i own a 1988 shadow 600vlx and a 1983 magna v65 1100 and a 1984 magna v45 750cc. The 600 doesnt have the power and acceleration that you find in most of the rest of the honda lines , and being only a four speed it winds out too soon. But I will say this of the three bikes and of a great many other bikes I have rode or owned over the years the 600 is the easiest to ride, one of the most relaxing and is great on gas 55-65 mpg. I thought about getting rid of it but as i get older i realize the value of having this steady little cruiser and with gas prices( crazy) it makes sense to keep this inexpensive toy around in case things get worse or I get older(ha). Good buy- Not a great performance bike--but an all around decent ride.