Hi I'm new here, so this is my first post. I am looking to buy a used swing, had a test ride on a 2004 model today (13500 miles on the clock), which is the first time I have ridden a scooter since I owned a Lambretta when I was sixteen, have had bikes ever since. I was a little surprised at how noisy the engine was, and was wondering if this was normal, although I couldn't feel any vibration thru the handlebars or seat, the only way I can describe the sound is to say it sounded like a sort of vibration, as though the engine was working hard on acceleration, even though I was being quite gentle (not being used to scooters). However, the ride was comfortable, perhaps it is the amount of body work that was causing some sort of resonance. Also the dealer had no service history, so maybe it had been poorly maintained, would appreciate anyone's views.

Thanks

Do you have access to another Silverwing to compare it to? The engine as you know is a parallel twin, and even though it has a vibration cancelling countershaft, it still inherently vibrates at low rpms, especially under load. The vibration and associated noise smoothes out considerably once 4500 rpm is reached.
Hope this helps.

Thanks Bigbird, sounds like this particular Swing was probably running OK then, but I would like to compare with another just to be sure, it's a shame this had no service history, that kinda put me off a bit. Dealer couldn't tell me whether the drive belt had been changed either, which I understand needs to be done at 10K. Don't have access to another at the moment, so I'll be patient and keep looking for another, hopefully better maintained machine. I must say I was well impressed with the comfort of the ride though, think I am hooked!

I moved this out of the forum location "England Members" because I just didn't think this was an issue that was geographic or location specific. - Mod.

rocorn the belt gets changed at 16,000 so I would bet it has not been changed.Not a hole lot of things to do for maintenance in 13500mi.,My Wing had over 20,000mi.when I changed the belt and rollers,rollers still looked almost new,belt was about .040in.narrower if I member right. Honda makes a pretty bulletproof engine.

Most Silverwings have a bit of rumble upon take-off, especially if you take off slowly (prolongs the noise). The dash may rattle. The engine itself is probably not making the noise.

Lighter variator weights will allow the motor to rev higher at all speeds. Dr Pulley slider weights are also favored by many on the site. I use a J Costa variator, which smooths out the rumble considerably. These will be harder to find since the lone (??) US seller is closing shop.

Not many posters post about problems. Most of us have found the Silverwing to be a fairly trouble-free ride.

Well, I have bought a 2002 Swing, pick it up Saturday, can't wait!. It's a much better maintained example than the one I previously looked at, with plenty of history, 17250 miles on the clock with extras included. Thanks for all the advice guys, I have learned loads already from this forum which gave me plenty of pointers on what to look for in a used model.

Pick it up early and as the song says "take the long way home".

Hi Rocorn,

Sounds pretty darn cool.

Is this scooter from a Honda Dealer? If they are a dealer, did they check to see if all the 2002 recall items were done on the scooter?

No, it was a private sale, the seller has paperwork for 3 recalls that have been done, they are : 1. the problem with handlebars coming off. 2.recall for a problem with the back wheel and 3. centre stand. Does anyone know of any more?. Oh! and I shall be taking the "long way home" lol. It's a great looking machine, engine sounds really sweet. I have an 85 mile trip home, quite a bit on motorway, so I am intrigued to see what she cruises like.

Sure sounds like it's up to date on recall work. Enjoy it.