Touring with SilverWing

Longtime user here, no longer SilverWing owner---both of mine, bought new, 2009/leftover 2013 reached the 50,000 miles I trade at---I like new machines and riding under warranty---age of me played a part, too, will be 83 in May---heavy machine no longer fun at all times. My point here---isn't anybody taking trips on these anymore? I realize touring getting expensive, but camping always there. Even in its heyday, many Honda Dealers in N America were not familiar with big scooter....and they still are not! But they maybe can help when you are in need underway.

The SilverWing can be a quite comfortable touring rig----buffeting fairly well controlled by Givi adjustable windshield in look over position (safer,too) any pants flapping controlled by proper motorcycle boots with pants tucked in, and of course ear plugs to control noise.

I buy my bikes/scooter to ride, not add junk----Right now in market for new bike scooter....but dealers in my area seem to be adding too many extra costs to bottom line!! seat problems? usually caused by rider being too fat and out of shape!!

I suggest trips, even if you have never done it.

I am considering a jaunt to California via the Coast route. Probably three to four day trip. Likely look for budget motels along the way. Too old and fat for sleeping on the ground.

As Mr G was asking, I had my years of touring with the Silver Wing, both solo and fondly with Mrs M as passenger. Nowadays the Silver Wing has faded to memories like decades of touring on previous maxi scooters and motorcycles.

I downsized to a Forza and was set to carry on as usual then Covid kicked in. We had lockdown where we were urged to restrict travel to a minimum. Lots of countries banning entry, ferries cancelled bookings, reservations for long haul holidays and city breaks alsocancelled etc.

One of the ferry routes I regularly use from UK to Belgium has been been permanently stopped, and last month on the other route to Holland I use they sacked all the ships regular crews and replaced them with crews on a minimum wage.

I've been fortunate enough to still get away on family holidays at home, in Italy, Rhodes, and Vancouver and BC in Canada, and even more fortunate that no one contracted Covid.

So here we are in 2022, and out of habit I've researched quite a few places where I'd like to go, checked out hotels, restaurants etc, and at present that's as far as I've got. I still may get my act together but it's hardly a priority.

Meanwhile Mrs M who far is more proactive than me has just returned from a solo two weeks holiday in Egypt. She rightly knew it wasn't something I'd be interested in, as I'd likely be struck down rampant diahorrea and be bored and miserable looking at temples and tombs, and she'd be 100% correct.

Our roads seem to be busier, it's reportedly mayhem as UK airports can't cope with record passenger numbers since Covid restrictions relaxed, due to all the staff they laid off during the pandemic.

Hours spent at Passport Control as Border Force officers from airports have been moved down to the South Coast to help deal with the number of illegal immigrants being trafficked across the English Channel from France.

Putin's gone ape **** and trying to flatten independent Ukraine causing the worst humanitarian crisis since WW2, and we're paying record prices for fuel and energy etc.

Plus if I finally do get my act together and go off on the Forza this year, I'm now of the opinion it's much simpler just rattling off a few posts to Facebook on my iPhone to family and friends.

I doubt if they care how many miles I clocked up, my fuel consumption, or what helmet I wore. Or if I rode to some obscure destination, rally, meeting, or down a bendy road that interests motorcyclists and no one else.

I love to tour on my Silver Wing but haven't made a trip in several years... My health is an issue and my wife is not as easy to leave for a while anymore (health issues). Several hundred mile one day trips is all I have managed for a few years. Maybe this year. I too select cheap motels, no interest in sleeping on the ground or a picnic table any longer LOL.

GHM-PM wrote:

I love to tour on my Silver Wing but haven't made a trip in several years... My health is an issue and my wife is not as easy to leave for a while anymore (health issues). Several hundred mile one day trips is all I have managed for a few years. Maybe this year. I too select cheap motels, no interest in sleeping on the ground or a picnic table any longer LOL.

Sorry to hear that health issues are interfering with your enjoyment. I can also attest that getting old is not recommended. I probably have a few years left before I consider a trike or Can-Am type three wheeler.

Last summer a friend and I enjoyed a nearly normal moto tour; with the exception of indoor masking and leaving towels out the motel door for pickup (laundering). Motels and restaurants were glad to see tourists and the weather and road conditions were not affected by Covid. My friend said that it was the best tour he had ever done. Wishing all safe travels!