Possible Purchase

Greetings from the Valley Of The Sun. I come from an extensive Gold Wing background, and am contemplating buying a 2004 S'wing, with 21k. It appears to have been very well maintained. He has replaced the fluids, tires, etc.

My concerns basically involve the mods he has done, such as:

"Power Commander (with laptop)
Lighter variator slider weights (faster spool)
Delkovic slip on exhaust (DB Killer included)
K & N filter pod (replaces stock airbox)
Hyperpro front progressive fork springs
Ram Mount cellphone holder
Larger Clearview Shield for better aero
Backrest
Etc."

He basically has 'beefed it up to be a little sportier'. The work appears to be well done. However, he has all the stock parts to return it to stock condition. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be happy with the noise (and he says it pops a little on trailing throttle, with a smile). He is an adult (40s? 50s?) so I don't get the impression he has abused the bike. I am after comfort, quiet, and maximum mpg. So my question is: Would it be relatively easy to return it to 'normal'? I maintain my other bikes, ie timing belts etc on my GL1500. But I am a total newbie when it comes to weights, rollers, variators, Power Commander, etc. He would include his nice looking homemade tool to 'lock' the clutch (?) for maintenance "down there".

So,,, how much is involved overall? Can someone who knows the difference between a torque wrench and a socket set tackle this in a day or two? He would include a Honda manual for a 2002, and YouTube is my friend. I am also obviously comfortable pestering gurus on forums, being a member on 6 and counting. Hopefully some day I might be able to contribute in return.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts, concerns, questions, advice, suggestions or ?

Ron in AZ

OK, I can answer for the following:
-Power Commander- no idea as I don’t have one on my 03
-lighter sliders: If OEM rear spring and 26 GM sliders, this will improve the acceleration and lower rpm when at highway speeds (by a few hundred rpm- these still rev pretty high at 70 mph or so, like 5400 rpm)- it’s a nice upgrade and I would keep it the way it is
-Delkevic exhaust- I have one and am very pleased with it- maybe slightly more dB on acceleration and slight decel burble, but at steady speed, really no difference between the Delkevic and OEM
-HyperPro Springs: VERY worthy upgrade- I just installed these on my SWing and used 5W Amsoil Shock Therapy fluid- very stable ride, no ‘crashiness’ over bumps and handles very well- take the OEM parts, but leave the better springs installed
-The K&N filter- not sure, personally, I have a HiFlo Filtro filter to use and will likely just keep mine OEM, but not to disparage the upgrade
-Clearview shield: I have one and the only thing I wish I did when I ordered it is get it slightly taller (but I have a cheap eBay extender on it, so now it blocks the wind well). The OEM shield by comparison (in my opinion) is inferior.
-Backrest, if elevated, likely won’t push you forward as much- I removed mine and ride without it- added some foam padding over the hard points of the seat and covered the whole seat with a mesh cover, so it looks very OEM- I can extend my legs quite a bit and ride for hours comfortably.
-Phone holder: I don’t use one myself, so it’s a personal choice.

Overall the prior owner did some very good upgrades and I would leave them as is (you have to decide for yourself OEM muffler vs Delkevic, but if he’s giving you all the old parts, you’re all set for comparing the sound- personally I like the tone of mine).

Good luck with the new bike if you buy it.

EDIT: I didn’t mention I have 2 Honda ST1100s, and although the scoot is a different beast, I find it quite easy to work on, even easier than the STs (which really aren’t that difficult either). Just ask when the last services were done, including the drive belt- that requires a swap every 16K miles (I did mine shortly after I bought mine- low mileage but 20 years old at the time- done in about 1.5 hour, so pretty easy).

Thanks for that! I did indeed buy it. All fluids have been changed, OEM, as was the drive belt.  He put the DB Killer in before I test rode it, and I think I may wait a bit before going back to stock.  We'll see how it goes.  I'm an excited 78 YO kid...

I will post a pic when I figure out how to attach as I learn navigation here.

Thanks again.

Ron

Congratulations on the purchase! Sounds like you found a good one. As to the mods, they are sound IF you like them, my 2012 is nearly stock except for a taller windshield and I love it. Much easier to drive around town than a Gold Wing and not bad on the freeway.

Anyway greetings from Bullhead City!

landisr wrote:

Greetings from the Valley Of The Sun.  I come from an extensive Gold Wing background, and am contemplating buying a 2004 S'wing, with 21k.  It appears to have been very well maintained.  He has replaced the fluids, tires, etc.

My concerns basically involve the mods he has done, such as:

"Power Commander (with laptop)
Lighter variator slider weights (faster spool)
Delkovic slip on exhaust (DB Killer included)
K & N filter pod (replaces stock airbox)
Hyperpro front progressive fork springs
Ram Mount cellphone holder
Larger Clearview Shield for better aero
Backrest
Etc."

He basically has 'beefed it up to be a little sportier'.  The work appears to be well done.  However, he has all the stock parts to return it to stock condition.  I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be happy with the noise (and he says it pops a little on trailing throttle, with a smile).  He is an adult (40s?  50s?) so I don't get the impression he has abused the bike.  I am after comfort, quiet, and maximum mpg.  So my question is:  Would it be relatively easy to return it to 'normal'?  I maintain my other bikes, ie timing belts etc on my GL1500.  But I am a total newbie when it comes to weights, rollers, variators, Power Commander, etc.  He would include his nice looking homemade tool to 'lock' the clutch (?) for maintenance "down there".

So,,,  how much is involved overall?  Can someone who knows the difference between a torque wrench and a socket set tackle this in a day or two?  He would include a Honda manual for a 2002, and YouTube is my friend.  I am also obviously comfortable pestering gurus on forums, being a member on 6 and counting.  Hopefully some day I might be able to contribute in return.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts, concerns, questions, advice, suggestions or ?

Ron in AZ

congrats it's nice to see someone from the forum picked it up. When you have time post a video of that exhaust sound. Kinda been on fence on to get one or not.

Thanks for the welcome. I will study the tutorials on navigation here to post a pic and vid. First I will post an intro.

Ron

Replacing the muffler is very easy, especially since you’re doesn’t have an O 2 sensor. Basically 3 bo,ts and a couple trim screws.. Just slip the OE on, and install the bolts.

I just purchased a 2004 Silver Wing with 2,000 miles on the odometer. It was in standard trim. That was the deciding factor in my decision to buy. Honda knew what they were doing when they made it. If it did not satisfy a purchaser's requirements they were buying the wrong scooter. It reminds me of the people who buy a house and proceed to tear out kitchens, bathrooms, etc. Why? In my opinion you do not need the modifications. That is just my opinion.

Hi POCAHONTAS.

Gratz on your new to you Silverwing, what colour is it?
Do you know how long it's been parked up lying idle, or was it primed for sale.
As to "mods", or improvements as I call them are a necessity in some circumstance's i.e.
Anyone over 5' 10" will require a taller/or adjustable screen to reduce freeway speed helmet buffeting and noise.
Hyper Pro Front fork springs kit completely transform the front end into something you can trust with your life, and makes cruising a real pleasure. (no clunks or diving).
As you say, a personal choice, but backed by members opinions.
Above all else though, just get out there and enjoy riding your favourite arm chair.

Ps. The cheesy grin it will give you is a side effect you learn to live with.

Hmmn, I had eight years and quite a bit of Euro touring on a bog standard Silver Wing I left well alone apart from changing the OE screen to a Givi Airflow, heated handgrips, lower leg wind deflectors, and a Givi Monorack and E55 top box.

No suspension changes or mods at all, just the recommended tyre pressures and rear suspension settings for either solo riding or with a pillion when Mrs M used to tour with me.

A regular haunt was the Harz Mountains in Germany which is a bikers playground. I used to stay at a Pension that catered for motorcyclists. I stayed there quite a few times when British riders were there, usually in groups. Of course there was the usual piss taking about scooters, I'd also stayed there in past years riding there on a Honda Helix and 400 and 650 Burgmans.

It rains a bit in the Harz and it gets misty when you get up higher and that's where this old curmudgeon aced the throttle jockeys on many a wet or misty day. I suited up and got out riding and I'd pass the Brits coming back to change out of their leathers and sit in the local sports bar with others who deemed it too wet to go out.

Having the experience of all my previous trips, I'd ride up into the mist and a few miles later descend into clear weather again, spend the day tootling around and ride back up into the mist on the ride back to the Pension to listen to the lame excuses of my fellow Brits.

I have to say my mod free Silver Wing was by far the best of the maxi scooters I rode there and on the twisty Kyffhäuser section considered the most challenging stretch, tne bog standard Silver Wing handled the best. I rode in in both directions, in the wet and the dry, and on one occasion with Mrs M as pillion.

I'd have taken my Forza there to see how it performed, but Covid, lockdowns, and travel restrictions stopped that for a couple years and I'm happy enough with the other interests I have now

Maybe next year I'll have a final ride to the Harz on the Forza next year or its similar sized and traction control equipped replacement.

No suspension mods front and rear necessary.

Hello JohnyC and everyone,
 The color is maroon. The previous owner bought it new after it sat in a dealer's showroom for a year and a half. He then rode it around his hometown a few times every year. He changed the oil and fitted a new battery before selling it. Yes, there are some basic modifications I will make but I consider some of what people do can compromise the vehicle's reliability. I tend to avoid messing about with the wiring. I know there are people that are more knowledgeable and skilled than I. (That is easy!) Not sure if I will go to the expense of a Givi windshield. Wearing a full-face helmet the wind noise/turbulance is not very bad. I fitted a Givi tall shield to my Burgman 400 which works well until it rains or is foggy. (I should have paid a little extra for the adjustable one.) I have fitted a top case. It is an old Craven and I am not certain I like how it looks on the Silver Wing. I have a CooCase that I think would look better. I will be fitting new tires before Spring. Yes, the Burgman front springs work better than the ones on the Silver Wing despite the former having 75,000 miles. I was surprised and disappointed to discover the power socket in the LHS "glovebox" is not wired to anything. I understand there is not any connection in the wiring harness which is strange. I did connect a devise to the battery that enables me to connect a charger/maintainer. I should be able to charge my cellphone from that using a suitable reducer. Anyway, the main thing is the Silver Wing is an absolute joy to ride and makes me want to move to a more southerly state so I can ride it year round. Thank you for your input. This is a wonderful forum.

Wait, the power socket is not powered? Is this true of all SW or just certain years/models?

All the UK and European spec FJS Silver Wing models have a 12v power socket in the left side glovebox pocket. The almost identical FSC North American models didn't, just a blanked off port in the same place.

Pocahontas, I also prefer a mostly stock ride. As to the 12 volt socket, I bought mine at a Honda dealer and I insisted they hook up the socket before I would buy the scoot. The problem is it is switched, so when the bike is parked it can't charge a phone or Gps or whatever...  I installed a takeoff under the seat direct to the battery so I can charge my phone or camera while stopped or hookup a maintainer. It works fine but I wouldn't leave anything charging for too long (the battery is not huge). This is the adaptor I use, it is not permanently installed as I only use it on a trip:

https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/trackside-sae-12-volt-power-adapter?sku_id=1127418https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/trackside-sae-12-volt-power-adapter?sku_id=1127418