Thank you from Clarksville, TN

I purchased a new 2008 Silver Wing last spring, and now have 6,000 miles on it. Except for the "Scooter Trash" sticker on the rear, no mods yet, although I have a few I want to do once I have some spare cash. I ride in any weather, nearly year round here.

I signed up specifically to say "thank you." Recently I have been noticing a "chirp-chirp" noise as I would accelerate from a stop. As I plan to do all my own maintenance (or at least what I can), I decided to put it in the garage and open things up. Your forum not only gave me good information on how to open up the tranny case, but also told me about the belt slap. I confirmed this as the sound I have been hearing, so I can rest easy now.

My only question is will this be okay until the 16,000 mile service, or should I go ahead and replace the belt soon?


Jerry

Being new to the Silverwing I will simply say Hi from a not so sunny UK.

I will leave the mechanical advice to others ultimately more qualified than I.

Jerry,

Welcome to the forum. Are you one of the Screaming Eagles?

There is no need to replace the belt yet. The little squealing noise is quite distracting, but not the sound of impending belt failure. The best preventive method I used was an occasional rapid take-off.

The OEM belt is quite rugged and should make it to 16,000 with no difficulty. Many have gone longer than 16,000 miles and I myself went about 17,550 on the OEM belt before replacing the belt. I rode in quite a few low speed PGR missions in the heat and that environment seemed to breed the belt squeal. Belt was still within the service limits when I replaced it.

At one time I was honored to be a part of the Screaming Eagles. I am now retired after 20 years, came back to Clarksville to start a business. Been running a computer business for over 13 years now. I am actually pursuing a GS position that may allow me to get back into some of that more adventurous deployment time. Being an Army brat to begin with, then 20 years going all over, I have discovered that I am ill-suited to sitting on my duff!

The belt recommendation is as I expected, just more comforting to hear it from experience!

Jerry

And just a welcome from me, too, in a rather (today) wet Belgium!

Hi from another Brit.

Welcome. You have a beautiful state to ride in. My Silverwing that I got in March, new, just hit 8k today. I just scheduled my 8k mile tune up with the dealership. I don't want to do any maintenance just want to get on and ride...shame on me...

Jerry,

The belt should be good for 16,000 miles. I did change mine at about 13,000 miles just to try out the Mitshibishi belt at www.scootertrap.com . But I didn't need to change it , I just wanted to. Welcome to the site and hope it helps you out with maintenance and just to chat with others. The SWing is a great bike and will take you in comfort anywhere. Welcome.

Jerry,

Good luck on the job front. I'm a 20 year Army vet although I spent most of my time in Germany with the heavy tank divisions. I'm an "Iron Soldier" having served my "hostile time" with the fine folks of Old Ironsides - 1st Armored Division.

You're not far from Sturgis, KY which hosts a rally each year - although it seems to cater (as does Sturgis, SD) to the seamier side of riding.