New member 2008 Silverwing bought used with 3846 miles

I rode a Suzuki GS550 for years in South Florida more than 30 years ago. Didn't need a Motorcycle endorsement on a driver license back then. Moved around a bit then settled in Midwest (near Kansas City) 26 years ago. Missed riding, but didn't make the effort to get started again.

Four years ago I decided that if I was ever going to get back on two wheels I'd better do it soon. Quickly bought then sold a Chinese 50cc scooter, moved up to a PCX 150 which made qualifying for a motorcycle license easy. Got a hug from the cute, yound DMV examiner when I passed the test at 66. Rode the PCX 150 a lot, even to my part-time job.

Traded for a Honda Rebel a year later and enjoyed having a "real motorcycle" for a while, albeit a very small one. Decided I wanted something with more power and began thinking about maxi scooters. I explored this and other forums as part of my search.

Last month I found a 2008 Silverwing with low miles at a good price at a local dealer and traded my Rebel for it. I will be 70 next month, so an "old man's bike" like the Silverwing is just about perfect for me. The Swing came with a very short, non-stock windshield. Not comfortable to ride above 45 mph. Just replaced that windshield with a Givi DT214 and really enjoy the quieter, smoother ride. So far gusty winds cause much less buffeting and noise than with the short windshield. Riding on freeways is much more comfortable. As the weather warms up I'm looking forward to longer and more frequent rides.

I appreciate the information and the exchange of opinions in this forum.

Welcome Tom!!!!!

Would have loved the red. Mine is gray and black.

Welcome to the forum, Tom

Tim

Hi Tom. Welcome to the best SWing forum on the net! I also have an 08 SWing that I've had for the last two seasons. Can't wait for the third season with it. I bought it from my sister in FL and trailered it home. It needed a battery, tires and drive belt. And after some other TLC it was up and running and has been lots of fun. I go out to the garage and pet her and talk to her every now and then to let her know that I haven't forgotten her. I'll be 70 in July so I guess this is an old people's bike but who cares. I ride with a group here in MN that has the "real" motorcycles but they let me ride with them. My SWing surprised a couple of them when it was very capable of keeping up with them.

Welcome Tom, great bike and an even greater site here. Glad you dig the Swing, she will treat you well.

Welcome from the o-HI-o hills.

Wow, what a welcome! Thanks to everyone who responded.

I rode today in winds gusting to more than 30 mph and was impressed with the Silverwing's stability in those conditions with the new Givi windshield. One of the most enjoyable things about my new ride is discovering how well it can perform. I haven't been on a bike this powerful since 1980. Every ride is a new learning experience.

Welcome and enjoy your ride

TomThorpe328 wrote:

Wow, what a welcome!  Thanks to everyone who responded.  

I rode today in winds gusting to more than 30 mph and was impressed with the Silverwing's stability in those conditions with the new Givi windshield.  One of the most enjoyable things about my new ride is discovering how well it can perform.  I haven't been on a bike this powerful since 1980.  Every ride is a new learning experience.

Hi and welcome. I have the DT214 Givi too and for me it is perfect. Most riders on this forum prefer the adjustable Givi screen; it is all a matter of what conditions you ride in and what your preferences are. Either way, it beats the OEM screen; I don't need earplugs, don't get wet in light rain and feel no discomfort from wind at any speed. happy riding!

Tom-
Do you miss the PCX for ease of in town use? I must admit, after having this Silverwing (which is great), I recently purchased a new PCX 2016 -steel Grey which I enjoy alternating. I've owned the pcx 125cc and think I get about 5 mph more on this 150cc version. Great practical bikes that I'm pleased with.
Thanks