“Having ridden standard style motorcycles for years and years I decided it was time for a change. I've spent some time in Italy and seen large scooter style motorcycles flying through traffic in the cities and carving around the Tuscan hills. Intrigued, I thought I'd get one and see why they're so popular there but not so in the UK.
I happened across a 2004 Honda Silverwing at the right price and really low mileage, just 4500 miles. I had considered a Suzuki Burgman, but I like Honda and trust their build quality and reliability over that of Suzuki.
What struck me first about the Silverwing was the riding position. Upright to the point of slightly laid back. So comfortable and relaxing. Next was the handling. Initially awkward, not at all what I was used to or what I expected. Wibbly wobbly and really unsteady setting off, but soon enough, ten minutes later I'd sussed it. Just keep a bit of throttle on. Simple. What really surprised me then was the performance. Now this is a twist and go. A 600cc twist and go. No clutch, no gears, just twist the throttle and the power's there. Of course it's nowhere near sports bike performance, but I didn't expect that. That's not what this bike is about. But open the throttle and it just goes. 50 comes up surprisingly quickly and it easily keeps going well beyond any legal UK speed limit. In fact, motorway speeds are a breeze. Well actually hardly a breeze really, because the wind/weather protection is fantastic. I rode it home from work one day in the pooring rain without waterproofs on, just to see how wet I got. My feet were almost bone dry and my legs only slightly damp. I did have a motorcycle jacket on though so my upper half was completely dry.
So commuting is probably what this bike is all about. Great comfort, easy to ride, nimble through traffic, excellent weather protection and there's enough storage under the seat for two full faced helmets, or a large butty box and lap top.
But is it fun, rewarding to ride? Well actually yes. It's got plenty of ooomph, and once you get used to how it handles, you can confidently throw it through a series of twisties. Great fun! The look on some bikers faces when you throw it around a bit and keep up with them makes it even more fun.
It's actually quite a mile muncher too. I covered 370 miles in one day without any of the comfort issues I've had on some previous bikes. The only limit here is the small fuel tank, around d 16 litres, but at over 50 mpg that's easily 150 miles before you even have to think about refuelling.
So with all these positives, what's the problem? Why are these bike just not popular in the UK. Well in my opinion, this all comes down to image. It's a scooter with a big engine. Not very masculine really. I think if more people just had the courage to try one, they too would see just how good the Silverwing is. And then they'd go and buy a traditional style bike because they don't want their mates to take the pl55.”
“My Silverwing is now almost 14 years old and owned since new. It has always been a pleasure to ride, whether crawling in congested city traffic or effortlessly cruising at 70 mph on motorways. The wide and low comfy seat gives the bike enviable low-speed stability and manoeuvrability. The 582cc engine packs a huge punch and can propel this large luxury cruiser to 60mph in under 6 seconds, and then on again to over 100mph, all without a single gear change thanks to the super-smooth CVT transmission. There is a large under-seat storage area and 2 smaller compartments under the instrument panel, but the addition of a large Givi top box vastly expanded my storage capacity. I also exchanged the standard front screen for an extra-tall Honda one and this has reduced wind-blast completely. The bike has been utterly reliable and failed its MOT only twice - once for having an illegally formatted personalised number plate and the second time when serious attention was needed to several bearings. However there is one big and constant disappointment: the bike has throughout my ownership never returned more than approximately 40 - 45 mpg, far less than many cars. But I tolerate this for the sheer exhilaration of riding the best bike I have ever owned.”
“HI, I HAVE NEVER HAD A SCOOTER BEFORE AS I HAVE ALWAYS RODE MOTORBIKES SINCE 1976. BUT I GOT TO GIVE CREDIT WHERE ITS DUE I AM VERY HAPPY WITH MINE, I HAVE HAD A FEW HONDAS OVER MY 40 YEARS OF RIDING THINGS OF ALL MAKES AND SIZES, SO ALL GOOD HERE GUYS , MANY THANKS P.W.”
