I was sad when I had to sell my 2009 HONDA Shadow Aero before moving back to Germany. The plan was to buy another HONDA Shadow as soon as possible after getting the most important things organized.

I had greatly underestimated the amount of work “getting organized” took. Moving into my parents’ basement, organizing 24/7 care for them, starting a new job, finding a house of our own, moving there and getting the place furnished…. that all takes time.

To make things worse, I found out that HONDA stopped making the Shadow for Germany in 2016 because of stricter emission regulations. Apparently HONDA didn’t sell enough of those bikes in Europe to make engine modifications worth their while.

Now go search for a used one, preferrably somewhere close. I got lucky after a few weeks of online research: a beautiful 2014 HONDA Shadow VT750CS for sale, black, low mileage, and located in Munich. It didn’t have a windshield, no saddlebags either – but I found original parts online too and had them mounted.

So, today, even though it’s a bit late in the season – and a pretty chilly ride – I went and picked her up from the shop. With all the fixings.

Life is good!