written by on 19/06/2010
Like other reviewers, ongoing knee deterioration limited my "lift-over" so I was forced to look at other rides...along with the Silverwing, I considered the Yamaha Majesty 400 and the Suzuki Burgman 650. I chose the Silverwing and have not regretted it for an instant. I was lucky to find a 2004 with 3000 miles on it for a very attractive price.
Acceleration is phenomenal. I haven't actually clocked it, but a friend with an 1100 Shadow says he starts falling behind about five feet off the line. I found a long stretch of secluded and straight road and had it hitting 102 mph (and I am a 295 lb. rider). Handling is, if not sports bike quality, certainly not far off...I have leaned the 'Wing a lot further than I have ever had a regular street bike.
The ride is great, seating position very nice for longer rides, and with the Givi windshield, I have that extra 2" that Honda felt were not necessary. I also have a 53l tail box, and between that and the copious underseat storage, I can pack for a three day weekend easily.
Insofar as mileage goes, the day I got it, I rode quite aggressively, averaging 80mph over 3 hours riding it home. On that ride, I averaged 39 mpg. Riding with a mixed group of bikes (sport and cruiser), I average mid-forties. Riding solo, mostly highway, and keeping steady speeds at or just over the speed limit, I have averaged well over 50.
It's fun to ride, comfortable, roomy, and protects the operator with a bubble of no weather (well, almost). I have owned many motorcycles and ridden many others, and this is, quite plainly, the best ride around.
This ain't your grandma's scooter.