2003 SW with 15,000 Miles

Friends / Bikers...

Looking out a 2003 Silverwing with 15,000 miles on it..

Will be using to commute to work as well as normal road trips.

Would like to have your advice on what to look for.

What is the average life of these machines?

What is the gas mileage per gallon?

Not sure if 2003 model have ABS.

Appreciate your help!

Thanks, Ari

Since this is your first post it's customary to first introduce yourself as there is a special section for that.
That being said, the Swing, when serviced as recommended will last well over 100K miles and more. The mileage will vary between 35-55 MPH depending on how fast you drive and how much you jockey the throttle.
I can't recall whether or not the 2003 has ABS but you shoulld be able to tell easy enough by looking for the telltale rotor that is behind the disk the one with ventilation holes all around the outside. If you've never owned a two wheeled vehicle before you might want to take the rider safety course in your local area, well worth the small investment of time and money. Ride safe and keep us posted on your progress!


Gary

Welcome Ari,

I have a 2003 too, without ABS. ABS is an option, not universal for that year. Like Gary said look for the ABS sensor ring on the front wheel.

I bought my 2003 3rd-hand 5 years ago at 9000 miles, and I regularly use it for my 90 mile round trip commute (30 miles interstate, 15 miles stop& go each way). I push it pretty hard and get 40-45 MPG with a GIVI airflow windshield and large top box. I use 26gr Dr Pulley sliders and Ride-on tire sealant/balancer in both wheels and both have smoothed out my ride considerably (sliders for stop&go, balancers for highway)

I have about 40k miles on it so far. The biggest wear & tear expense has been the rear tire, which only seems to last 5000-6000 miles ($70, much more if you have a shop do the work). The second biggest expense is the belt at around 16000 miles ($110). I do all of my own work.

As far as road trips, I have taken it on a 1200 mile round trip drive (New Jersey to North Carolina) and 600 mile round trip (Atlanta to Myrtle Beach) and the bike itself has been great. You definitely should get a good seat cushion and back rest if you're going to be doing that type of driving.

Jesse in Atlanta

c_arivazhagan wrote:

Friends / Bikers...

Looking out a 2003 Silverwing with 15,000 miles on it..

Will be using to commute to work as well as normal road trips.

Would like to have your advice on what to look for.

scheduled replacements @16k mi are belt, oil, plugs.

c_arivazhagan wrote:

Not sure if 2003 model have ABS.

Appreciate your help!

Thanks, Ari

ABS is optional, there is indicator on L side (as you're looking at it) of the bottom row of dash indicators.

PS: my recent experience is saying take a nice long test ride (20mi at least)

Gary, Jessie, Stanley,

Thank you so much for the tips. I just bought the scooter.

Oil, Tire & Battery has been just replaced by the seller (in the last 3 months).

Seller also suggested me to do a service or tune-up. I think he did not do a good job on regular maintenance. I guess any motor cycle garage would accept silverwing for servicing, but I prefer to find a garage skilled in Scooter / SW service. Any tips?

I am a Mech. Engineer, would prefer (and Interested) to do the service myself if it doesn't require special tools. I don't have huge tool chests.

Don't know anything about the Belt, not sure if this is something I can buy & change myself

The Rider safety course is a great tip! Thank you so much. I am searching for a available date in my area.

Thanks a lot

Ari

Most of the basic service can be done by using the pictorials and maintenance sections. As an engineer, you know the first tool you need will be a bigger hammer.

Ari,

If you go to the maintenance/pictorial section you will find many things to guide you along in doing your own maintenance.

Welcome Ari!Enjoy the ride.

Congrats on your purchase! The SWing should give you lots of fun service. DO check/change the belt though as you are very close to the 16K interval PLUS the OEM belt is now 10 years old. i would make this a priority! Have fun.

Welcome aboard, Ari!
From an EE to an ME, get the service manual. If you have mechanical skills and patience, you'll be fine doing your own work. It's fun to see and learn how other engineers solve the mechanical challenges of these things. Honda has good engineers and the profiteers within Honda allow them to use good materials and components in the Swing.

Thank you so much for the great tips & Advices. This is an awesome forum. I started to feel good about my SW Choice :-)

Gas leak:

My wife tipped (not dropped) the scooter on its right side to the floor...may be because she couldn't hold the weight. Soon we started to see gas leak on the floor. Is it something Normal? or Should I be fixing something?

Appreciate your help!

Thanks, Ari

SCTLVR wrote:

Welcome aboard, Ari!
From an EE to an ME, get the service manual. If you have mechanical skills and patience, you'll be fine doing your own work. It's fun to see and learn how other engineers solve the mechanical challenges of these things. Honda has good engineers and the profiteers within Honda allow them to use good materials and components in the Swing.

Ari,
Welcome.
You've come to the right place for help on servicing a Silverwing. There is detailed info on anything you might come across, somewhere on this site.
I can't tell you where the gas is coming from, but rest assured, somebody here will.
Waterboy