Shadow 750 sounds better. Shadow 750 is more comfortable on the highway, except for big bumps – with forward pegs you can’t rise up out of the seat when you see bumps.
Rebel 500 is faster. Rebel 300 is almost as fast as a Shadow 750. Shadow 750 is much heavier, handling is slower and not as good as the Rebel. The Rebel is lighter and handles much easier. On fast curves, Shadow 750 will scrape the pegs sooner than the Rebel. Rebel has mid-pegs, Shadow has forward controls.
To raise the Shadow for less peg scraping: 1) longer rear shock. 2) set the shock preload higher. 3) add longer spacer in the front forks. 4) Heavier fork oil.
Rebel seat height is 27.2 inches or 28.2 if you add a Mustang seat. Shadow 750 seat height is 25.8 inches. The Shadow is a “Cruiser” with it’s forward controls, higher bars, and lower seat. The Rebel is a “Naked” with it’s mid-mounted pegs and the slightly leaning forward riding position and low bars. You have to decide which riding position you want. For me, I feel more I’m; control with mid-pegs and leaning slightly forward – I could never have forward controls. You can add forward controls to the Rebel. Converting the Shadow to mid-controls is difficult, plus you can’t do too much about the low undercarriage. See illustration at bottom of page.
Owners comments: “I have a 2019 Rebel and a 2003 Shadow Ace 750.
The Rebel is much lighter and a lot of fun around twisties. The Shadow is more of a cruiser for longer trips.
I have a Mustang seat on the Shadow and it’s insanely comfortable. I can literally ride for hours without any pain. Like the post above, I get tired cruising on the Rebel. It’s not comfortable at all.
I also ride often with a passenger which really is horrible for the passenger on the Rebel. The Shadow is heavier (top heavy maybe because it’s an old one) and much harder to maneuver.
My Shadow cost $2000. I may ride them both this year and then trade them both in for something down the road. If i were you i wouldn’t buy a new Shadow. It’s hardly an upgrade from the Rebel.
The Rebel is faster but the Shadow has more power.”
Other cruisers are Vulcan 900 Custom, Suzuki C50, Suzuki M50, Yamaha Vstar 950 or 1100. …. The Vulcan 900 Custom is a great choice. [The Vulcan Classic has spoked wheels 😦 ] ….
Vulcan 900 vs C50: C50 better seat, Vulcan faster above 60 mph, Vulcan better exhaust sound, C50 great engine sound but not exhaust sound
Vulcan 900 6.9 sec – zero to 60
Rebel500 