Hi Saeng Stealth Edging users<br><br>I'm
intrigued - does this really work? While I'm happy with the
screen on the 'Wing I'd like less noise from it. I tend
to ride with ear plugs and my Schuberth Concept (a
really great helmet) is really quiet (for me) behind the
'Wing screen is nosier but much less turbulent than my
old VFR800. <br><br>I can live with noise, it is
turbulence that I find annoying and behind the 'Wing is very
still. No Gold Wing /K1200 but fine. A replacement Givi
screen will cost me @£100 ($150). I calculate to try the
edging (with shipping) is going to be about $80 (£50).
About half price<br><br>Will I be saving money or
adding 50% to the possible cost of a replacement screen
- as I'll end up throwing the edging away ? ( +
Alex, are you really happy with the cut down Givi
screen?)<br><br>Ian

Hi Rick<br><br>You have a lot of faith in Honda
recommended service intervals!<br><br>Over here a number of
Suzuki Burgman 400 riders have been having problems with
rear belt durability (do you know if that was a
problem in Japan?). I will reserve judgement until we
start getting near the service interval without
problem. 50hp is a lot of power to put through a rubber
belt. Although I trust Honda engineers the Suzuki
problem is worrying as some riders belts are snapping -
usually around 12,000 miles and often on the freeway!
<br><br>The 'Wing has a amber coloured indicator light on the
dash that is intended to warn 'when the V-matic parts
have to be replaced' <br><br>Ian

Hi Ken<br><br>The Silver Wing is a fun and
practical motorcycle. After our long trip, which was just
after I had collected the bike, we both felt fine. No
twinges or aches or pains anywhere.<br><br>Recommended
load limits - again from my Owners
Manual<br><br>Following are the load limits for your scooter:<br>Maximum
weight capacity 180kg (397lbs)<br>Includes the weight of
the rider, passenger, all cargo and all
accessories<br>Maximum cargo weight - 19kg (42lbs)<br><br>Putting too
much weight in individual storage compartments can
also affect stability and handling. So be sure to stay
within the guidelines given below:<br>Maximum
weight<br>in center compartment 10kg (22lbs)<br>in
(right+left) compartments 1.5kg (3.3lbs) <br><br>I would not
think that you have a problem there. I'd guess that
you'd be hard pressed to squeeze much more than 10kg in
the centre compartment - the shape is that of 2 full
face helmets (that fit easily). The l/h faring pocket
is capacious and lockable, I can get waterproof
gloves and a one piece rain suit in there with space to
spare. <br><br>On our trip my wife and I put in the
under seat compartment - 1 quite full Samsonite
'carry-on' overnight type bag, the Givi tubular rack and
mounting brackets from my VFR, 2 thermal jacket linings
(loose), 1 pair of waterproof gloves which left the Givi
box able to hold our helmets when we
stopped.<br><br>Hope that is OK<br><br>Ian

Good sites for safety mods, equipment, and riding
gear.<br><a href=http://www.kisantech.com/path.html
target=new>http://www.kisantech.com/path.html</a><br><a
href=http://www.hyperlites.com/ target=new>http://www.hyperlites.com/</a><br><a
href=http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store
target=new>http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store</a><br><a
href=http://kriss.com/motorcycles.htm
target=new>http://kriss.com/motorcycles.htm</a><br>(The Saeng Stelth Edging
Really
works!)<br><a href=http://www.saeng.com/edging.htm
target=new>http://www.saeng.com/edging.htm</a><br><a
href=http://www.rumble-strips.com/
target=new>http://www.rumble-strips.com/</a><br>(Helix stuff but the back rest
is
nice)<br><a href=http://www.eaznet.com/~pcm/catalog.html
target=new>http://www.eaznet.com/~pcm/catalog.html</a><br><a
href=http://www.ideal.net.au/~aitkenmc/wwwhon.html
target=new>http://www.ideal.net.au/~aitkenmc/wwwhon.html</a><br>( Lonnies page
has a lot of good stuff for the
Reflex that may apply to the
SW)<br><a href=http://www.geocities.com/honda_reflex/
target=new>http://www.geocities.com/honda_reflex/</a><br>BJ

Welcome Alex.  We would love any input you and Ian can give us as we eagerly and
impatiently await our new bikes here in the US.<br>BJ

Welcome Rick! I lived and motorcycled in
Sacramento for many years. I was in the River City Beemers
club when owning beemers and had most of my Honda work
done at Carmicheal Honda, a nice crew. I've toured all
over CA and Sacramento is a great jump off point. I
started this club the day I placed a deposit on my SW. Go
down to the Baja Grill on Fair Oaks and have a fish
taco for me.<br>BJ

Ian, Great photos and good info too. I'm 6'2"
tall and my wife is 5'10". Your photos give me an idea
of the overall size of the bike. It looks comparable
to a Pacific Coast but maybe longer. Cruising speed
sounds excellent! keep the photos coming.<br>BJ

Thanks Ian! I was hoping to find the drive belt would last a long time, glad to
hear it's so.<br><br>Rick

Ian:<br><br>Thank you very much for your prompt
and thorough answers to my questions - I now have
much less post-purchase dissonanace.<br><br>It sounds
as though the Wing is a real nice long-distance
tourer. When you took the long trip, did either you or
your wife experience any posterior fatigue? Also, do
you mind telling me the maximum weight capacity of
the Wing? My Reflex has a 360 lb. capacity, and I am
hoping that the Wing's is a little higher as I weigh
approx. 200 lbs. in riding gear and I suspect the Mrs. is
tipping 150 lbs. in gear (though she won't tell me). That
leaves little room for supplies.<br><br>I went over to
my local Honda dealer today and saw a promotional
video on the Wing. It looked liked a real nice touring
machine. It is interesting that it will not come in Silver
to the US. However, the red looks pretty nice also.
(My Helix was a Candy Apple Red.) Anyway, I
appreciate your willingness to help us Wing-awaiting Yanks
through this long waiting period!<br><br>Ken

Great idea this dedicated Silverwing club. I hope
it will become THE meeting place for (prospective)
Silverwing owners!<br><br>I bought my Silverwing in Holland
in June 2001 and registered it in the UK as a
private import (big saving!). It was the first privatly
owned Wing here. I am getting close to 4000 miles on
the clock and the first full service.<br><br>Only
modification is a taller GIVI screen which had to be shortened
again as I could not see over the top edge. A few
rattles in the plastic bodywork have been eredicated by
glueing some foam bits.<br><br>I did a three day trip to
beautiful Wales and clocked up another 600
miles.<br><br>For me Honda is about quality and reliability: I have
owned five Honda motorcycles and scooters- none have
ever let me down. The Silverwing is great and I am
confident it will keep up Honda's image.<br><br>Alex

Hi Rick<br><br>According to my owners
manual...<br><br>* Valve adjustment intervals - inspection due every
16,000 miles (24,000km)<br>* Drive belt - inspection
12,000miles (18,000km) replace at 16,000m then inspect every
12,000 miles.<br>* Don't forget the drive belt air
cleaner (foam filter) needs cleaning every 4,000 mile
service.<br><br>Basically the 'Wing needs an oil service every 4,000 miles
(6,000km) and inspection/replacement of all the usual stuff
every 8,000 miles.<br><br>NOTE Honda FJS 600 workshop
manuals are available here in the UK and they are about
$85. If anyone is interested in me getting you one
mail me off list and see if we can arrange purchase
and shipping. <br><br>The 'Wing is both much faster
and handles much better than the Suzuki BurgerVan
('Wave) 400! It also has more leg room for taller people
and much more underseat space than the Mk1 Burger,
although the latest K2 model Burgler has improved on that
at least. The most important difference is that the
'Wing (and Yamaha Tmax and new Suzuki 650) have frame
mounted engines and not swing-arm suspended motors. Some
Burgers over here in the UK are beginning to suffer as
the vibration is taking it's toll on the rear end
components - silencers and rear wheels are beginning to
fail!<br><br>But that is another story - for another list!
<br><br>Ian<br>iankew@...

Wow you guys don't waste any time! Honda
announces the Silver Wing and here you are.<br><br>I am a
die-hard motorcyclist in Sacramento, California, but
having lived in Tokyo, Japan, for a few years I easily
understand the advantages a good scooter can offer. Thus I
am excited about the Silver Wing, finally the U.S.
will get a scooter fast enough to deal with crazy
American drivers who like to tailgate at 80 mph. No
worries when I'm on my '01 Suzuki Bandit 1200, I twist my
wrist and they become little far away dots in the
mirror!<br><br>One thing I'm wondering about is scheduled
maintenance. Like the valve adjustment intervals, and also the
lifespan of the VMatic drive belt. Anybody know?<br><br>I
owned a Suzuki Address 100cc two-stroke scooter in
Japan, the belt on that scoot was good for about 10k
before it needed replacing. But that was a little
low-budget scoot, not a top-of-the-line model like the
Silver Wing. My Address was a total riot, it would do
about 55 mph...and on this dinky 10-inch wheels, that's
about as fast as you'd like to go, trust me. It would
do awesome wheelies too. Not that I abused my scoot
or anything....<br><br>I used to see some seriously
tricked out Foresights, Majestys, Sky Waves (Burgman to
the UK crowd) and Fusions (Helix) in Tokyo. I left
Japan last year just as the Forza was starting to
appear on the streets so I don't know much about that
one. There are many accessories available in Japan
available for the grandpa scooter (affectionate nickname)
crowd. I remember seeing some Foresights that had these
plastic wind deflectors bolted to the edge of the front
plastic, widening the weather-protection zone for the
rider. Seemed like a great idea.<br><br>A couple years
ago Suzuki introduced a touring version of the Sky
Wave that came with heated grips and enduro-style hand
protectors. Also seemed like a great idea, toasty digits are
nice to have.<br><br>And of course there is Givi to
provide great luggage. Imagine having 55-liters of
underseat storage then adding a 52-liter Givi topbox. You
can sell the car now kids, the Silver Wing is the new
grocery getter.<br><br>I rode a Sky Wave 400 last year,
wow that thing was fast and supremely comfy. I can
only imagine how cool the Silver Wing will be with 50
hp on tap!<br><br>Sure the U.S. price is high
compared to equivalent motorcycles (I paid only $6600 for
my new Bandit back in March), but I think the Silver
Wing will hold its resale value well since it will
fill a niche market. Definitely something to consider.
Besides, the SW is not a scooter anyway, it's really a
motorcycle with a step-through
frame!<br><br>Regards,<br>Rick Williams<br>Sacramento, CA

Hi Ken<br><br>I have 3 answers!<br><br>1. How is
the fuel economy of the Silver Wing? (My Reflex gets
in the low 70 mpg range consistently.)<br><br>To
date I am getting an average of 56.8mpg (47.3mpg UK).
With a best of 66.05mpg (55.5mpg) and a worst of
50.8mpg (42.3mpg). The worst figure was after some real
hooligan riding and a lot of short distance town work. The
best was during 2-up 400 mile trip with my wife.
<br><br>2. Have you experienced any of the handling
difficulties I have read about at higher speeds, especially in
taking turns the tendency to steer wide?<br><br>Not at
all. I'd be amazed if the 'Wing steered wide anywhere!
(BTW By steered wide do you mean what car types call
understeer?) The 'Wing grips VERY well in corners. I believe
that some British journalists found some handling
'problems' in some pre-production models earlier in the
year. Honda apparently have changed some unspecified
suspension details before selling here in the UK. The 'Wing
is no Ducati, but I have had no frightening moments
with it! <br><br>3. How stable does the Wing feel in
general at speeds at or around 100 km/hr?<br><br>100kmh
is about 60mph. The 'Wing is fine, 'till you get up
into the 140kph (90mph) when it can get a bit
'wallowy'. If you have ever ridden an old /7 BMW with dodgy
tyres in the wet you may have an inkling of what I
mean. However, I have had no heart in mouth moments.
The plot is just a bit inaccurate! <br><br>I ask
because I left a deposit on a Wing at my local dealer
last Thursday, but I have a few reservations. Other
than feeling the desire for additional weight (for
stability) and a little more power, I am in love with my
Reflex. Thanks. <br><br>I can't compare with the Reflex
as it is not on sale in the UK. However I have a CN
(Helix) and the 'Wing is WAY better! I think you'll just
love it. Good luck.<br><br>Ian

Hi Ian:<br><br>I have three questions:<br><br>1.
How is the fuel economy of the Silver Wing? (My
Reflex gets in the low 70 mpg range
consistently.)<br><br>2. Have you experienced any of the handling
difficulties I have read about at higher speeds, especially in
taking turns the tendency to steer wide?<br><br>3. How
stable does the Wing feel in general at speeds at or
around 100 km/hr?<br><br>I ask because I left a deposit
on a Wing at my local dealer last Thursday, but I
have a few reservations. Other than feeling the desire
for additional weight (for stability) and a little
more power, I am in love with my Reflex.
Thanks.<br><br>Ken Smith<br>Salisbury, MD USA

I have posted a couple of pictures to the photo
area of this site of my partner and I on a
demonstrator Silver Wing. She is not always as grumpy as she
looks in the side view picture!<br><br>On the strength
of a great 30 mile test ride I decided to sell my
VFR800 and buy the 'Wing. I don't regret it.<br><br>Ian

Hi BJ<br><br>It does - although I don't know how
it works. It is a type that does not have a lambda
sensor measuring the exhaust gas. The silencer can is
apparently made of stainless steel, so there is some hope
that the system is going to be reasonably durable! The
can is painted black and I notice some rusting on the
mounting bracket weld already! The downpipes are stainless
and have discoloured to a lovely straw colour
already!<br><br>For a look at many accessories for the 'Wing look at
<a href=http://www.silver-wing.de target=new>http://www.silver-wing.de</a> -
there is a 'translate' button if your German
isn't up to it! Go to SW-Info/zubehor
(accessories)<br><br>You can cruse at a reasonably high speed two-up all
day. I haven't driven in the states for some time,
last time though I thought everyone was travelling
much slower than we tend to here in Europe! I have no
problems with the 'Wing with urban or freeway type
traffic. My top speed (GPS confeimed) is just 98.5mph so
far. The speedo was reading about 107, with more to
come but the road was way too busy! It does hold and
indicated 90 two-up easy. <br><br>Keep asking Utopia for a
backrest! 'Bob' replied to me and says he will make one
when he gets to see the bike...I wonder if I could
modify the version that they make for the Reflex (Forza
over here in Europe/Japan). <br><br>Ian

If I recall correctly the SW comes with a
Catalyst exhaust (catalytic converter), is this the case
with the UK version??? Also I am interested in the top
cruising speed of the bike. With the superior aerodynamics
of the bike it should be able to hold 80-90 for
extended periods. I did some touring on one of my Helix
and it did well up to 65mph extended. However my
Pacific Coast would cruise all day at 90mph (good for the
southwest Interstate 10) as it had great aerodynamics as
well. I have seen a lot of options that are available
in the Japan market, which is the case with the
Reflex/Forza, but I cant find it again. Anyone seen this page?
Maybe we all should plan a rally in the future.guess we
need to get our bikes first.<br>BJ

Hi there fashion victims!<br><br>In the UK
brochure Honda are advertising - <br><br>1. Colour
matched, quickly detachable 45 litre top box, that will
hold two full face helmets.<br>This is a de-badged
Givi rack and box - the rack fits to the rear spoiler.
The parts are not yet available from Honda UK - but
the Givi parts are...(rack UKP £35/ USD$55)<br>2.
Optional taller windshield (65cm) designed to reduce wind
turbulence<br>This looks like a Givi screen - again Honda UK cannot
supply but Givi can (UKP £100/ USD$150). I'm 6'1" and
don't think I NEED to change the screen, I'd like to
try a bike with one fitted though.<br>3. Patented
heated handlebar grips that you can adjust the
temperature to suit.<br>Again I don't need these - I've been
riding year round for 23 years without heated grips, I
just use good gloves and a heated waistcoat (sorry
heated vest!). I think the Honda 'genuine heated grips
are about UKP£140/USD$200 !<br>4. Wind deflectors for
added weather protection and comfort.<br>These are
similar to the ones on my UK spec CN (Helix) I can't
remember if I have seen them fitted to US models, they
extend the leg shield for more protection, again I don't
think I need them.<br><br>Givi also sell a seat back,
as yet unseen, this I am very interested in as I
think the bike needs a riders seat back support - a bit
like the type I have seen fitted to some Gold Wings...
Perhaps Corbin can be persuaded to make one? <br><br>No
radio option, but there is a power socket in the l/h
lockable glove box. I power a bike to bike intercom from
here and it would be a cinch to add a radio /md player
to the system. No external speakers though.
<br><br>Ian

Well, Givi has top case(s) - the E52 for one -
and the requisite rack [SR19]<br><br>I contacted
Utopia [the backrest folks]. I was informed that as soon
as<br>they could get their hands on one [the SW seat],
they'd give it a go.<br><br>Ain't heard nothin about
radios - or anything else, for that matter.<br><br>James

I forgot I had an Yamahopper from 82-84, wasn't
classified as scooter, but state said it was a motorcycle,
not a moped. (had no pedals) and a 50 cc engine
(mopeds in Ohio is 49 cc or less).<br><br>Lowell

Yes, what accessories is available? Is there a
radio package for them, like the Helix's (was)? If not,
who has installed a radio/cd? Is there a website for
us to look at to get a radio to fit, and installed?
I can't wait, I've owned a scooter since 1984
(started with Yamaha Riva, then another, then a 1986 Helix
(still own & ride) I bought it with the Kenwood Radio
System, backrest, floor mats & rain cover. I've was about
to get another Helix or Reflex, but was wanting the
Silver Wing. I'm glad they are coming to USA. I called
dealer, they said January, early February. I would guess
probably April/May, nothing comes when they say.
&lt;GRIN&gt; <br><br>Lowell

Hi there future ‘Wing riders!<br><br>I live in
the UK and already bought my silver FJS 600 on
September 1st. The bike went on sale in Italy and Portugal
in June and the rest of Europe in July/August. I’m
glad to see that you are getting the best scooter yet
as a USA model next year. <br><br>Big scooter riders
over here in Europe currently have the choice of a
400cc Suzuki Burgman and a 500cc Yamaha Tmax – but the
Honda is the biz. <br><br>Anything you want to know
about Honda’s finest - just post a message and I’ll do
my best to help.<br><br>Ian

Givi's european website lists a windscreen/shield (likely oversize), passenger
backrest and rear rack for a Givi topcase.  <br><a
href=http://www.givi.it/customE.htm
target=new>http://www.givi.it/customE.htm</a><br>BJ

Glad to see I am already getting activity on the
the SW Club. I have a deposit at 1 dealer and may
place deposits at 2 more. Basicaly, after not getting
any straight answers out of my small local dealer, I
started calling other dealers announcing to the sales
manager" I AM purchasing this bike...it is only a matter
of who wants to take my money". This got their
attention. I explained I know and expect to pay MSRP, and a
resonable setup and freight, but I will buy from the dealer
that can get me a solid early delivery date. The
dealer I gave the deposit to already had 2 coming in
April and 1 was already spoken for. The biggest dealer
in the state told me they can get one on the
earliest release due to their sales size. They are calling
tuesday. I also have 4 other dealers working on it. As for
color I asked for red but had no great preference. I
wish the silver of the euro model was coming. I am
very excited! This bike will see some serious touring
and will be replacing my car. I plan to possibly make
a run up to Alaska next summer. Oregon and the NW
(here) is great touring country. Also Ralph, I grew up
in KY, it's very nice touring as well.<br>BJ

This is fun, being one of the first members of
the SilverWing Forum. Today I went to my dealer and
placed my order. He told me he had heard from Honda 4
hours earlier, consigning him two bikes to arrive in
May. One of them candy dark red; the other black. I
chose the red one. My dealer was great, no deposit was
needed. What I don't understand is the May arrival, since
the Honda web page indicates the machine is available
in January. I would recommend that Helix and Reflex
hold on to their machines until everything is settled.
First it was January, now May.<br><br>Ralph
Joly<br>Lexington, KY

<a
href=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/detail?sectionID=67356&documentID=54052
target=new>http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/detail?sectionID=67356&documentID=\
54052</a><br><br>This is one I hadn't read.

<a
href=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/detail?sectionID=50677&documentID=91714
target=new>http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/detail?sectionID=50677&documentID=\
91714</a><br><br>Looks like the Silver Wing may have some serious
competition - if it is to be made available in the
US.<br><br>Read about the transmission. Awesome
sounding.<br><br>James

Hi BJ,<br><br>I placed my order [deposit] on Day 1.  Took only a micro-second to
make up my mind.<br><br>James

Hello, I started this club on the day I placed a
deposit for pre-ordering my new SilverWing. I felt it
best to not overload the Reflex and Helix clubs with
info they may not want. I am personally interested in
any info I can get on the SW. I am an experienced
touring motorcyclist and have owned many motorcycles from
GoldWings to Beemers. My favorite was the Pacific Coast and
I did a Sacramento CA to Miami FL run in 6 days on
it. It was quiet, smooth, quick, economical, pretty
good looking. I then bought a CH250 Elite for my wife
and ended up being the primary rider of the bike. I
tne bouhgt a Helix, then another which I modified and
did some touring on. I loved the conveinence of the
Helix and wanted something bigger. I tried to import a
Suzuki Burgmann 400 to no avaial, then tried to get a
Yamaha T-MAx with no luck. I was all ready to order a
new Reflex when Honda surprised everyone by releasing
the SW. I am thrilled. BJ

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