*NEW* 2012 silver wing?

Hello,
I'm a 62 year old guy who grew up riding scooters in Italy. I also rode here, but not in the last 4 years. I'm contemplating coming back to this passion of mine. Shopping around I came across a 2012 SW at the local Honda dealer. They claim the bike is NEW and has no miles on it, and comes with full warranty. How can a model from 5 years ago be sold as new? Where did this bike spend the last five years? They're asking about 5K, which I think is a good price. But should I be concerned about the bike's history? Am I missing something? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

(I haven't seen the bike yet. )

Yes, this is completely possible! Lots of 2012-13 SWings still around. 5K sounds good but watch for extra fees that they may try and tack on... MSRP was $9270 just for info sake. Make sure battery is new and check other rubber items. But if it is truly new at that price I would snag it!!!

As SilverWing is no longer made for US market, there are still 2013 in the crate available, too. The bike you are talking about probably sat on dealer's showfloor since 2012. $5000 is ok price in my book----remember rubber parts have aged. Sold as new, you have warranty.


As there isn't much left in the big scooter class in US, SilverWing is best thing going at right price---they go well and are trouble free for the most part -- I am on my second new one (this time leftover 2013)

As Glenn says, in this market, it is entirely possible to get a new 2012 S'Wing in 2017. The maxi scooter market bottomed out awhile back so there are still a few left-overs to be had. $5000 is a very good price, but be aware that the battery will be original and not "new" and neither will the tires. So you can possibly use those "past prime" facts as negoitiating chips if the dealer tries to squeeze you for some extra fees. Figure tires at $60 each plus shop charges (~$90/hr) for removing the wheels & mounting new tires, and another $100 for a new Yuasa battery. Good luck with your new purchase.

BTW, as a matter of courtesy, your post belongs in the Introduction section. But welcome anyway.

Tim

Thank you all for the helpful information! I didn't realize that the SW is no longer in production for the US market. Sad to hear that the market for maxi scooters is not doing well. I will go and look at it next week. If I buy it I will certainly be back here! (That will require convincing the wife first, though. No guarantee it's going to work.)

Hello Gianfri

I myself purchased a quite early 2002 Silverwing, around 6 years ago, with a very low mileage.
I was aware that it had a very low recorded mileage, and just 2 prior owners.

Upon investigation, it was evident that it had been laid up (the orginal purchaser) for almost 5 years - the question was why ?
The original purchaser, shortly after buying the bike was taken very ill, and for the first 5 years it simply did not go anywhere !

Over the past 6 years, it has performed without any fault whatsoever, and I am shortly leaving for a 3 month tour of Europe on the bike.
Honda make simply brilliant machine, as long as the paperwork checks out, and you have some serviving record, you should have no issues.

I wish you every success in your dream of owning a Silverwing - you certainly will not be dissapointed.
Safe Riding from across the Pond !

Stuart

(That will require convincing the wife first, though. No guarantee it's going to work.)

LOL just do it THEN tell, better they say to ask for forgiveness than beg for permission.

Yes it is very possible it is brand new and has never been sold.To make sure check with the state department and see if the scooter has ever been titled. Howard

Bought mine a 2013 a little over a year ago, brand new 1 mile.
Same dealer still has 1 or 2 for sale, $4999 plus a few fees.$300 prep-shipping.
Yes they are still out there. I suspect some still in Honda warehouse?
Track and Trail State collage PA. Nice small dealer, many discounts there.

Thank you for all your good information. I GOT IT! I could not resist the scooter bug. $5,127 plus tax. Brand new, zero miles, new battery.

I will be back on the forum with more questions, I am sure!

Congratulations! You won't regret it. Great scooter at a very good price. Poke around on here, lots of good information to help you.

Nice find. Congrats, and be safe.
A new 12' Silverwing for 5K, what other scoot could you get for the price even at new, old stock, that is a very good price for new. Good Luck

I got a deal like this 2 years ago, just over $5K out the door. The Swing was new in the crate, 5 miles on it after the dealership did a test ride. Now, 5600 miles and I still love it.

BTW, it was Track N Trail in State College PA. I think they still have some 2013 and 2012 models just like I bought.

Gianfri
Congratulations on your bargain buy. I don't think you will have any issues at all as machines are shipped for storage and it's not unusual for stock to be lost at an importers depot & forgotten about.

I have purchased "dated discontinued stock" over the years and alls been well.

Stock management has got better back in the day here in the UK cars uses to come in at Harwich (a local port) and a manager once said to me he could lose a million pounds worth of Mercedes stock just by an admin clerk overlooking a page.
Then there was the scandel of unsold Nissans I believe it was just sitting in fields in Wales I recall unsold rotting away (never happens to bikes as they are crated)

Gianfri,
Just couple of months ago I bought a "left-over" 2013 Swing still crated in Florida. Had it shipped by single carrier to Honda warehouse in Sacramento. They uncrated and assembled it and local shopped to SFmoto in San Francisco who serviced it, replaced tires and battery. Cost $8600 with tax and registration. Including full factory warente and free first service at 600 miles including parts. It had .7 miles when I picked it up.
I love the bike and ride it every chance I get.
Good luck with what sounds like a great deal.
Blain

Caution, the tires have aged! If not already, put new tires on! Do not ride on tires at are more than 6 years old, they will kill you. Look at the date stamped into the side of the tires, Check it out. 4 Digits, the first two are the week, the second two are the year. Remember that your life is riding on those two tires, so never mess around when it comes to tires and brakes! You don't need expensive tires, just good new ones!

So what about all the classic cars and motorcycles you see running in as near to original trim as possible. They're on the tubed tyres that were OE in the years these machines were in production, they're expected to be on these tyres at vintage shows, rallys, and runs.

I've seen quite a few 1960-70’s Japanese motorcycles shod with the distinctive tread pattern front and rear Bridgestone tubed tyres of that era, I doubt very much if those tyres are still manufactured or if indeed you can still buy them. Also these 'Jap Crap' motorcycles as they were called back in the day, manufactured from 1960 right up to 1977 still have to pass their annual MOT check over here, even though they're exempt from Road Tax. So they must be getting through the test shod on period tyres.

It's the same with the old British cars that ran on crossply tyres, they're quite a common site on the roads in the Summer on their way to vintage car club rallies and meets. Also old commercial and military vehicles, and old push bikes/cycles too. The owners will all be running on whatever original tyres they can source for their vehicles, as long as they're serviceable and and aren't perished or cracked, they'll be using them.