Decisions, decisions 🤔

[Theiowrower]

Hi all newbie here,

I need your advice (don’t be shy I’m not easily offended).
Many years ago I rode a Rickman/Honda & also had a Velosolex, tbh I had more fun on the Velo (piggin thing) fast forward a few decades and I test rode a Triumph 675 (I will get to the point) although the price was more than I could afford, so I ended up buying a used Triumph 955i which was fun only over 80 due to wind lift easing the aching wrists…

So I compromised & it didn’t work, I’m now contemplating a scooter, wondering whether a Honda FJS 600 or BMW C650 would provide some fun & take us back to halcyon days of old, also considering a Honda adv350 but tbh they’re twice the price of the bigger engined scoots…. Sadly my wonderful wife is suffering from early onset dementia and while we can still have some fun I think we really should, with the addition of a top box/back rest I think it’d work.

I’d value your advice and input (before I make yet another mistake) and no I’ve not ridden any of them, live on the IOW which heavily restricts choice.

[Greyerbeard]

It really depends how much comfort you want/how fast you want to be able to go...small wheel scooters don't have the best ride quality if that's important to you. Is there anywhere you can try a 2 up test ride on something representative?

[John A]

The bigger the engine the better it will be 2up IMO.

The ADV350 is a fine machine for the price, and as they're newish, you'll probably be able to get a test ride on one.

[Theiowrower]

I was wondering about the Honda 600…

[velocipede6295]

I've never ridden a Honda Silverwing 600, but there are some available with lowish mileage, and they do have a reputation for reliability, although they are getting older now. They are heavy compared to the Honda ADV 350 or Honda Forza 350, but with plenty of power for riding two up, the seat is pretty low, ( I've sat on one - too low for me ) although a low seat may suit you, and if you are comfortable with the weight ( plus the weight of a passenger ), it may be the scooter for you. Lastly, is your wife happy about riding pillion with you? My wife won't ride on a motorcycle or scooter, as she says she values her life too much!

[Waldorf]

I owned three Silverwings and would have kept the first, bought in 2009, if circumstances had been different.
I sold the last in favour of a Forza 350 as I was less able to manage the weight when not under power.
I still miss it; it had exceptional presence on the road and, for me, was very comfortable.

I am still a member and admin onSilverwing600; we now have a section for Forzas.
There is much information there; people cope with the age of the bikes, a few of which have done in excess of 150,000 miles and are still going strong.
One or two Muppets have met recently a chap from North Yorkshire who owns a Silverwing and led the X9OC Rideout a week ago.
He does his own maintenance and is an authority on the bike.

Apart now from the weight, it still ticks all the boxes.