SilverWing 400 v SW t600

Hi Guys!

Has anyone on this site ridden the 400 (Europe only I think?) and the 600?

I currently ride a 2007 Silverwing 400 which I love, but I am thinking of getting a newer SW as I really want the ABS for more peace of mind, and I also really like the dials (speedo, rev counter etc) on the newer models, BUT can anyone tell me if I will notice a big difference if I upgrade to the 600 at the same time?

Thank you in advance for any comments

SteVe

never ridden a 400 swing, had a 250xmax before i got my 2008, differences i notice are it likes a drink, it goes like stink and you can overtake without having to use a telescope for the next 2 miles! Your already used to the weight and size, just be like getting a serious power upgrade, ABS/linked brakes is bloody good as well, found that out on the way home on day I collected her, any other bike would not have stopped when someone came round a mini roundabout i was nearly on.

The last time I looked, neither Honda in Germany and Austria had the Silver Wing SW-T 400 ABS or 600 ABS in their 2015 scooter lineup, it's a straight jump from the Forza 300 to the Integra 750. So unless there's used models for sale online or in Austrian motorcycle and scooter magazines where do you intend to buy one?

Good point Meldrew, but there's no way I could afford to buy new anyway, so yes, I would be looking for one of the "last SWs to be made?" to see me safely into the future There are a few for sale here in Austria from both private sellers and dealers. I have also been considering alternatives: Burgman 400 or 650, and I even sat on a BMW C650 GT last week, which looked and felt wonderful BUT there have been so many problems with these scooters from what I have been reading, and they are SO expensive (even the oldest, and presumably the most troublesome ones!).

Anyway, as the Spring is now here in Vienna and I have just recently paid out a few hundred euro to get my bike through the MOT (or "pickle" as they bizarrely refer to the annual road test in German), I will probably delay my next purchase until next winter, but I remain curious as to whether a SW 600 will offer me anything more than a slightly higher top speed and insurance costs?

Perhaps a more relevant question to my friends here on this site would be to ask for your experiences with regards to the differences in acceleration and feel between the SW 600 and a previously ridden 400cc bike such as the Burgman? I have only ever ridden my SW 400 and find it to be a powerful scooter, so will I notice a real WOW factor by upgrading to the 600??

All the best

SteVe

Hi SteVe, my own experience from having an 05 400 Burgman is that it was a fine solo tourer and handled hours of autobahn cruising and overtaking lines of trucks with relative ease. The only drawbacks were it used a bit of oil doing long high speed stints and I thought acceleration was sluggish with the addition of a passenger.

I then had a couple of years with a lardass 650 Burgman which was better for two up touring, but you were always aware of it's weight especially loaded up with two persons kit. It was hard to push about, difficult to clean, and I found it hard work in city traffic.

So when I'd had enough and bought my 600 Silver Wing it felt to me straight away like being back on a 400 again weight and handling wise, but with the performance I'dgrown used to on the big Burgman.

I've had all three scooter over my favourite roads in the Harz and the other German bikers favourite the nearby Kyffhäuser, and the Silver Wing was the best of the three especially in wet and damp conditions.

I don't think you'll find a WOW factor, just more useability. You'll accelerate a bit quicker for overtaking and pushing through the turbulence thrown out by artics, be able to go up and down hilly sections a bit quicker, and know you'll be able to get past anything in front with a bit in reserve.

What you won't be able to do is out drag big Herman in his AMG Mercedes when he looms large in your mirrors behind you, flashing his lights at you to get out of his way!

Thanks for your experiences Meldrew!

Exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for

Any other members with thoughts on this issue?

400 v 600, and ABS v non-ABS

SteVe

The ABS is a must in my opinion.
Be patient!

I've never ridden a 400 Silverwing but of all the scooters I have rode the 600 Silverwing fits me well and has everything I want in a scooter. Now about ABS all I can say is I put over 54,000 miles on my first 08 without ABS and never had a problem. I bought my 07 with ABS because after hearing it is a must have I decided I'd give it a try. Luckily I've never needed it yet but it's there if I do. I had planned to keep my 08 non-ABS for long rides but when I came across another 08 with ABS and only 51 miles on it I decided to put the 08 non-ABS up for sale. I'd think if you can find one with ABS for the right price get it but I wouldn't let not having ABS stop me from a good deal. I'm sure there are a lot of people that disagree with me and would not buy anything without ABS. You need to make that decision yourself.