Are there any serious problems or issues with the Silver Wing ?

First topic message reminder :

Hi everyone,

It was brought to my attention that we don't have any sticky's on this forum. Someone has requested, and it is a very good request, to place a sticky so it will stay at the top of the "Topic". So I am putting this here to ask all the members about any serious issues with the Silver Wing.

I know that there were a couple of recalls/issues very early on but those have been resolved years ago. Do any of you know of issues concerning reliability, safety, or just issues with comfort? I don't what this to be a post where riders say "well the shield could be higher", or "I wish the seat was lower". But rather recall issues or serious trouble issues. I know with the '07 and later Burgman 400 they have had issues with the clutch, so that is the feedback I would like. I'm not denigrating the Burgman but just using it as an example. That is one of the newest bikes out and the new ones seem to have a problem or two, for the first couple of years.

So please come back with any serious issues that Honda just hasn't seemed to fix. Personally, I just can't remember any or know of any, but I do seem to remember they had a recall or two early on. I have only had the SWing for 2 years but after a lot of research I just don't think the SWing has been aflicted with any serious trouble.

Thanks,

JeffR

Hello all !

I just fell victim to the nefarious interior light problem.

Got back late Thursday after a 75 mile ride , put the Wing in the garage
and must not have closed the seat completely.
Voila, Dead battery !
You would not think the light would drain the battery that fast !
I should have heeded the comments in the forum about this and
removed the bulb.
Oh well , it's on the charger now and I just have to wait

x

txtrkdrvr wrote:

3. A small bar crosses the fuel filler neck and when pumping fuel if you hit it just right it will spray back fuel. Poor design.

I read somewhere that there is a reason for this. I think it had something to do with how far they wanted us to be able to put the gas pump down into the tank...or..I even remember that someone said that this was supposed to be where the level of gas should be in the tank, at its highest.

I just fill mine all the way up as far as I can. I did like the tank better on my Majesty since I could stick the pump all the way down into the tank and fill it up. You get used to it after awhile and I think the Reflex was the same too. I didn't have it for too long but it seemed very similar to the SWing.

A far better design would have been to use the new Ford filler neck. I have a 2010 Ford Fusion and it has no gas cap, simply open the door and place the fuel nozzle directly into the neck, it prevents siphoning, it won't allow you to press the nozzle any further than necessary and more importantly it won't blow back fuel to be wasted. If you're not watching when you top off the tank it will splash all over the place. Gasoline is a terrible thing to waste at $3.79 / Gallon!

Yeah, I do sometimes get that splash back but it isn't too much. I just don't like my hand smelling like gas since it seems so hard to get rid of the smell.

I've always wondered what the perfect bike would be like. I would like a bit larger tires even if it reduced the trunk space a bit, or some kind of overdrive when on the highway to bring down the rpms. But so far I'm very happy with the SWing and can live with a few of these small things.

txtrkdrvr wrote:

A far better design would have been to use the new Ford filler neck. I have a 2010 Ford Fusion and it has no gas cap, simply open the door and place the fuel nozzle directly into the neck, it prevents siphoning, it won't allow you to press the nozzle any further than necessary and more importantly it won't blow back fuel to be wasted. If you're not watching when you top off the tank it will splash all over the place. Gasoline is a terrible thing to waste at $3.79 / Gallon!

The insurance company rented me a fusion when my truck got t-boned. I liked it very much, it took me a second or 2 figure out the no gas cap thing, turns out the filler nozzle has to touch both "pieces" before it releases, very ingenious i hope its a passive system, not an active one! I would have one though, but i opted for a C-RV.

txtrkdrvr wrote:

Gasoline is a terrible thing to waste at $3.79 / Gallon!

Even worse when it costs about £6.30/$10.35 a gallon!!

Petrol is that high in the UK now? At that price every drop is precious.

After 4 years, I have replaced the tires at 10K miles(with Metzlers, which I love), I took the underseat light bulb out, because I saw in my dark garage that the light wasn't going out with the seat down, I had my battery go dead later on (it was the original). So, pretty reliable.

My only major issue - and I am unsure if it is major, is the V-matic indicator light on my dash has had a tendency to go on, usually while accelerating to 60+ mph, or after cruising above 60 mph for a long time. I replaced the belt at 12,000 miles (earlier than recommended), since I bought it used, and figured maybe the belt was damaged by rough break-in or something (I bought the scooter with 2600 miles on it). Since putting the new belt on, the light has not come on as often, but still does occasionally. I do know how to reset it, but it is maddening to me to ride down the road with an "idiot light" glowing angrily at me till I can stop to reset.

Recently, I added a RAM cup holder, and can strategically place it so I don't have to stare at the darned yellow light. Still, it nags at me whether there is something inherently wrong with my scooter, or do I just have a wonky sensor? My brother in Georgia has literally taken the whole scooter apart and checked out everything else, and I had a very good Honda mechanic replace the belt a year later, with an OEM belt. Still, that light has come on.

RRHead,

I wouldn't worry about the light nor would I replace the belt just because the light goes on. When you rpm's, compared to the mph's, get too high the light will come on. So if you are climbing a steep hill and giving it throttle it may go on. That happens to me sometimes out here. And when I had the J. Costa or the 21 gr sliders it would go on more often.

It is an annoyance when it does come on but it has more to do with your rpm's when compared to your mph.

Thank you so much for that. That was pretty much what my brother thought, but he loves to second-guess himself, and take things back apart "to make sure".

We have a good laugh now and then about changing the final drive oil. We truly made a mountain out of a molehill on that one.....

The most serious problems or issues with the Swing is the riders. If it wasn't for the riders,the Swing would have no problems on the road.

Do you mean the penny-pinching,mechanically inept, thread stripping,"I do all my own maintenance" riders with their shop manuals and extensive range of wrenches...usually pipe wrenches, who come on here for advice after buggering up something, then disappear again?

Blimey Meldrew, thats grouchy even for you

Thank's mate, you've made my day!

Meldrew, are you one of those problem wrenching road tube and belt replacing riders ?

I do basic service and maintenance checks wearing rubber gloves of course, don't want or need a workshop manual, and changed a couple of tyre tubes by the side of the road in the past.

Now, now, Meldrew. Not all people "bugger up" thier scoots without a workshop manual. I don't trust anyone to lay hands on my machines, once out of the Dealers they don't see me again. The only one to handle my bikes are the M.O.T. chap once a year. You'll be in trouble if you get a puncture- no tubes in the Silverwing tyres.

I'll be in trouble if I have punctures? Let's see, there's Ultraseal in my tyres, a Stop & Go tyre plugger repair kit under the seat, and if necessary can call up Roadside Recovery from the AA or Carol Nash.

Meldrew wrote:

I'll be in trouble if I have punctures? Let's see, there's Ultraseal in my tyres, a Stop & Go tyre plugger repair kit under the seat, and if necessary can call up Roadside Recovery from the AA or Carol Nash.

Yup +1

Except for the tyre plugger thingumajig!!!

Meldrew wrote:

Do you mean the penny-pinching,mechanically inept .... who come on for advice .... then disappear again?

So you have read the X9 forum!

The only issue that I have is the design of the plastic tabs. They seem so weak and break easily. Currently have an oil leak that only drips when on side stand. Had a paper towel between the skid plate and the engine, but no oil was absorbed in the towel. I thought it was coming from where the water pump joins the engine case. Not sure now.

After 22,000km mixed (suburban, freeway, open highway) riding, can't really think of ANY serious problems with the 'Wing. Tyre change at 19,000km from OE tyres (IRC) to Bridgestone Hoop, but low-speed steering wobble still present though hardly a serious problem. It has been the same from new. Great ride!

Like all mechanical machines, they will have a few problems once in a while but not usually often.  They are pretty reliable if maintained properly.  I used to fly a lot in fact I was in aviation for 40 years and flew lots of hours.  Preventive main-tain-ence is key!  Try to stay a head of the machine.  Keep it serviced when you are supposed too.  It may cost a little more but in the long run it will save you money and head aches.

I only thing I've had fail on my Silverwing is the brake light switch . 
The dealer said they've seen them fail more often on Goldwings 
Don't know how that happened since I hardly ever use my brakes

I've had both the (1) under-the-seat light problem and the (2) seat latch problem. But I've got a working solution for both.

(1) Light: Push the seat down until you hear a click. It takes a little extra force.

(2) Latch: Gently shift the seat back and forth sideways, then try the key again.

You can also remove the light bulb from the current under-the-seat light, or
there is a swithcable (on-off) light fixture available (for an Acura Integra car) I think which you can replace your original under seat light with and it is basically a "pop out the old, insert the new" installation. The model # of the light should be on here in search... billc.

Hello,

I had a 4 year old 2009 Swing with 54000 km on it and seeing as I work by the seaside, I had alot of rust issues. The centre stand was completely rusted through and the heatsink on the exhaust was also loose due to rust. On returning from a 2 week holiday last year, I found all the oil had drained from the engine (but only after I had riden it for a couple of hundred kilometers). Eventually the bike failed to start due to a lack of pressure in the engine and seeing as it was too expensive to fix, I bought another scooter (a yamaha xmax 400, which I regretted).

I have now totalled the Yamaha and have bought a second hand sw-t400 with 2300 km on it. The sw-t400 is by far the best scooter you can buy although I can report a few issues:

The brake light switches were replaced several times on my scooter, probably due to oxidation from sea salt.
The last year of it's life, the scooter seemed to like burning through headlights. I had to replace the bulb every few months, I even had a spare in the bike at all times.

But that's it, really, it faired alot better than the Burgman I had previously (that fell apart due to rust).

Cheers,

Ludo

You seem to have many problems with rust. Do you live near the sea or in it!?

Lol, good one.

Cheers,

Ludo

Consider replacing the fuel pressure regulator, and related O-ring, as preventative maintenance. They fail with age and cause very over rich fuel. The part is cheap and not difficult to replace. I wish I had known this with my  prior SWing as it developed the problem and I never figured it out.

On a lighter note, the one serious problem we have with the Wing here in Oz is that they stopped importing them in '07 (I think.)and most of the small number that do crop up for sale here are of that vintage and non -ABS. I wonder how feasible importing one would be ? Probably a paperwork/logistic nightmare!

ericclapham wrote:

On a lighter note, the one serious problem we have with the Wing here in Oz is that they stopped importing them in '07 (I think) and most of the small number that do crop up for sale here are of that vintage and non -ABS. I wonder how feasible importing one would be ? Probably a paperwork/logistic nightmare!

Bummer! Though never a huge seller here in the States, S'Wings can be had for a decent used price. Dealer leftovers can also be a great deal. i bought my 2004 in December for $2500US with 15K miles. It had just received new; tires, GIVI trunk/mount, plugs, Mobile one oil change and air/oil filters. I did have to make some repairs to the body panel mount tabs (outlined elsewhere on this forum) but overall I think i did well.

I know importing a non US model of bike, to the States, can be an expensive nightmare. There used to be a dealer in Texas (or so I was told) that would arrange a new purchase in Mexico, with faked paperwork. Then crossing the border with it was iffy as it could still get confiscated and you lose all your investment.

There used to be a big market for USA bikes imported to the UK, but do no know if that is still going on. A lot of us Yanks get very jealous of the selection in Europe. What other maxi-scoots are available in OZ?

Meldrew wrote:

Do you mean the penny-pinching,mechanically inept, thread stripping,"I do all my own maintenance" riders with their shop manuals and extensive range of wrenches...usually pipe wrenches, who come on here for advice after buggering up something, then disappear again?  

Pipe wrench makes a great hammer as well.

I use a belt clip for a hammer.Saves time looking for it!
Bahahaha   

MikeH wrote:

My SWing has a serious tracking problem. The damn thing won't go straight. I take it to the store to pick up a few things, and it won't go straight home. It always finds the longest route possible.  

well i be damned mine does the same thing

Most major issue. Pilot error.  Howard

Loose nut between handlebars and seat.

DJ mine has a similar flaw. Wife doesnt understand either.

JeffR wrote:

Dan,

That is a good idea of yours.  The reason I haven't done that,mention your site, is not because I think of anyone as "competition" but just because I didn't think of it.  I also thought that everyone knows of www.silverwing.org , the site you moderate, and the Silver Wing site on the Yahoo Groups.  

Here is a link for recalls for many cycles:  http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle_recalls/01/honda/index.html  

Thanks for the help Dan.

The website qouted in your posting takes me to a Chinese porn site! WT....

That link seems okay to me Francois. I just now clicked on the link you quoted and it took me to the Motorcyclist’s Motorcycle Buyers Guide. No en route stop at the Happy Endings Massage Parlor.

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

That link seems okay to me Francois. I just now clicked on the link you quoted and it took me to the Motorcyclist’s Motorcycle Buyers Guide. No en route stop at the Happy Endings Massage Parlor.

Sadly my system reroutes me when I try to go there. But hey ... I use a iMac and there is little hackers can do to frustrate me more. I'll keep on trying to root out these buggers though!

Thanking you kindly for your efforts to sort this out!

dspevack wrote:

Loose nut between handlebars and seat.

The seat glue that keeps the butt planted seems to be loosing its grip

Meldrew wrote:

I do basic service and maintenance checks wearing rubber gloves of course, don't want or need a workshop manual, and changed a couple of tyre tubes by the side of the road in the past.  

Looking back at that post of mine from 2013, nothing has really changed. I still wear gloves to do messy maintenance jobs, mainly because I worked in an industry where wearing one, two, and occasionally three pairs of Marigolds was standard practice. A few laters later I bought a Factory Service Manual, and for whatever reason I thought that was a good idea back then I've long forgotten. 

Although it's size and weight is useful on the odd occasion when I need to flatten a wasp that's flew into my garage.

The Swing is a great machine, I'm a bit puzzled why there are not more of them on the UK roads as its perfect for commuting or just wazzing around generally......

Somebody mentioned UK fuel prices , well its currently £1.75 for a litre of petrol or £8 per gallon , I think it translates to $14 for a gallon , yes thats $14 . Remind me what you murcans have to pay again ....I have my tissues ready

MikeH wrote:

My SWing has a serious tracking problem. The damn thing won't go straight. I take it to the store to pick up a few things, and it won't go straight home. It always finds the longest route possible.  

That's weird I have the exact same problem but mines worse, my Silverwing folds time and space, so my wife says, I went for fuel today, said I'll only be 15 mins, 3 hours later I got home have no idea where I've been, I just remember riding my Silverwing, felt like 15 mins to me. Can anyone help with this issue, maybe Honda need to do a recall.

Rear brake is a pain to bleed. Up and down and up and down and delay valves.

RamblinRedhead wrote:

After 4 years, I have replaced the tires at 10K miles(with Metzlers, which I love), I took the underseat light bulb out, because I saw in my dark garage that the light wasn't going out with the seat down, I had my battery go dead later on (it was the original).  So, pretty reliable.

My only major issue - and I am unsure if it is major, is the V-matic indicator light on my dash has had a tendency to go on, usually while accelerating to 60+ mph, or after cruising above 60 mph for a long time.  I replaced the belt at 12,000 miles (earlier than recommended), since I bought it used, and figured maybe the belt was damaged by rough break-in or something (I bought the scooter with 2600 miles on it).  Since putting the new belt on, the light has not come on as often, but still does occasionally.  I do know how to reset it, but it is maddening to me to ride down the road with an "idiot light" glowing angrily at me till I can stop to reset.

Recently, I added a RAM cup holder, and can strategically place it so I don't have to stare at the darned yellow light.  Still, it nags at me whether there is something inherently wrong with my scooter, or do I just have a wonky sensor?  My brother in Georgia has literally taken the whole scooter apart and checked out everything else, and I had a very good Honda mechanic replace the belt a year later, with an OEM belt.  Still, that light has come on.

Hold down the two buttons, mode and adjust together and turn on the ignition, hold for a few seconds and the V light will be reset. It comes on every 16,000 miles to remind you to service the Swing... just turn it off.

My SWing is 2002 model and has never had any issues..just maintain it..tires..oil...belts ..cvt and its damn near bulletproof...

WOW…97K miles? That’s great! Geez, I think I have 9700 on mine- I have to ride more.