First impressions

Picked the Silverwing up today it's a 2002 model with 12,700 miles on clock,rode approx 60 miles on it some in heavy rain.First impressions are as I expected ie good performance,comfy but disappointed with width of footboards ie too narrow.Brakes good,at around 75mph while riding in high crosswind the screen vibrated/flexed making handlebars/frontend vibrate,is this usual?the screen is a stock item.Everything works although the strut that should hold seat up doesn't so needs replacing.Pleased with my purchase and hope to ride in better weather in next few days.

Sounds like a typical SW. The seat strut doesn't last for too long, eight or ten years is good performance for them. The OEM windshield is abysmal. A GIVI adjustable is hard to beat and a great replacement. Throw in a pair of mirror extenders along with the strut and new windshield and you've got a great SW that will last nearly forever. You can plan on replacing the CVT, which is an easy job in another 10,000-15,000 miles

Let's not forget that early FJS Silver Wings are pretty thirsty beasts compared to the '08 onwards models which obviously affects their fuel economy and tank range. Plus ABS wasn't available on them for the first couple of years. Then ABS was a paid for option until the non-ABS version was discontinued.

Aware of the early models thirst for unleaded but I weighed this up before deciding ie pay few quid more for a later one or older cheaper one and spend money saved on fuel To be honest I won't be doing many long trips main reason I bought it was to be able to take adult pillions as my little Hexagon not big enough and I don't like to use my Harley too often.

Having Wheel balanced has cured the vibration,will still replace screen.Having the fork seals replaced next week one side shot supposedly replaced recently will use genuine Honda seals this time.Mate that works for a coach company reckons he can get seat struts for my SW and his Suzy Burgervan.No riding for a week away on hols

If you are replacing fork seals you might consider one of the best Swing modifications you can do to improve handling by installing Hyperpro Springs. You will find info by searching this site. For me the two best improvements I made were the springs and AF screen. New tires next!

I picked up my 03 last month. First impressions remain valid, I still love this thing. I've changed the belt and added 28g sliders. Cruising RPMS dropped a bit so that is good. Went for a200 mile joy ride a few days ago. It was flawless. I have some buzzing noise coming from the handle bar covers soooo, that has to go soon.

I'm not a go fast guy, I prefer a back road twisty over a straight line go fast any day. I did roll it up to 80 to merge onto an interstate highway. Butter smooth and very comfy at that speed. It was a great buy. Should have done it sooner.

beermebeerme1 wrote:

I picked up my 03 last month. First impressions remain valid,  I still love this thing.  I've changed the belt and added 28g sliders. Cruising RPMS dropped a bit so that is good.  Went for a200 mile joy ride a few days ago.  It was flawless.  I have some buzzing noise coming from the handle bar covers soooo, that has to go soon.

I'm not a go fast guy,  I prefer a back road twisty over a straight line go fast any day.  I did roll it up to 80 to merge onto an interstate highway.  Butter smooth and very comfy at that speed. It was a great buy.  Should have done it sooner.

Welcome Beerme.