New 2012 Silver Wing

I had to sell my Harley Street Glide four years ago to help fund my auto repair business. I loved that bike, except when I had to move it around the garage or when trying to go fast on curvy roads (where it would easily touch down and felt like it had a hinge in the middle). I routinely got 48 mpg, as I was not a hard accelerater. It had effortless power, not noticing steep grades on the interstate. It was also great in strong side winds, barely moving around with gusts.

As I got into a position to get another bike, I decided that my next bike would not have the things that I didn't like about my Harley, but would rival it in its good points.

I wanted tubeless tires, good range, belt or shaft drive and minimal valve adjustment. It had to be very comfortable and high-end quality materials and workmanship.

The Silver Wing meets all my needs (and wants). On the highway, it reminds me of my Harley in its comfort and effortless power, yet it rides better due to better damping and much more suspension travel. On curvy roads, it has far superior lean angles, and a stiff chassis. No hinge here!

My first tank yielded 51.5 mpg. I expect that this will improve as the bike breaks in.

One thing I didn't expect was all the waves from other bikers, including Harley riders. This bike has tremendous road presence.

Anyway, I'm a 54 year old guy, and I'll be riding this quite often to work, 50 miles away.

Nice forum you all have, here.

Dave,

Welcome to the site and congrats on your new SWing. It is a nice bike and is very comfortable on the interstate. They seem to eat up the miles and I have been 2 up in the mountains in California and it had plenty of power as well.

:flower: :flower: :flower: :flower:

Welcome - I too bought a 2012 Swing about 2 months ago after many "regular" bikes and enjoy the smoothness and the shiftless nature of this bike.  I also noticed I get 50+ MPG but will watch more closely when the bike is fully broken in and I go to synthetic.

Welcome to the forum! And yes you will see MPG in the 50-55 range frequently. For some reason (update?) the newer SWings just get better fuel mileage. I very seldom drop below 50 and very seldom get above 60. And yes, Honda doesn't call it a "touring scooter" for nothing!!!

GHM-PM wrote:

And yes you will see MPG in the 50-55 range frequently.  For some reason (update?) the newer SWings just get better fuel mileage.

The oxygen sensor on the 2007 > has improved fuel management.

SilverDave wrote:

Anyway, I'm a 54 year old guy, and I'll be riding this quite often to work, 50 miles away.

Hey youngster, I've had my 2012 for about 2 months now. I've ridden it to work about 50 miles several times now. I have to leave a little earlier to get packed right and get situated, but once I'm on the road I make just about as good a time as in the truck.
Many people here recommended the GIVI airflow windshield. I put one on immediately - I never went far with the stock windshield. There's been a few chilly 5am mornings here. With the Givi you can feel that you're in a little pocket. People here also recommended mirror extensions - which I'd recommend too. I was also able to fit some Ram mounts to those mirror extensions - another member suggestion. Someone else told me the third best mod was a quality throttle lock - I haven't gotten that far yet.
Anyway, welcome to the forum. Lots of good tricks and tips by those more experienced with SWingin'' than me.