Silver Wing 400

I have just bought an imported Italian FJS400 in Digital Silver Metallic. It had been dropped on both sides mainly scuffing the rear panels and the exhaust covers. It only had 5000 km on the clock and came with colour matched top box and helmet and an unused Tucano Urbano leg cover with gloves and balaclava. It had been stood for 4 years but was serviced and MOT'd prior to purchase. At £1400 I'm very pleased with my purchase.
Now in case any one else is wondering what differences there are between this and the FJS600 I have a few observations:
I've replaced one side panel with a 600 panel in Force Silver Metallic. I can't see any difference in colour!
The grabrail/luggage rack on the 400 is anthracite, not silver. The same colour difference is with the pillion pegs and panels.
Instrumentation appears identical and mph stickers are adequate for the kph speedo regarding MOT (mentioned in another thread).
The exhaust appears identical to the 600 - I will confirm when I get one - It does have the lamda sensor.
Top speed is around 140/150kph, about 90mph.
I've not ridden a 600 so can't compare, but I used to have a 400 Burgman and the Silver Wing just feels better in all respects except it needs a taller screen (I'm sure a 600 screen will fit). It's great around town, especially when filtering, and doesn't feel out of place on A roads and motorways.
I hope these few observations are of use to someone.

A number of people on here have added the Givi AF-214 adjustable screen and have liked it.

Gary, thanks for sharing. I have never even seen a SW 400 except in pictures so like to hear some first-hand experiences. How about a pic or two?

Hello mate, the few FJS Silver Wing 400's I seen on my Euro travels look pretty much like my 2010 FJS Silver Wing 600 apart from having them having black cast wheels instead of silver. As far as I'm aware they were only available in Europe from 2006-08.

In 2009-10 the restyled SW-T Silver Wing 400/600 models replaced the FJS in Europe and it's mainly recognisable by it's side by side twin headlights.

Hello,
I am from Slovakia and FJS400 or SW-T400 is in Europe ordinary scooter.
My is from 2009 year and we spent lot of rides across Europe.

Hello and welcome!

Hi,
me and my dougter ,we were in London by this scooter  last year. It was 5.000 km journey during 10 days.
We spent 2 days in London and we went through 6 countries Austria, Germany, France, UK, Belgium and Czech rep. Honda is Honda :-)

Great trip!

I've ridden in most of those countries.

Next time you come to the UK we must meet.

OK, deal ! Of course in return, when you will be on the Slovakia...

Short trailer from Slovakia

Wow! Nice video. Thanks for sharing.

Tim

I could never understand why Honda made a 400 out of a 600 scooter by fitting a smaller capacity engine, but not reducing the overall weight. 250 kg for a 400cc scooter is far too heavy. Also they have painted body panels going through the step through area, which are always scratched and make it look bad.
It is sad that in Oz the buyers don't have a choice between the 400 and 600 anymore and have to look elsewhere.

It is be cause body is exactly same... and engine allmost.. on material is diference mey be 1 - 2 kg (4,5 lb)? And 400 is enough... 38hp and 37Nm

I think 400 SilverWing, probably first offered for Japanese market as they have 400 lic. class-----I would think performance difference is very little between 400 and 600 SilverWing----maybe some gas mileage difference.

Having purchased 2 SilverWing 600'new and two Burgman 400's new.....and ridden them over 120,000 miles---I find 400cc for scooter fine, maybe 600 overkill.

New Yamaha SR400 built for Japanese 400 class and has been for long time. Original design 500cc.

The 400cc version of the FJS Silver Wing was on sale in Europe from 2006-2008 before the SW-T 400 version came out with the SW-T 600 in 2009.

Hi Meldrew,
I'm new here, and hoping for some advice on which one to buy: 400 or 600? Here in Belgium, there's more 400's on the second hand market. But i think i have been reading too much on pro's and con's between the 2 bikes, that i got a bit lost.
And over here, (and in France) the SW-T 600 only arrived in 2011, 2 years after the 400. Different in UK I guess.
Greetings.

Hi Eduardo, welcome

We have the 400 and 600 SW over here in Australia. I much prefer the 600, since the 400 weighs just as much and that makes for a big difference in power to weight ratio. I don't care about a possible difference in fuel consumption but like it when the engine does not have to work too hard.
But I understand that the 400 engine is also a very good one and will keep most riders happy.

Hi Gremlin and thank you.
Your reply is really helpful, it clearly is one strong valid pro 600 argument!
I was thinking..i make a little list here (before i get all confused again .)
Every good argument pro 600 or pro 400 gets a point. I will buy the bike that gets the first 5 pro's.
I know, childish maybe. But life (and bikes) should be fun too.

Hi Eduardo, You can put this in the + category if you want. I have an 08 SWing 600 and am starting my third season with it. It's a strong and reliable scoot which has turned heads in the group I ride with here in MN. Most of them ride "real" motorcycles and the first ride I did with them last season made them somewhat believers. I kept up with them with no problems and actually had to back out of it when they shifted to keep from running them over. Along with all that, the 50 mpg, +or- an mpg or two, that I get with my SWing is also a plus.

IMHO the 600 should get a plus if you plan on doing a significant amount of two up touring.
For me, that would be a deciding factor. Not a big factor for others.

Hi Dale & Darill,
Thanks for the replies.
Being a single guy, i won't do much travelling 2 up. So i guess that argument doesn't count for me.
And I don't expect I'll be riding in groups very often either. Must admit I'm getting more strong arguments (for my situation) to go for the 400. Interesting.