Interested in a scooter.

Hi everyone, I have just returned from Madrid where the silverwing and other maxi scoots are very popular. I got to thinking I would like one for the ease of use and practicality in the uk.
My only concern would be the bikes ability to travel two up with enough luggage for a long weekend. I'm talking bed and breakfast - no camping gear just clothes and toiletries.
We are going to the Isle of Man again this year , last year on a fazer 600 with throw over panniers and a tank bag. We would only be taking a similar amount of kit.
I am also viewing a silverwing tonight that is for sale locally. An 03 plate,private sale, years mot and a service. Looks very tidy and has only 13,700 miles from new.
What is a good fair price for this machine and any things I should look out for when I view.
I am an experienced biker 34 years of riding but not on big scooters.
Any help would be appreciated. Adrian

Adrian, the SW 600 is capable of riding 2up for touring and has enough storage under the seat for one medium size duffel bag. If you and your companion can both live out of one bag which my wife and I cannot, consider a top box like a Givi. I've got a Givi V46 and can also get a duffel bag in there. With the top box we can go for a long weekend together.

Not sure about prices in the UK but here in the US, a 2003 SW will sell for about 2-3k depending on mileage. I paid 2k fir my 03 with 39k mileage.

Welcome to the forum Adrian. With the addition of a top case, you should definitely have enough storage space. Some people who have needed more have added a tunnel bag.

I've done two week tours with Mrs M to Germany on the Silver Wing no problem. I do use a tunnel bag but I've alway used one, I originally converted a Chase Harper tank bag to use on my Helix years before tunnel bags were commercially available. Two up touring is the only time I use soft panniers/saddlebags as usually Ortlieb dry bags are sufficient when I'm touring solo. I use them to bring stuff back from €uroland as I like a bit of retail therapy.

Adrian welcome to the forum. I ride solo so I can't add anything to advice already given.
 I agree with Dan $2,000-$3,000 US-$ depending on condition.

If you end up buying the Silverwing and want to learn about it or plan on doing your own maintenance you'll find you can do anything you need or want with the service manual and help from this forum.
I add the paragraph below for most new members because there's a lot of information in the links and may save you some work.
Here are some links(3 below in blue)that will help you learn a lot about your Silverwing. If you can't find what you need in the links below the search on this forum works good, and if you still need help just ask and someone will do what they can to answer your questions.

Maintenance, Tips and Hints
Maintenance "Pictorials"
Accessories-Modifications

thanks for the help. Went to see the sw yesterday, almost mint condition, full service history just a bit of paint flaking on the front wheel.
Says he will take 2k cash, i am sorely tempted x

Go for it - Hornsea needs Silver Wings!! Low mileage - barely run in, and the price seems reasonable. I've got 43K on my 04, and it never misses a beat.

Might even see you there later in the year, we often come over to visit on the Wing. I lived in Mappleton for a lot of my younger years, and my Dad was floor manager at the Floral Hall in the 60's, so lots of memories for me. Usually call in at the cafe there for a bite to eat.
(Now living in exile in Lincolnshire!)

Graham

Adrian999 wrote:

thanks for the help. Went to see the sw yesterday, almost mint condition, full service history just a bit of paint flaking on the front wheel.
Says he will take 2k cash, i am sorely tempted x

Tempted! Tempted! Jump on it man!

Adrian999 wrote:

thanks for the help. Went to see the sw yesterday, almost mint condition, full service history just a bit of paint flaking on the front wheel.
Says he will take 2k cash, i am sorely tempted x

Hi Adrian, that looks like a good deal, I was lucky last year and picked up an 04 with 1700miles for 1,750 its all but immaculate and was only 5 miles from where i live. There were a couple of tiny marks underneath where the owner put it down on gravel and the wheels were flaking a tiny bit. Its a very easy job to strip the wheels and get them powdercoated, just make sure you use a suitable material to mask the mounting points for the brake discs! It is often a good idea to get the wheels stripped then mask all bits you dont want coated yourself. up here in Birmingham I can get them done for about 25 pounds and if you have Groupon it often comes up as one of their offers. Last week there was an offer on doing 21 pounds a wheel!!!!

Why stand ye gazing? Buy it! You'll be glad you did.

Go for it Adrian. I just bought a 2001 last week w 30,000 miles on the clock, w Givi top box. Have already been out 2-up and it works just wonderfully good w plenty power to get a speeding ticket... As a Swing newbie I really want to confirm that this forum is a gold mine both regarding the experience and help you can get, but also for a very nice tone.
/Olof

Olof wrote:

<> I really want to confirm that this forum...also [has] a very nice tone

Aw, that's because you haven't annoyed our resident curmudgeons yet.

Finally bought one, only 5 years, one month later. Never could make a quick decision......

It's no good hastily rushing into momentous decisions like this.
Was it worth the wait?

Im am so happy you made a decision to get a SW. Im on my second one, sold the high mileage one when I found one with 2,300. miles.