SBF Silverwings Cafe 2008 - JDM/Euro 400/600

[Sensible]

  nance said:

Hi, greenday.

 

 

I miss my X9 hook very much too. It's so useful.

If you manage to DIY a nice one, let us know.

 

Go to any scoot shop.

 

I did mine at Future - $15.

[paithorn]

  Sensible said:

Go to any scoot shop.

 

I did mine at Future - $15.

 

nicely done?

[Sensible]

  paithorn said:

nicely done?

 

Of cos la....

They are supposed to be the professionals at scoot shop ma......

[Kris Rider]

1. Side mirrors

Already missing my huge X9 mirror (and integrated design with the front fairing/signal light) which gives a very good view of the back. (Looks like those mirrors from Merc cars but is ex if you broke it:P )

To me, it looks like the designers from Honda have overlooked this area. Feels like they just took an OEM naked bike mirror and attached it to the SW.

 

UGLY

 

Plus the mirror are attached to the handlebars rather than to the main body(eg. X9, Burgman, STX) mirror will turn with handle bar, no no good for me.

 

Oh, btw the mirrors also vibrates when riding at 70km/h and above. (have not encounterd this problems on my X9)

Very frustrating to see a blurred mirror view when trying to switch lanes.

Is the mirror mounted to tightly that may cause it to vibrate or is there a dampener of something that can reduce this vibrations?

Does anyone here knows how to counter this problem?

Safety is at risk here. . .

 

Good post on comparison !! One comment on the mirrors - I got mine stolen during the first week i got it. So at short notice i just got a $16 rectangular replacement set from a bike shop at Serangoon Road. RESULT no regrets loosing the OEMs the el cheepo set give better overall view and dont vibrate so much even at 140kmph - only that if behind cars dont dip their high beams then get the full brunt of it in my eyes.

 

Was thinking of RIZOMA mirrors but after tried several different models in KL shop realized that although they do look good and have anti glare they tend to restrict rear view because of lower position and outreach.

[paithorn]

  Sensible said:

Of cos la....

They are supposed to be the professionals at scoot shop ma......

 

snap a shot and post here lah....if not too much trouble for you....

[anodise57]

  Sensible said:

Go to any scoot shop.

 

I did mine at Future - $15.

 

swee swee bo? Pics??? i always like to da bao chicken rice. End up my rear box smell of food everytime. Wanna know how its being done !!!

[Sensible]

  paithorn said:

snap a shot and post here lah....if not too much trouble for you....

 

  anodise57 said:

swee swee bo? Pics??? i always like to da bao chicken rice. End up my rear box smell of food everytime. Wanna know how its being done !!!

 

ok, will post it up tmr.

 

Good nightzzz

[paithorn]

alright!! thanks.....

[Sensible]

post deleted

[Sensible]

as requested

[paithorn]

Thanks for the effort in sharing bro...

[rayhunter]

  Sensible said:

as requested

 

hi sensible bro..it's just attached on with 2 screws in ya??

[bigcow]

  rayhunter said:

hi sensible bro..it's just attached on with 2 screws in ya??

 

yes correct. just use 2 tapping screws to screw in will do. able to carry weights slightly more than a helmet weight.

[Sensible]

Parked beside a black SW this afternoon at Hougang.

Quite new

 

Any SW forumer's??

 

 

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/sensible_x8/SW.jpg

[rayhunter]

  bigcow said:

yes correct. just use 2 tapping screws to screw in will do. able to carry weights slightly more than a helmet weight.

 

beautifully and neatly done up..but toughness i guess x9 one better.

[rayhunter]

  Sensible said:

Parked beside a black SW this afternoon at Hougang.

Quite new

 

Any SW forumer's??

 

cool number plate..

[siambee]

  Sensible said:

Parked beside a black SW this afternoon at Hougang.

Quite new

 

Any SW forumer's??

 

 

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/sensible_x8/SW.jpg

 

he got nice no. plate too... wonder how much the owner bought this no...

[greenday]

  greenday said:

Its been a while since I've post in this thread due to work, very bz lah.

 

I've just got my Silverwing 400 Euro version early last week.

After riding it for more than a week already, I have a few feedbacks to make.

My previous ride was an X9 Evo. . . .so naturally I will compare my new ride with my old one. Here is what I immediately noticed about my SW. . . .

The Pros. . . .

 

1. Engine power. . . .

So obvious. It's bigger CC so more power/speed and I really lurve the low engine sound with bass that it makes. . . and the growl coming from the twin hole exhaust, awesome.

2. Pick up

Is surprisingly good also, despite me hearing that parallel twin's pick up not so good compared to single one. (for 400 cc scoot, correct me if I'm wrong here) Pick up is definitely better den my old bike(which I have modified with full Polini performance parts and GPR exhaust)

Being parrallel twin, it is also better for long distance travel/touring and heard that its the only scoot in the 400cc range(if not wrong) to have this configuration. All the rest are single.

3. Cargo space

Very very good. . . .my X9 Evo can only put 1 full face or 2 half face helmets in the seat compartment.

My new baby. . . I've tried putting 2 full face (one flip up one and one normal full face, but small size). . .and it fits!! Add in a 46L or 52L Givi Maxia topbox and you are ready to go touring with luggage that can last you weeks hahaha

Oh did I mention that I can put a 1.5L water bottle in the left glove compartment and still have space to charge ure HP using the power outlet!!! And there is still a right glove compartment some more.

That is luxury compared to the X9 measly 1 small glove compartment which barely can fit my wallet and HP.

 

4. Ability to squeeze thru traffic

SW's length is slightly longer than X9 and weight is definately heavier. But despite its size, I'm please that I can still squeeze thru traffic. In fact, I think SW is easier to squeeze thru traffic than my old X9. Maybe mainly due to the bigger front area of the X9 (the wider "ears"/signal lights.) The SW is more sleek

And also. . . for a bike with this huge storage capability, I think this is very commendable. Try comparing it with those bigger CC touring bike with similar storage capacity as the SW. Those big touring bikes sure stuck, where else the SW can still happily move forward

A very, very important factor for a person like me who carry a lot of treasure and go to work during peak hours. Thats wat sets us riders apart from drivers during those chaotic time.

5. Comfort

Seating and riding on the SW is a breeze. Pillion seat height is also lower than the X9, so better. Pillion doesn't feel like their head is sticking out in the open.

6. Bike handling

Again, for a big scoot, I think it handles pretty well, and riding is easy breezy despite its longer wheel base than the X9.

7. Styling

I used to think the design is 'obiang' compared to my old X9 last time, especially around the handle bar area. But after having a first hand feel/look at it, I began to love Honda's styling more and more. It have a commendable look and nice clean lines. I also love the sharp look from behind, giving it a streamline feel.

8. Built

The SW have this very solid, big CC bike feel to it, I dun noe why but it just have. Maybe its the weight, the size, the construction, the feeling of a new 1st hand stock bike. . . I dun noe. Even other 400cc scooter dun have this feel, (at least compared to piaggio's 400cc scoot). It's really very sturdy compared to my X9. Rili gave me the confidence that it can go all the way to Thailand and back without a sweat. Can't really explain it unless you ride it.

9. Maintenance

Too early to tell, but Honda engines are reputable to be less problematic. My old Italian stallion is a fussy ride and high maintenance. Italian spare parts being more costly than Jap's did'nt help either.

 

10. FC

With fuel prices increasing at an alarming rate, FC is an important factor.

For a 400cc automatic scoot, I heard SW's FC is better than those from the manual 400cc bike. . . eg. S4 (is that true?)

Compared to my old 200cc Evo, the FC is also quite close:cheeky:

 

Well not all bikes are perfect though.

Here are the Cons. . . .

 

1. Side mirrors

Already missing my huge X9 mirror (and integrated design with the front fairing/signal light) which gives a very good view of the back. (Looks like those mirrors from Merc cars but is ex if you broke it:P )

To me, it looks like the designers from Honda have overlooked this area. Feels like they just took an OEM naked bike mirror and attached it to the SW.

 

UGLY

 

Plus the mirror are attached to the handlebars rather than to the main body(eg. X9, Burgman, STX) mirror will turn with handle bar, no no good for me.

 

Oh, btw the mirrors also vibrates when riding at 70km/h and above. (have not encounterd this problems on my X9)

Very frustrating to see a blurred mirror view when trying to switch lanes.

Is the mirror mounted to tightly that may cause it to vibrate or is there a dampener of something that can reduce this vibrations?

Does anyone here knows how to counter this problem?

Safety is at risk here. . .

 

2. Shopping bag hook

Although I've mention that its has a huge cargo payload, it doesn't hurt to add this nifty feature just like the X9's. Very useful to hang your helmet when clearing spore customs, parking bike etc.

Hmmm . . . I'm already thinking of attaching a hook for my bike:cheeky:

3. Locks, locks, locks (glove compartment, underseat cargo, petrol lid)

Although the lock at the glove compartment is good, the ones on the petrol lid and seat compartment have to go man.

The Italians have an eye for details here.

They(the Japs) should learn from the Italians by having those nifty buttons to release the seat/fuel lid catches. Very convenient

convenient = time . . . and time = $$$

 

4. Hazard light

Where in the world is the hazard light switch????

Is there a way to install a switch that can activate the hazard lights?

Again safety is at risk here.

 

5. Spark plug an EO

Use to only change 1 spark plug and 1L of engine oil,

now x 2

But compared to other 400cc bikes, some use until 4 spark plugs and 4 liters of engine oil.

Hmmm. . . maybe this is a good point instead.

 

Conclusion:

 

 

Overall Silverwing is a very nice ride. Definately an improvement over my previous X9 Evo. (although I think they should reconsider changing their mirrors design)

Anyway, no bike is perfect

Every bikes has its pros an cons.

But this bike is near perfect for me

:thumb:

 

(So sorry for the super long post. Just tot that it will be great to share this info with you guys.

This is just my super long, 2 cents worth, sincere view of my new ride and hopefully people who

are considering to get a 400cc scoot, will give serious considerations to the SW and hopefully

the SW community can grow at a steady and healthy rate! Go Honda Go! )

 

CHEERS!!!

 

Just found out 1 more Con. . . . .

 

6. Pillion's Footrest

Footrest looks like naked bike's footrest.

Would prefer if Honda integrate the footrest together with the whole fairing, just like those found on the X9 or burgman 650. The current footrest makes the pillion's legs looks exposed and very little protection from rain or debris.

And also, imagine if (touch wood) scooter fall to its side. . . rider's leg is protected but how about pillion's. . . .

Hope this will never happen.

But overall I still think its a very good scooter.

 

Thanks for those who commented on my review.

Glad you guys appreciates it.

[scoobydoo]

  greenday said:

6. Pillion's Footrest

Footrest looks like naked bike's footrest.

Would prefer if Honda integrate the footrest together with the whole fairing, just like those found on the X9 or burgman 650.

guess this is a matter of personal preference coz another reviewer said his pillion preferred "foot-pegs". reasons are pillion can choose preferred/natural rest-angle for his ankle and change angles to "loosen" up his ankles while riding. with platform types, pillion's ankles are rested at angles fixed by the positions of his legs and platform, can be quite tiring on the ankles over longer distances

 

"one man's meat may be another man's poison"

[momo1605198623]

  siambee said:

he got nice no. plate too... wonder how much the owner bought this no...

there's once a A*30 for sale @ $3.5k.

 

think roughly ard tat price ba.

[mystizcal]

  bigcow said:

yes correct. just use 2 tapping screws to screw in will do. able to carry weights slightly more than a helmet weight.

 

hi ! bro, I plan to install a hook, but I feels like having 2 screws only stick to the plastic body is not strong enough. I was considering if we can attach a metal plate behind the body cover before screwing the hooks.

[greenday]

  Sensible said:

as requested

 

Hi Sensible

 

The hook you bought is from future as well? Or they just fix it for you?

Looks good just like the X9 but more squarish hook shape. I like the X9 hook because it can swing back in. Looks like this also can.

[greenday]

  scoobydoo said:

guess this is a matter of personal preference coz another reviewer said his pillion preferred "foot-pegs". reasons are pillion can choose preferred/natural rest-angle for his ankle and change angles to "loosen" up his ankles while riding. with platform types, pillion's ankles are rested at angles fixed by the positions of his legs and platform, can be quite tiring on the ankles over longer distances

 

"one man's meat may be another man's poison"

 

Yup I guess so. . . .

For me its not about the comfort or design for this point,

but more to the issue of safety. I skidded on my previous scoot before, and if not for my protected footrest, I think my leg would have been squashed by the heavy scoot and dragged over the road.

I cant imagine my pillion's leg if this SW ever skidded. (Touch wood x 100)

[greenday]

  nance said:

Anyone using 10W-40 EO for their final transmission oil?

 

Me just changed to EO... did't really feel any diff.

 

Why EO and not gear oil?

See link:

 

http://silverwing.org/cgi-bin/topic_show.pl?tid=905

 

http://silverwing.org/cgi-bin/topic_show.pl?tid=463

 

http://silverwing.org/cgi-bin/topic_show.pl?tid=1787

 

What is the purpose of this transmission oil? How often do we need to change or top up this oil? Every how many km?

[greenday]

  nance said:

Advisable not to over rpm 5 (90km/h) for 1st 500km. *But must vary your speed, ie. accelerate and decelerate. Don't stay at same speed too long.

After that, just ride normally with smooth pickup and don't whack the rpm.

Bike will feel silky smooth after abt 2000km of running in.

 

I kiasu a bit in my servicing:

100km = engine oil and oil filter change

500km = engine oil, oil filter and gear oil change

1000km = engine oil and oil filter change

2000km = engine oil, oil filter, gear oil and spark plug change.

Run in done.

 

Hi there, Im goin for my 2nd engine oil change with oil filter at 1000km.

What is the recommended EO to use and what brand you guys use? How much is the cost?

Can we use cheaper EO for run in?

 

As for the 1st 500km, I heard its important not to whack the bike. What is the consequences if I did it? What will happen to the bike/engine?