Hello from North Dakota

Just became an owner of a 2007 Silver Wing with 3800 miles. A few minor scratches otherwise near showroom condition. I'm curious if there would be anything special to check on it based on its age. Had a Honda Reflex before this, whole new world!

Thanks,
Mike

Welcome from o-HI-o Mike. Tires, belt, anti freeze, brake fluid, oil / filter/ air filter for a start.

Welcome aboard the board Mike.  Reads like you bought yourself a really nice, low mileage scoot.

I'd bet most fluids and all the consumables (tires, filters etc.) on your scoot are 13 years "fresh" unless you were told otherwise or were given the service record to show otherwise.  As you know from your Reflex, it's not only the mileage that matters ... it's also "time and age" of the scoot.  

For instance, brake fluid is hygroscopic (moisture absorbing) and this affects their safe functioning if they've absorbed a lot of moisture. Also, check the DOT date stamp on your tires ... I'd bet they're original.  Check around the tread lines to see if there is spiderwebbing (thin, fine) cracks along the tread lines.  If severe ... this is not good.  If minor, well read below.

You see ... it's all about your risk tolerance and managing that risk.  People with low risk tolerance will advise to replace everything you can -- all fluids, filters, tires (if original), drive belt etc.  Others with high risk tolerance will say just fill it up with gas and go ride.  And then there are the middle grounders ... they'll check and measure things, replace what is obviously required and leave the rest alone.  It really depends on your personal risk tolerance and comfort level.

I bought my '09 last year with 3,044 miles on it.  It already had 3 documented oil changes (sheesh!).  That was it for maintenance as far as I could tell.  I checked, and measured as many of the fluids as I could. The coolant measured fine level and strength wise.  The drive belt looked and measured like new as did the air filter which I simply "blew out" and replaced.  I washed and retuned the final drive filter to its place.  I do not know of a brake fluid moisture check but I did ride it, uneventfully, for half of this season and will be changing the fluid out this Fall.

My brake pads looked thick and solid (I dismantled both front and back) to grease the axles and I observed no deterioration or flaking off with either wheel's pads.  My original tires (date stamped 2008) had some spider webbing along the treads.  The Dealer issued a "passed" Safety Inspection but said keep an eye on the tires.  I always do anyway.

After my riding the first 1,000 miles, I find it interesting the spider webbing seems to have all but disappeared.  I suspect the riding I've done has stirred up the oils in the tire's rubber compound and filled in the very fine cracks that were there from a lack of use.  Maybe?

Personally, I have an upper middle of the ground risk tolerances in that I want to know what I'm dealing with but I also won't replace good, inspected parts willy nilly just because they are old.  I  suspect that after a 1,000 miles riding this new-to-me scoot with no issues, I made the right call ... for me.

Thank you for the tips. I will give it a head to toe inspection this week. It starts instantly even at 34*F. runs smooth and rides like a lounger with wheels. It will be stored in our backyard porch this winter which is kept around 40*F. Filled tank right after I bought it and just topped it off again getting 48.8 mpg around town. I will report any issues. Very pleased with the change. Please enjoy your week. Thanks