Harsh ride

There are times when it feels like there is no suspension or at best a 1-2" travel suspension. Part of that is the sad condition of roads in general. Part is probably my 240 pounds on the SW. Are there adjustments I should make to optimize for a heavier rider? Are there aftermarket suspension bits that significantly improve the ride? Thanks for any and all input (other than 'lose weight buddy').

Have you tried adjusting the rear shocks? That's the first thing I would try and you probably already have.

Theres a new diet/exercise trend out now. It goes like this: turn your head completely to the left, now turn your head completely to the right, repeat, now when someone offers you food just use this exercise       . Sorry had to throw that in!! Back to topic- the swing hits quite hard on road cracks, potholes etc., probably due to the small diameter tires. Everytime i dont have time to swerve clear of these my wife is sure to let me know how rough it is by usually yelling at me or a quick thump to the my back  .

LDB, I weigh about the same as you and I have the rear shocks set on "4". "5" was too stiff even for me. Adjustment is easy and you should be able to do it without tools! Good luck.

First read owners/Rider manual

Rear shock adjustment easy

SilverWing like any feet first scooter/bike send a lot of shock to the spine!! period


Check tire pressures set according to Honda specs....and how old is bike? if new I find the IRC OEM tires, while lasting a long time have hard ride. Try Michelin SC in rear.

At 240lbs you are not over loading bike solo. Some people have changed front fork springs for less braking dive/handling improvement.

I use "Ride On" in tires keeping them in constant balance---making for smoother ride on good pavement---and long tread life. scooters by their design do not provide the comfortable ride of a regular motorcycle (not cruiser)

john grinsel wrote:

scooters by their design do not provide the comfortable ride of a regular motorcycle (not cruiser)

But a Silverwing (like a Burgman650) offers exactly the same, feet forward (almost straight leg) position as a cruiser.

Are you saying that a regular, legs bent, feet behind, position is better? A recipe for cramp if ever their was one.

I just got the bike 6 days ago. It is a new 2012 leftover. I haven't changed anything yet but will check the settings and try 4 if it isn't already set to that. I don't expect to ever get gold wing ride from it but then again, silver is runner up to gold so I do hope to improve the ride some. I suspect when my Airhawk arrives this week it will improve the ride some as well.

You really haven't explained the shortcomings of the stock suspension. Are you complaining about rear shock travel? Front fork dive? Bottoming of the shocks or forks?

My suggestions: If it's the rear shocks that are giving you headaches ( or butt/spine aches) adjust the preload on the rear shocks to the firmest (#5) setting. It's easy to do by hand; check the owner's manual.
If it's front fork diving and bottoming, get yourself a set of HyperPro progressive springs for the front forks.

LDB:
The Swing is rated to carry up to almost 375 lbs, so you are not overloading it.  However, the stock suspension is pretty lame.  So as Big Bird suggested, set the adjustable rear shock to 4 or 5, then install the HyperPro progressive springs on the front ($135). I weigh about the same as you and this set up works pretty well for me.

So far it's the rear bouncing me up off the seat once in a while at some of the unavoidable rotten expansion joints etc. that's the problem.

Unfortunately, that may just be part of the ride...

Just a tip, you may already know. You can adjust the rear shocks be hand if you put the scooter on the centerstand. If you have the spanner that fits the shocks it's still easier on the centerstand but not necessary.

I'm going to give it a try early one morning before it's hot. I'm not sure if the arthritis in my hands will let me do it or not. I may have to find a reasonably priced pin spanner.

I had my local dealer order the spanner listed for the stock Silverwing tool kit and I believe it was under $3. But like I said before if it's on the centerstand it will turn easily by hand. Both of my hips are bad so getting my Wing on the centerstand is more strain than I'm comfortable risking so $3 was worth it to me.