New UK Member 23/1/12

Hi Everyone,
I'm a new UK new member to the Silverwing Forum, I have regulary visited the site over several years to pick up tips & info etc... so thanks.
I'm a big Silverwing fan.
I'm on my second Silverwing now. The first (a 2001 model) I had to retired after 104,000 miles as it was uneconomical to repair a holed radiator (otherwise it was in good condition & daily use)! I commute daily using the Silverwing all year round and the low position of the radiator behind the front wheel makes it particularly vunerable to corrosion from the salt used to grit winter roads! A genuine replacement radiator from Honda was over £200+20%VAT (unreasonably expensive) and second hand rads are very rare as few survive any front end damage! So as I needed transport I bought a very low mileage 2004 ABS model which a couple of years on has now racked up 29k miles.

The current bike is very much a 100 % London commuter bike fitted with a Givi top box, an aftermarket Givi (bigger) screen which works really well on the weather protection side, the bike has side wind deflectors fitted, Oxford heated grips fitted, handle bar muffs and a Tucano Urbano 'Thermoscud' leg & seat covers which remain on the bike all year. i upgraded the driving light using a HID bulb & kit (the High Beam remains standard).

Having tried a wide variety of tyres for this bike including the Metzler Feelfree rear tyre (very impressive on grip & tyre wear - 6350 miles on my bike vs 5800 miles from the Bridgestone Hoop (next best) used several times previously) I am currently using a 'new scooter winter tyre' from Metzler the 'Feelfree Wintec' I have done 1.5k miles with this rear tyre and so far and am extremely happy with it. So much so that if the tyre wear & range is acceptable i may fit this tyre on the bike all year round as it is cheaper to source than the Bridgestone Hoop! (BTW - this tyre is not available through standard retail in the UK so has to be bought on line & delivered from Europe)

I havent tested the Mezler 'Feelfree' or 'Feelfree Wintec 'front tyres yet but will do when the Bridgestone Hoop on the front has done 9,500 miles & therefore will be worn out!
The best front tyre to date i have bought and used on the front is the Pirelli GTS. Good & even tyre wear lasting 9.5k but also good grip levels.

Anyone tried the 'Metzler Feefree Wintec' front tyre out there?

Does anyone know when Honda will superceed the current Silverwing bike and will announce its new replacement? The Silverwing has been around for over a decade now, surely Honda must be planning something by way of an update....

Thanks again for all your technical comments which have been helpful over the years.

Regards,

Welcome UKWing, as you've been lurking for a while you know whats it's all about. Welcome again.

Nice report on tyres. I'm sure when any news on a replacement scooter is announced, you will hear about it here.

Welcome,UK WING. It sounds as if we could learn from your time on Wings.I fitted the Feelfree Metzeler on the rear recently, after only getting 6,400mls on Bridgestones, it seems okay after 2,000mls. I got 11,000mls out of the Bridgestone front though. I was told Metzelers weren't available until i told them i had seen them on Metzelers website, wonder why they seem reluctant to stock Metzelers. Like you, i would like to try the Wintec tyre.

I think the replacement is already on the road.
I saw the 400 over here ages ago.

Old Limey,
11k miles on your Bridgestone Hoop front tyre! I didn't know you could wheelie a S/Wing.

I don't understand why bike shops wont stock Mezler. It seems to me they are always keen to steer you towards what they make the most money on... Thanks to the internet you can get what you want...

Here is the link to the Metzler FeelFree Wintec (Rear) under £60. I used these people and the delivery was made in 48 hours (from Germany).

http://www.tyres-pneus-online.co.uk/motorcycle-tyres-METZELER/FEELFREE,WINTEC/150,70,R13,64,S.html

Many thanks UKWing