shop manual

there's a Honda manual on ebay, item number 251884517582, £5 plus £4.50 postage. Only problem is its for a 2001, are there a lot of differences or is it mainly cosmetic till 2007.

This is the one I told the N.Ireland chap about. He said it was too expensive,for him. The one I have is for the 2001,it's still relevant for my 2015 wing.

I believe the only thing that's different between the 01 and the 07 is the front fender on the 01 has one screw on each side and the 07 has two screws on each side. The 01 manual should be fine for everything you'll want to do.

What about the ABS/Combined Braking System Honda fitted to later models, the 2001 Silver Wing was CBS only. There's an O2 sensor fitted to the exhaust system of the 2007 onwards models which I've read is difficult to remove and refit when the silencer/muffler is removed with all the other stuff for rear wheel removal. At least a later manual would give you the correct method to do this without breaking anything.

Here in the US the O2 sensor didn't show up until 08. I knew ABS was available for the 02 but I wasn't sure about the 01. The OP did ask if there was a lot of differences. So the answer to that would be no there's not a lot of differences.  
Perhaps I shouldn't try to answer questions from those over the pond because I'm not familiar with the possible differences between here and there.

You do have a point Meldrew. As you say the later models have ABS and the sensor on the exhaust,but, with a little bit of thought most things can be worked out. When removing the rear wheel I just turn the exhaust with sensor on it's end and secure it so it doesn't fall.

Actually, it is quite easy to remove the silencer with its O2 sensor still installed. Just remove the passenger footrest bracket and disconnect the O2 lead which is behind it.

I'm now imagining a bidding war by the Brits on here for this 2001 Honda manual complete with dirty fingerprints!

The trickiest part of disconnecting the O2 sensor is the actual plug in the loom. Mine had three barbs locking it together.  Two is manageable, three is a PITA!