Add a second Silverwing or add a Forza 300, Burgman 200 etc USA ???????? Market

My Silverwing is at a point where I’m in the red as in the hypothetical chance I sell it, I would be lucky to get between $500-$1000 for it. I would never sell it due to already doing the belt, roller (sliders) and clutch pad service. 

It’s better in the long run to have a secondary Silverwing than putting too much investment in maintenance given that I won’t be able to sell it. I could fix up everything and the best the market would go for is a rough $1500-$2500.

So it’s a keeper…I’ve had a Yamaha Majesty 400 as well but not much about it got my attention when it comes to maintenance.

The Yamaha XMAX 300 are far too overpriced, lots of people listing them at $7k to recoup their dealership financing loans on them. About as ridiculous as people asking $5k for a Honda Grom 125cc. The Honda ADV 150s are still expensive for being a 150. For freeway use you really need a 300 or bigger to maintain 70 MPH - 80 MPH

My only hesitancy to recommend a Burgman (specifically the 650) is the cost if the transmission starts to have a CVT issue- it’s complex and can cost a lot to fix. The Burgman 400 as far as I know is similar to the SWing in terms of the belt drive and ease of maintenance.

In terms of your SWing, is it cosmetics or other issues (engine or suspension)- what’s the mileage on it? If I was going to sink a lot of $$$ into any bike, it would be for my benefit, not so I could sell it off for someone else to benefit from a nicer, fixed up bike. Cosmetics can be somewhat expensive if the plastics need repair or new paint…however, if done well, you will like your SWing as a new bike and may just want to keep riding it (assuming it’s reliable). I did that to my 94 ST1100- had it painted and the wheels powder coated- did a bunch of other maintenance tasks while apart as well. It remains a very nice bike to this day (did all the work in 2018)

Erdoc48 wrote:

My only hesitancy to recommend a Burgman (specifically the 650) is the cost if the transmission starts to have a CVT issue- it’s complex and can cost a lot to fix. The Burgman 400 as far as I know is similar to the SWing in terms of the belt drive and ease of maintenance.

In terms of your SWing, is it cosmetics or other issues (engine or suspension)- what’s the mileage on it? If I was going to sink a lot of $$$ into any bike, it would be for my benefit, not so I could sell it off for someone else to benefit from a nicer, fixed up bike. Cosmetics can be somewhat expensive if the plastics need repair or new paint…however, if done well, you will like your SWing as a new bike and may just want to keep riding it (assuming it’s reliable). I did that to my 94 ST1100- had it painted and the wheels powder coated- did a bunch of other maintenance tasks while apart as well. It remains a very nice bike to this day (did all the work in 2018)

I was thinking a Burgman 200 or 400. My work commute changed where I don’t need to use the freeway at all, it’s all city roads up to 50 MPH. Nothing wrong with the Silverwing just too many stuff to fix up on an out of production bike. I would like to put a stock exhaust on it and a straight rear wheel. The wheel has a big dent from a pothole and doesn’t track straight causing handlebar shaking at a certain speed that would be sure to cancel any test ride and bike negotiations on the spot. I’m pretty much stuck with it.

I've found a Honda Forza, the USA 300cc model, hard to find used. I now avoid the Helix because of age and the Reflex is boring to ride.

I had a Burgman 200 and it was a piece of junk. Everything started leaking at 20,000 miles. Reliable but slow for a 200cc and a PITA to do even basic service work on.

I had a SYM CityCom 300i that I really liked but it eventually started to be to much at 40,000 miles so I thought "Get another one and keep mine for a parts bike!" but a dealership is far and few between, and don't need parts! You'll be on your own.

I also owned a Piaggio Liberty 150 but didn't trust the servicing dealer and got rid of it when a electrical gremlin started. I now have a humble and simple Genuine Buddy 125. Looked at a Yamaha Xmax 300 as well but the OTD price made me say no thanks, I just commute on surface streets so the 125 works just fine.

Good luck on your search for a nice Forza! (My vote)

Personally I tend to the Forza 300 or the Burgman 400. I own a Forza and really like it especially for short jaunts or in-town work. The drawback is the Forza is VERY hard to find used, nationwide there were only 3 available when I found mine in Las Vegas.  The Burgman is a good size and very close to a Silver Wing and there are lots available in the used market. Good luck with your search!

KawasakiGuy wrote:

Erdoc48 wrote:

My only hesitancy to recommend a Burgman (specifically the 650) is the cost if the transmission starts to have a CVT issue- it’s complex and can cost a lot to fix. The Burgman 400 as far as I know is similar to the SWing in terms of the belt drive and ease of maintenance.

In terms of your SWing, is it cosmetics or other issues (engine or suspension)- what’s the mileage on it? If I was going to sink a lot of $$$ into any bike, it would be for my benefit, not so I could sell it off for someone else to benefit from a nicer, fixed up bike. Cosmetics can be somewhat expensive if the plastics need repair or new paint…however, if done well, you will like your SWing as a new bike and may just want to keep riding it (assuming it’s reliable). I did that to my 94 ST1100- had it painted and the wheels powder coated- did a bunch of other maintenance tasks while apart as well. It remains a very nice bike to this day (did all the work in 2018)

I was thinking a Burgman 200 or 400. My work commute changed where I don’t need to use the freeway at all, it’s all city roads up to 50 MPH. Nothing wrong with the Silverwing just too many stuff to fix up on an out of production bike. I would like to put a stock exhaust on it and a straight rear wheel. The wheel has a big dent from a pothole and doesn’t track straight causing handlebar shaking at a certain speed that would be sure to cancel any test ride and bike negotiations on the spot. I’m pretty much stuck with it.

eBay has a bunch of rear wheels

https://www.ebay.com/itm/134721214564?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=0lpFVkHQTf6&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=OBkDh6OMS1y&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Might be better to look for a newer bike. The 300cc range was ideal for me to replace my 2012 Swing. Loved the Swing, but weight, ageing out of parts, etc., motivated me to go to a lighter, newer bike. 300-350 Honda and XMax were on my shopping list. I was soooo! lucky to find a 2020 Yamaha XMax 300 at my Honda dealer about 2 years ago. I grabbed it immediately and have NO regrets. My research on this bike has been confirmed. Of the six bikes I have owned, this one has proved to be the best.

I admire the folks that like to tinker and renew older bikes, and I am amazed at the finished work that they do. But I am a limited tinkerer and a practical rider. The XMax does it for me.