My new Silverwing
Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 9:43 am
Well I finally picked up the 'Wing yesterday.
Didn't get off to a great start as the battery was not charged enough to start it! It was started with a power pack, I was worried as I knew I'd need to stop on the way home for petrol, the salesman said it would be fine after a few miles, he was right. Looking through the paperwork it seems it had a new gel battery in February, I suppose the low mileage didn't do the original any favours, I popped it on the Optimate and a few hours later all was well.
The ride to and from the dealer was around 55 miles each way, mainly A1 which can be very exposed and the high winds were a concern, blustering in all directions. Taking it steady away from the dealer I immediately noticed just how controllable the scooter is, despite being heavier than the Majesty it felt lighter and easier to handle, indeed paddling it out of the garage this morning was a lot simpler that the Yamaha and I expected to be stressed!
The ride home gave me a chance to get a feel for the scoot and I must say that Honda have done a superb job imho. The engine is very relaxed at motorway speeds and immediately responsive to throttle input, I would expect a jump up from the Majesty but it is considerably smoother and more authoritative.
The riding position is more relaxed, there is more leg room to stretch out a bit more and, as the seat is a little lower, my (short) legs have a firmer grip on the floor. Controls wise I've lost the hazard's and adjustable span levers, but I've gained heated grips courtesy of Oxford.
Weather protection seems very good below the upper chest area, I went through torrential rain for a few miles and stayed dry apart from the helmet/shoulder area, I will look at the Givi AF 214 screen and hopefully that'll sort it.
One huge difference is the way the bike deals with rough roads and urban road scarring, the suspension seems a lot better suited to UK roads, which are, to be fair, knackered in a lot of places. The 'Wing just glides along nonchalantly ignoring the road surface whereas the Majesty reminded you of every lump and bump.
Under-seat storage is better on the Yamaha but easily sufficient for me.
All in all to say I'm well pleased is an understatement, I know I've I've only covered about 60 miles but I absolutely love the 'Wing and I cannot believe Honda have stopped making them, I had a look at the Integra in the dealership and just don't get it at all.
Didn't get off to a great start as the battery was not charged enough to start it! It was started with a power pack, I was worried as I knew I'd need to stop on the way home for petrol, the salesman said it would be fine after a few miles, he was right. Looking through the paperwork it seems it had a new gel battery in February, I suppose the low mileage didn't do the original any favours, I popped it on the Optimate and a few hours later all was well.
The ride to and from the dealer was around 55 miles each way, mainly A1 which can be very exposed and the high winds were a concern, blustering in all directions. Taking it steady away from the dealer I immediately noticed just how controllable the scooter is, despite being heavier than the Majesty it felt lighter and easier to handle, indeed paddling it out of the garage this morning was a lot simpler that the Yamaha and I expected to be stressed!
The ride home gave me a chance to get a feel for the scoot and I must say that Honda have done a superb job imho. The engine is very relaxed at motorway speeds and immediately responsive to throttle input, I would expect a jump up from the Majesty but it is considerably smoother and more authoritative.
The riding position is more relaxed, there is more leg room to stretch out a bit more and, as the seat is a little lower, my (short) legs have a firmer grip on the floor. Controls wise I've lost the hazard's and adjustable span levers, but I've gained heated grips courtesy of Oxford.
Weather protection seems very good below the upper chest area, I went through torrential rain for a few miles and stayed dry apart from the helmet/shoulder area, I will look at the Givi AF 214 screen and hopefully that'll sort it.
One huge difference is the way the bike deals with rough roads and urban road scarring, the suspension seems a lot better suited to UK roads, which are, to be fair, knackered in a lot of places. The 'Wing just glides along nonchalantly ignoring the road surface whereas the Majesty reminded you of every lump and bump.
Under-seat storage is better on the Yamaha but easily sufficient for me.
All in all to say I'm well pleased is an understatement, I know I've I've only covered about 60 miles but I absolutely love the 'Wing and I cannot believe Honda have stopped making them, I had a look at the Integra in the dealership and just don't get it at all.
