Captain Dave introducing self

Hello Everybody! May name is Dave, I am a retired Detective Captain from my hometown Police Department. (Tonawanda, New York) I was a cop for 30 years, did everything from writing parking tags to investigating homicides, loved the job.
I have been riding motorcycles since I was 16 years old, have owned just about every bike that ever existed. As far as fixing them, I am a jack of all trades and master of none.
I presently own an 08 Harley Super Glide and an 04 Silverwing. I have owned three other wings, one new in 03 and a used 02 and an 06. I love the Wing and it probably will be my main bike until ....... I have ridden on a couple of trips of 400 to 800 miles one way and feel it is a superb machine for touring if one wanted to do that. I have driven about 30K on my Silverwings, also owned a 650 Burgman. I prefer the wing as it seems more agile and didn't seem as big as the Burgman. The Burgman felt like the size of my old Goldwings, just too big.
The 04 I have now has 14K on it, it has a beautiful Corbin seat with a backrest that was installed by the previous owner less than 100 miles ago. He had a back injury so he can no longer ride.
The wing is going to need new tires so I am looking for advice on what to get. My priority on tires is SAFETY. I am not terribly concerned with price or longevity, so if anybody has advice I am all ears. I also intend to change the brakes and the drive belt as well and am looking for advice there too.
So far I love this forum and the friendliness of all the members. I look forward to replies.

Welcome to the forum Captain Dave,

Just about any question you have on the S/W, you will get a response, many members with alot of knowledge on the S/W and willing to share. Ride Safe.

Robert in Az.

Howdy Captain Dave, Tires As you well know with your years of bike and scooter ownership, this is an area with a plethora of opinions. (And opinions are like....) If you put tires in the search function at the top of the forum, you'll get most of these opinions. Myself, I went with the stock tire when I changed due to a flat. It was the easiest way to go. As i learn more, I will probably change. Anyway, welcome to the forum. I'll bet you've had some wonderful riding experiences where you live.

Hey Dave,

Welcome the site and hope you enjoy it. There are many "Pictorials" on here with instructions on how do do things. One is changing the drive belt which is what you want to do. Here is the link for the Pictorial Section:

https://www.silverwing600.com/f21-pictorials-maintenance

As for tires I have had the OEM Hoops, 2 sets of Diablo's, and my set now are the Metzlers. I think I like the Metzlers better since they seem a bit stickier, but they are very close to the Diablo's. It is hard to decide which are best in my opinion, at least for me. The Hoops are good tires too but the Metzlers and Diablo's are stickier which is really good in the twisties.

You should check out the Pictorials and maintenance sections when you get a chance. Welcome.

Welcome from Old Dave in Western Nebraska. Take a look at the Pictoral section on this Forum I have the 2005. I have 25000smiles now and like the Metzler tires best of the three sets.
Have fun and ride safe.

Hi and welcome Captain Dave. (Do we salute or courtesy if we meet you on your bike )

Sounds like you'll settle in well on here. Loads of useful info and experiences from around the globe.

I imagine you have a wealth of tales after 30 years as a 'copper', sorry for the Brit term!!!

Again welcome to the best 'Wing' site with the friendliest riders.

Hello and welcome from another rider from across the pond.

Tyres (note Brit spelling) are something that is probably talked about more than anything else on a lot of two wheeler forums.

At the moment both my Silverwing and Burgman 400 have Bridgestone Hoops on, however, when time comes to replace I'll be going for Metzler Feel Free tyres.

Cheers,

Welcome Captain!

Grab your favorite beverage and have a look around, you'll find most if not all your questions answered or in video form! Our master parts and accessory researcher has compiled a complete a list of nearly every part you can bolt, weld or stick on! We also have a custom parts designer/builder on-board. Knowledge here runs deep! As far as tires, I also vote for the Metelers, they have delivered nearly 9500 miles with no cupping, hold air pressure and perform in the wet like no other tire I've tried (although I am very tempted by the Diablos too)!

Since your state touches mine, I guess we are neighbors!

Good Luck!
Paul
(Proud father of a police officer)