Well one of the things I have had a problem with is that when I put too much in the underseat compartment then I can't get it opened. It actually did it at the dealership open house. So I got one of the service guys and he got it opened. I don't have things packed in there but it doesn't seem to take much for that to jam. I'm looking forward to getting my Givi trunk put on...I really need more storage space!!!!

Coralee,
The way to open the seat if it won't unlatch is simply to press down in the middle (right in front of the rider's butt rest). When too much stuff is in the underseat compartment it will cause the seat pan to actually bow up a little in the middle. This in turn puts enough force on the rear latch to prevent it from opening. Pushing down on the center of the seat unloads the rear latch enough that it will click open after you have turned the key.

p.s. Love your tag line. It's one of my wife's favorite sayings.

Thanks...I know I carry too much "stuff" and at some point you will see me riding down the road with a trailer just to carry it all!!
I love that sayings also, even have a T-shirt with that one. I also love "the road less traveled". My dad used to recommend that book. The first line in the book is "life is difficult"...I love it!

Bernardo,

I do the same thing as you...ride past the store first and then go there about 1/2 hour or so later. Makes going to the store fun and I just tell my wife it was really busy. :ROTF: I also like to take the shopping cart out to the scoot and watch as others look at what I'm doing. I can fit about 8 or our grocery bags, which are the smaller plastic ones, in my scoot.. the people just stare at me when I do this. You guys over there sure get a lot of bikes we don't get. I've never heard of a Veradero, or others you guys get. Must be nice to have such a large selection.

Jeff

This summer, starting next week when I've completed the work for my course (which I'm supposed to be doing right now, but have been seduced away again) I'm going to enjoy test riding various other machines, though for the moment I seem to have my heart set on a Yamaha Fazer 1000, but the older torquier carb model. I should be able to keep my Mrs agreeable and afford one by next summer. The Honda Varadero however isn't on my list, as its heavier than my yamaha, and only a little more bhp, though better torque.....

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Honda/Honda-XL1000-Varadero-2001--current/?&R=EPI-336


Beisdes I think I have a thing for the 4 cylinder bikes, or maybe even the Triumph Tiger triple, now that is a lovely machine, if a bit tall. A lowering kit and taller screen is needed for that one......

I still need to have a go on a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 which is the suzuki equivalent, over 100bhp and a bit more torque than I have on my yamaha, and lighter. Plus price wise these are affordable.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-DL1000-V-Strom-2002-current/?&R=EPI-406

It's all money money money..... You test ride, and then think what you would need to do to tweak it to how you like..... sigh. The Fazer other than needing a taller screen seemed "just right", and plenty powerful enough, though its still tweakable.... That by the way is something to be wary of with regard to insurance, as even for my S'wing I had to shop around a bit to find a company that doesn't charge an arm and a leg for the performance mods.

The only other machine I've ridden that really felt right was the BMW R1200GS, but even a second hand one is twice the price of a same age Fazer. Also the Fazer feels much quicker and aggressive, but also has that laid back "cruise a long" feel if you ride easy and are gentle on the revs. That is what I'm after, and being able to do it in comfort....

Yep that Silver wing has sure spoilt me for bikes and scoots. I sometimes think that if I hadn't have done all the mods to the Wing, and had tested more bikes before buying the Yamaha diversion, I'd have enough money now to buy a Fazer.... But I'd have missed out on all the fun tweaking the Wing, and perhaps not as gone into test riding other bikes as much....

I was thinking I usually write a review when I've tested a bike... I've already written a few. Should I post them here on the general section? Would anyone be interested?

For what its worth, The S'wing usually wins overall for its versatility and comfort, and only really loses out on brute power and torque.... If I'd never tried any of the other bikes, than I'd probably be content with owning the S'wing alone.

Then again what waste of space having just one machine in the garage when you could have 2, hmmmmm?! or maybe, even three....!

Bernardo, please post your reviews. It's allways interesting what others think of other bikes.
In my opinion Varadero 1000 is too plain. It is not as nimble as one would want and too heavy for even lightest offroad riding. My friend had one, he couldn't keep up with us on Dominators. It's very comfortable on the highway thou.

As a new owner (3 days), I noticed a few problems with my SW:
1. The darn weather has been crappy (rainy and cold) and I can't ride!!! I need to add some miles, only 28ml so far.
2. On a more serious note, I think that the trunk latch is a bit clumsy. A few times, I actually left the trunk un-latched because it seems that it needs a good push on the end to lock. I am not sure either light is on at that point. Also, it takes at least 2-3 turns of the key to unlock it (not much inside).
Thanks.
Gunars: you are in Riga, I've been there a few times, I am originally from Kiev.

Miro:
If you leave the seat unlatched, the compartment light stays on and will eventually run down your battery. If you plan to do that often you might want to remove the light bulb.

After looking for a button (that must be pushed by the seat) for a while, I just removed the light bulb. Thanks.

I took both my Reflex (41K) and my Silverwing (56K) to the dealer for new tires and drive belts. They checked the brake pads. Both scoots needed new rear pads but the front ones on each were ok. I have tried to squeeze both brake handles equally and each braking I use both. What might I be doing wrong?

Just like in cars, there will be a different brakes wear (from front to back ) in scooters. This might be due to:
1. "rear wheel drive"
2. Honda combined brake system (I am sure it's been discussed here before)
3. More weight on one wheel vs. the other.
4. You're being righty vs. lefty (different pressure on levers)
Thanks. Miro.

Dominator 650ccm engine is still used on some Honda models. Although a bit de-forced version. Original was 44hp and now it is down to 36hp. Althou bike is reliable there are reports of failed engines at around 60k kms. And repair costs are high.
Africa Twin is 750ccm V-twin engine. And very thirsty one. Something around 12l/100km! I'd say that Varadero is next generation of Africa Twin.

Two of my riding buds have varedaros great for the road not so hot off it though the engine is from the vtr firestorm so has side mounted rads (not good if it falls over)another guy has a kawasaki klv (rebadged vstrom suzuki) which is a bit better all round personally if i were going around the world a yamaha tenere or bmw gs800
or maybe my silverwing lol

p.s i do like africa twins better than varederos

I had a recall on my S'wing. The gas tank had to be replaced. This was very serious.

I have a 2004 Swing and recently I pulled into a station to top off the tank, which was quite empty. When I removed the cap from the filler neck, gas shot out the neck and drenched me and the whole scoot. The gas came out under a lot of pressure, and it was very fortunate that no fire started. As I stood there covered with gas, watching fuel run down on the hot exhaust, I tried to figure out what had gone wrong. Anybody ever have this happen to them?

Captlucky,

You should check this link out about the gas tank:

http://scootertrap.com/2003%20Honda%20Silverwing%20Fuel%20System%20Recall.pdf

I would read this carefully and then take this in to your dealer. If it falls under this recall they have to repair it for free. Look at the date at towards the top of the link. Keep us informed of the fix if you would. Hope this helps.

[quote="mickey"]

Bernardo wrote:

Hi Fellas, I hear you. I bought a New Beetle diesel in 1999 to "save money". Endless tinkering and mods later I'd spent $40,000 on my $20,000 car and wasted hundreds of gallons of fuel driving it for no reason. I would have spent less money had I bought a boring, gas-guzzling SUV.

I had a 99 diesel beetle too. Traded in for Honda CR-V at the point of about $17000 repairs, jumped ship earlier than you. I am glad VW does not sell motorcycles here.

Good day all, I wanted to get this issue out to some fellow Wingers who may find it of help. I'm 46 and have been a mech-nic most of my life so one of things I've learned to hate is electrical issues. They can be a real B%@$H to find. So guess what? I'm on the hunt. My 10amp (Horn Meter) fuse was burning on occasion. Since my 03 had less then 200 miles on it I knew all the wiring was good and fresh. So common cents suggested to look around moving parts Not 2 many places w/moving parts on this thing so my focus went to the steering and forks. I don't mind learning but getting the body off this thing was a bear. I noticed a polished area on the corner of my fork bearing cap. Rolled the harness over and there it was It was cut by the cap from turning. Which explained the intermittent fuse disposal some times when I made R turn. The factory had closed the wire loom keepers to close so I arranged them to where it wouldn't be an issue. So if U hear of someone burning fuse's tell'em what I had found. Thanks to Honda for setting me straight with posting photos.
Well B Safe and Stay Frosty.

Hey Red,

Welcome to the forum and thank's for the good information.

Red,

Thanks for the good info and the photo's. Also, welcome to the forum and please try to be an active member. It seems you could offer a lot of info with your background. There are quite a few knowledgeable members here to also give advice. How do you like the SWing?

Problems have been conspicuousness absent for the 2+ years and 21,000 I'm just getting ready with this sites help to change Belt and replaceable drive parts. I have change the final drive Oil and keep the Oil Changes coming along regularly. some times I'm bothered by a harmonic rattle that seems to happen in the lower throttle range but goes away with some speed. I'm about ready to jump into the expense of a valve adjustment and tune up. Sparky's are new, Oil new, Final drive New.I've never checked the coolant. and I may need to look at the brake Pads. it's a 2007 that I bought with 50 miles on it in august 2008. I've Change tire once.

Hi Papa johns,

"I'm about ready to jump into the expense of a valve adjustment and tune up."

Holly smokes...valve adjustment and tune up! Tune-up is new plugs....A valve adjustment...Gee, I have never heard of a Silverwing needing one at 21,000 miles. I just think you would be throwing your money away.

papa johns
At 21,000 I think I would replace the belt.