Reflections on new SilverWing

My new leftover 2013 SilverWing now has 1200 miles and it is my second new SilverWing so all is not entirely strange to me:

1. Dealer set up was ok---Southern Honda Chattanooga---good and interesting as I have purchased over 75 new bikes/scooters and this is not the norm in many cases.

2. Bike goes fine----52-54 MPG US=acceptable---My last Burgman 400 did just over 60mpg for 6,000 miles trip. Reg gas.

3. GIVI rack/box/passenger back rest all went on easy and do not seem to bother handling...much.

4. GIVI adjustable windshield is on and makes the bike rideable----except in crisp crosswinds and then there is too much head buffeting.....Problem all maxi scooters your head/nose is too far from tip of windshield=major design problem---designers are not riders. But SilverWing is the better of the 4 HELIX/Reflex/T-MAX/2 Burgman 400's I have owned---In the head buffeting area. Funny but a Vespa reg scooter can be buffet free and in the 50's Heinkel/NSU-Lambretta were buffet free with IDEAL Shields.

5. As the SilverWing is an aging design, I miss mpg indicator/outside temp gauge,Electric plug in----but I knew all of this going into it.

As my 2014 plan is to ride into 49 states (done this before) have done 5 so far and in the coming weeks maybe three more that are one day trips, weather permitting.

Recent ride to FL=horrible rain and wind. Scooter ok, one bolt/nut on front mud flap disappeared----replaced now.

Go Cruise removed and old NEP throttle stop installed as it is more convenient to use.

Handling is great for scooter---I ride it like scooter, not a motorcycle substitute. Comparing it to 400 Burgman and its loads of un-sprung rear wheel weight, the SilverWing is a dream and much safer.

IRC OEM tires with Ride ON=FINE AND no slip in wet. Smooth run at all speeds.


Trip to FL===tons of trailer bikers!

Did you post a measurement of Givi screen from top to ground on the center stand?
Someone did last week and haven't found it again.The screen I have wind hits me in my eyes.

Edit ,,It's 62 inch for the 214 DT

I did not post measurement....but it was 62 in. as I recall. As adjustable screen is adjustable----adjust.

62 in. would put me looking thru and probably killing myself.

Prefer measuring screens from keyhole up----21 to 22" work for me.

Non adjustable screen needs to be cut to safely see---think rain/sleet/snow/mud,etc and then there are bugs!

Ok. ,Key hole is 23 on my clearview ..I'm guessing 25 would be good for me.Whats the Givi adjustable measure all the way up?

Thanks for the scooter report. Your mileage is higher than what I get. (40-44 mpg) Mine is mostly in town.

Thanks for the current scooter report as well. It is an aging design but still a good one. For information sake, the Gold Wing has been the same basic GL1800 design since 2001. Granted it has had a couple of updates but neither were monumental.

But to the Gold Wings credit I am sure it sells a bit (lol) better than the SW.

John,

Thanks for the update on your new SWing. It will be nice to read some of your posts when you ride all 49 states. I didn't have the B400, but the Yamaha Majesty which is really the same thing, and I agree with you about the SWing being more comfortable with the frame mounted engine. I also don't feel as tired after long rides on the SWing. But the Majesty is still a great bike and was very smooth. I'm not bashing the Majesty at all and could enjoy another one if I had one.

49 states is pretty aggressive planning for one year's time and I admire that spirit.  If you get anywhere near Seattle, I would love to buy you lunch or dinner and pick your brain about your SW.  

PM if Seattle gets on your cross hairs.

I second the above. Keep us apprised of your travels and if you can work it out, come and see me either in AZ or WA!!! SWing on!

I do not carry or monkey with computer when I ride-----so often do not read stuff until later or I am past or passed by. So easy to miss.

Nor do I use GPS/inter-com////nothing stuffed in my ears other than foam plugs. Maps to guide/find....but cell phone, use to check Motel 6 rates since they no longer print them in their books. Sometimes cheap motel about same price as camping. Cell phone nice to use it you have to be hauled away-----trailer bikers usually do not stop to help.


To, looking for 25" from key hole ride in windshield----you are either a giant and look over or.....looking thru and looking to get killed. Also thinking about windshields....been looking over them for over 1.5 million miles...even look over but shield a little high and you spending day bending neck at funny angle can equal neck pain at end of day. GIVI adjustable seems to have the advantage of even setting at the height of the stock shield, it provides good protection and minimal buffeting.....and of course great safety as you can see what you might hit.

Maybe off subject: Helmets, since the passing of "real" Bell RT or Magnum helmets, getting harder for me to find all day comfort in Helmets-----Arthur Fulmer work ok for me, 3/4, shield, duct tape to plug/seal leaks---price good, throw away as stink comes along. Looking for 3/4 open face with good wind seal, lite weight---Vega may be next. Since deer strike/kill in Switzerland with heavy BMW golf ball full helmet---my neck as never been right---1990

I'm not a giant,just 6'.What does your shield measure form key hole to top?

23 on my clearview is at my lips,too low.

Big bird you could measure just as fast as putting me in a fish bowl.lol

Mudnman wrote:

I'm not a giant,just 6".

For sure you're not a giant.
You're not even a dwarf.
I'd say you're fish bowl sized.

John Grinsel,

I have a Shoei RJ Platinum R Matte Black 3/4 open face Helmet size large, I bought new in Jan. 2012, I wore it home, found out it was to big, returned it to store for a trade on a medium the next day but they refused, so it's been sitting in my closet practically new for last two years. If you or anyone else is interested PM me, I paid $238.00, will take considerably less.
Robert