Cruiser Motorcycles

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Honda motorcycles are known for reliability and performance, so of course, they provide a broad swath of styles for every rider preference. The Honda cruiser motorcycles cover the span of displacement and engine configuration and can offer a bit of everything. From the Parallel Twin, 234cc Rebel to the horizontally-opposed 1832cc six-cylinder Gold Wing Valkyrie; from the futuristic designs of the 2018 Honda NM4, and the traditional cruiser stance of the Shadow Phantom, Honda is covering all the bases when it comes to their cruisers.

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I’ll start this series of Honda cruiser reviews with a few picks from the 2018 lineup, minus the Honda Rebels which will be covered in their own review. But first, a bit of background. The line of Honda cruiser motorcycles consists of variations on four different Honda models: the Shadow, Rebel, the VTX1800, and the VTX1300.

Of the nine total that are produced, the bikes start as small as the 250cc Rebel (a good bike for beginners), and range all the way up to the huge VTX1800 Touring edition. While I can’t pick out the best Honda cruiser motorcycle for you, if you are thinking about a Honda, you are likely to find something that fits your taste.

The 2018 Honda Fury, full of classic lines from tip to tail, is a nod to the retro style of cruisers. It blends beauty and brawn, while between the coolness of chrome and power of the V-twin engines, you’ll announce your arrival wherever you go. If the Chromosphere Red of didn’t make you feel cool enough, then the low 26.9-inch Honda Fury seat and wide 200-series rear tire surely will.

Honda’s engineering reputation is renowned, and the build quality of Honda Fury is designed with top-quality materials to make the bike lighter without losing any of its power. The 1312 cc liquid-cooled 52 degrees V-Twin engine is packed full of power and torque, and the sound that comes out of the Honda Fury is sure to turn some heads.

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Specs and details:

• Bore and Stroke: 89.5 mm x 104.3 mm
• Digital ignition with three-dimensional mapping, two spark plugs per cylinder.
• 9.2:1 compression ratio
• Side Overhead Camshaft; three valves per cylinder valve train and shaft drive.
• Five-speed transmission
• Front suspension 45mm fork with 4.0 inches travel. Rear suspension consists of single shock with adjustable rebound-damping and five-position spring-preload adjustability; 3.7 inches travel
• The fuel capacity is 3.4 gallons with a 45 MPG.
• Price starting point is $10,449

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2018 Honda NM4 Review

Video source: Ricks Moto - YouTube

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While the Honda NM4 could be seen as a mishmash of a bike families, I chose to review it in the 2018 cruiser lineup. It’s different for sure, and originally only offered as a limited-run bike. With its feet forward design, some see it as a mashup between the Integra scooter and a cruiser.

As far as Honda cruiser motorcycles go, the NM4 is meant to stand out in the crowd. These Honda cruisers are designed to be different and made for those who ride to their own rhythm on the road. If you’re looking for the best Honda cruiser motorcycle and can’t decide between a classic or sporty street style, between manual and automatic, then the Honda NM4 is the versatility you are looking for in a street bike

Built with a wide power spread in mind, the 670 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. The twin cylinders have been tipped forward ever so slightly to contribute to the NM4’s low center of gravity to give you a bonus regarding handling. The seat is the lowest in the entire 2018 lineup, and at a low 25.6 inches, you stay comfortable and in-control whether you’re tearing up the urban grid or touring for adventure.

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Specs and details:

• Bore and stroke: 73mm x 80mm.
• Ignition is digital transistorized with electronic advance.
• A compression ratio of 10.7:1.
• Side overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder valve train.
• Transmission is smooth, and matches the futuristic feel of the Honda NM4 styling: the automatic six-speed Dual-Clutch transmission features the option between automatic and manual mode.
• The front suspension is a 43mm fork; 3.9 inches travel. Rear transmission is Pro-Link single shock; 3.9 inches travel.
• The fuel capacity is 3.06 gallons, and the NM4 comes in Matte Black Metallic.
• Price starting point is $11,299.

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2018 Honda Shadow Phantom Review

Video source: edgar serrano - YouTube

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As part of the Honda Shadow line, you know the Shadow Phantom has a lot to live up to. This modern, blacked out bike is durable, bold and full of modern V-twin power. The 745cc, liquid-cooled 52 degrees V-Twin engine is blacked out; the exhaust is throaty, and the attention is in the details as far as aesthetic. Separately, you may not think spoked wheels, a shorty front fender, and extensive matte silver and black finishes are much to gawk at, but put together with the bobber-inspired styling of the Honda Shadow Phantom, you get a beaut.

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Specs and details:

• Bore and stroke: 79mm x 76mm.
• The ignition is digital with 3D mapping and two spark plugs per cylinder.
• Compression ratio of 9.6:1
• The valve train is side overhead camshaft with three valves per cylinder.
• Transmission is a wide-ratio five-speed with a shaft drive.
• The front suspension has a 41mm fork; 4.6 inches travel and the rear suspension has dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability; 3.5 inches travel.
• The fuel capacity measures 3.7 gallons and includes a .9-gallon reserve, and the Honda Shadow Phantom gets 56 MPG.
• Price starting point is $7,799.

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