New and would like advice

Hi all,

I have been in the market for a big scoot for a while. I am a Honda loyalist, although in the selection process I've dabbled with the cheaper Piaggios however the forums put me right off.

Having sold my motorway-eating Deauville in March, I've not needed to hit the tarmac but that's changing.

After lots of research (i.e. "what do Honda do?") I've settled on the Silverwing. It will add to my historical garage of Honda lawnmowers, Varaderos, Transalps, Deauvilles and a CD250 (still in bits).

So, I'm going to view an '03 on Tuesday and it looks great in the pictures but what are the things I should ask before I go (spare key? Toolkit? Warning lights?) and the niggly things I should check - the things that make everyday life a bit of a pain?

I've been lurking here a lot and there's clearly plenty of expertise, so I'm glad to stick my head above the parapet. And hopefully join the tribe next week.

Giles

My questions would be about maintained history. Miles, belt change, oil & filter change, age & miles on tires. etc. Take it for a ride.

hardee41 wrote:

My questions would be about maintained history. Miles, belt change, oil & filter change, age & miles on tires. etc. Take it for a ride.

Thanks hardee41

...seems like it's been sitting in a garage for a long while with barely any miles (6,000 apparently!) - makes me concerned about degrading brake lines, rubbers etc. Seller says they've been on a decent ride today though. Tires, oil, filters and plugs recently changed - apparently I'll give them a good visual check.

If you go to the main page and look under Honda Silver Wing and click on accessories and modifications, you will find a sticky on problems with the Silver Wing. It's an old post, but has information on recalls (the 2003 has one on some models) and things people have noticed about their Swing. It's a lot of back and forth, but should give you a better feel for how members view their scooter.

Welcome to the best Silver Wing forum on the web. You sound like you know enough about bikes to make an intelligent decision. Everything but the CTV is about the same as any other bike. If the belt hasn't been changed I would replace it and the same thing with the tires, I wouldn't trust rubber that old. Feel free to ask for help on anything you can't find simple search.

Welcome to the site. As others have said about the tires, belt, fluids...I would really ask how old they are? It's a good way to talk them down on money. If they are original you will need to replace the tires and belt and of course change all the fluid. Does it start? If it is an '03 with only 6,000 miles it may run kind of rough. Just my opinion though.

Well, saw the beast this morning and although it was a bit tattier than I'd hoped I put the money down and bought it.

The ride back through London was great, so much easier than my old Deauville.

I'll be asking all sorts of "is this normal?" questions - looking forward to getting to know you all.

Welcome to the forum, Giles. You'll lots of good info and advice on the SW from owners who are willing to share their wisdom and knowledge and personal experience.
Last year I bought a 2005 with 3400 km and found that it still had the original tyres and belt. I rode it till it hit 8000 then got very nervous and put new Metzlers on. I am still on the old drive belt, but ordering one for the winter. Our riding season here in New Brunswick, Canada is winding down and it will soon be just warm enough to work on the bike.

Welcome gilesmdavis, I had two Deauvilles before buying my first Silverwing.Once you get to know your Silverwing you'll be able to have even more fun than you did on the Deauville plus, you'll have all that extra storage space.

Congrats Gilesmdavis, this site has helped me out a lot. Lots of experienced Swingers here.

Welcome to this site gilesmdavis. As others have stated, this is by far the best SWing site on the planet. Lots of info and friendly people to help.

Only thing to add is welcome from Dallas...

I like your avatar dwoodul. Other than the face, color and length of the fur it looks exactly like my cat.
As my son would say, "It looks exactly the same, only different."

Thanks Dale – He was a young cat when the picture was taken.  He’s a tuxedo cat because of his markings.  He’s about 7 now and has filled out (read fat) since the picture and has turned out to be a great cat.  He’s was adopted like most of our animals.  dwoodul

dwoodul wrote:

Thanks Dale – He was a young cat when the picture was taken.  He’s a tuxedo cat because of his markings.  He’s about 7 now and has filled out (read fat) since the picture and has turned out to be a great cat.  He’s was adopted like most of our animals.  dwoodul

Totally understand that "filled out" part.