Advice on 2004 Silverwing(possible purchase)

Hi,i keep thinking about changing my present bike for a Silverwing.
There's one for sale at a reputable Dealer,it's a 2004(white)with 20,000 miles,they are asking $2995.
I've looked at prices & it seems reasonable for a Dealer,but the problem is,because of logistics,i'll have to ask my friend to view it for me,is there anything that should be checked in that age of scooter,over & above general overall condition.
I know this is a meh!! question,just trying to see if there's anything that jumps out,that should be given an extra good look.
Cheers,Graham.

Ask for maintenance records for one, look for signs of a bad drop, scratches, dings, gouges, look to see if it's been off roaded on the road like getting hung up on a curb. At 20K it's well due for a new drive belt has it been done?

Have your friend view it, using oldwingguy's excellent advice. If it passes and you want to make an offer before you go see it yourself, make the sale contingent on a test ride and inspection by yourself. Also consider having an independent shop look at it. Is there a warranty?

Thanks,i haven't had any communication with Dealer so far,my friend spotted it in the showroom & told me about it.
I'm hoping i can get detailed pics & take it from there.
I'll make a list for my friend from answers in this thread & then if it looks promising,contact the Dealer.
Could you guys give me an idea about the cost of a Belt & maybe a service,for the SW,to give me some ammo/leverage with the Dealer.
I'm not going to be able to get too picky,i'm trying to downscale from a more expensive/bigger bike & i'm trying to do it from a long distance.
Any info opinions,most welcome.
Cheers,Graham.

Sounds like a reasonable price. Maybe they might figure in a couple hundred less on the purchase price. I bought mine through the dealer used and the only thing I didn't check for and needed was a new battery since the one that came with the swing was shot.
I just bought a new belt delivered to the front door for $117.00 dollars. Figure in the hour or so labor to install it. Dealer shop rate is $80.00 an hour here. My friend just had his 2009 serviced belt changed, brakes and front tire. He pre-ordered most of the parts ahead of time and was $215.00 to do all the labor.

Graham.....I see you're in Warrington, England but you're showing the price of the bike in dollars. Is this meant to be pounds ? If it is then, nearly £3000 for a 2004 SWing is a bit steep. You're also saying it's white. As far as I know Silverwings weren't available in white in the UK. I think you may need to get more facts and info on this bike and see it before parting with any money.

Den

A lot of the earlier thirstier FJS 600 Silver Wings were non ABS models too, there's also plenty of used later ABS/CBS Silver Wings about too. There's at least half a dozen currentlyfor sale in West Yorkshire dealerships.

Again thanks for the replies,
Terrier,Meldrew,the bike is in the USA(Tn) as is the Bike i want to sell/trade,for a smaller lighter & cheaper bike.

Are you going to ship it to England since that is where you say you are from? If you buy it at the price they are offering it at why not ask if they can throw in a belt change. That way you know the belt is new. But if it looks good and runs good than I would say go for it. Maybe have your friend take some pictures, close up, and send them to you so you can see if there are dents or dings on it. Good luck.

kk

With the cost of the bike plus shipping, IMHO, I think you could find a newer Swing for that price. I suggest you look for one with ABS. Also, Swings in the UK come with an electrical outlet in the left compartment and HISS security as standard. 2008 and newer Swing generally get better gas mileage which should help you with the cost of fuel in England. That is just my 2¢.

Just to clarify,the Bike is for use in the US,not for shipping to England .
From the responses about the SW,it looks like there are no serious built in faults,other than maintenance/wear & tear items,once my friends had a good look at it & hopefully organised some pics,i'll see if i can make a deal with my present bike,with the Dealer.
Thanks for the replies,i'm made a list of the responses,to help with my negotiating.
Wish me Luck(i'll need it)it's not going to be easy,to get the Dealer to part with a Bike & CASH

When you finish your deal, post some pictures of your new ride. Good luck!