Honda SilverWing - On a wing and a prayer“I’m sorry but did you just say that that scooter you’re riding has a 600cc engine?” Once again I was going to have to educate a disbelieving biker about the realities of modern scooters. He is not alone when it comes to accepting the fact that Honda have upped the ante in the scooter versus bikes argument with the introduction of the truly mammoth SilverWing. What we have here is a fully automatic, twist and go style scooter that can hit 100mph. Fantastic top speed is not the only thing which potential owners of SilverWings should be shouting about. That ability to travel at high velocity suggests the capability to also cover long distances. Traditionally, only hardcore scooterists have bothered to travel any great distance on their small machines. And therein lies the reason why: size. What Honda has done with the SilverWing is not just taken a large capacity engine and stuck into a scooter. Rather they have taken a large capacity engine and specifically built a scooter around it. A point Piaggio would do well to take note of, given that company’s problems with its 500cc model (Ed’s note: the X9 500 was launched only to be recalled almost immediately due to handling problems). By basing the whole of the machine’s design around the engine, Honda has created a large scooter with levels of comfort riders could only previously dream of, all of this and the ease of use of an auto. The most remarkable thing about the big Honda is the way it behaves. As you approach it, it looks truly mammoth but once you’re underway it handles just like any other scooter. Well that’s any scooter with a fantastic turn of speed. This is one of the most deceptive aspects of the scooter – speed. While riding I often found myself having to lean the SilverWing over at quite extreme angles due to the speed I was carrying into corners, all of this because of the smoothness of the power delivery. Twist the throttle back and the power just continues to come. Even when carrying a pillion it was possible to be forced back in to the seat accelerating onwards from 60mph plus speeds. A word of warning though: while the Honda would cruise comfortably at 80mph, even two-up, raising the speed 10mph while riding solo would set the front end wandering. It might not be enough to cause an accident but it could be disconcerting to inexperienced riders. Then again, are you going to ride at such speeds very often? The speed and acceleration which the SilverWing is capable of is one of the aspects that is sure to appeal to car drivers. When they do step out of their cars and onto the scooter they should feel a certain sense of similarity. The layout of the dash is definitely car like, based as it is around the centrally mounted speedo. This is flanked by a rev counter (surely superfluous on an automatic) and a combined digital fuel gauge, temperature gauge, clock and odometer. Relax back into the wide stepped seat and put your feet up and once again you could begin to fool yourself into thinking you’re in a car – all that’s missing is a seatbelt! The one criticism of the cockpit that all riders commented on was the height of the screen. It is simply too short; an extra inch or so on the top would make a huge difference to the amount of wind noise experienced while riding. Similarly it would have been nice if the designers had extended the sides of the screen to offer some cover for the handlebars. I can't help but think that a taller screen would also benefit pillions. Unless your passengers are considerably smaller than you, they need ear plugs and strong neck muscles to put up with the wind noise and buffeting they'll receive perched high up on the back of the seat. On a more positive note, the small backrest offers a noticeable amount of support but a top box with a rest would be a welcome addition if you plan on regularly riding two-up; the extra storage space would be useful too. The amount of space under the seats is big but not really big enough given that Honda claim the SilverWing can be used for touring. Yes you can get two full-faced helmet in there but you still have to juggle them around to make them fit. Still you can fit in a useful amount of shopping. Almost enough to make the 'Wing a practical option as a replacement for the family car (well providing you don't have kids). Okay, so £6,000 is a lot of money to spend on a scooter but then you do get a lot of scooter for your money. Born again bikers looking to return to motorcycling would be wise to add the SilverWing to their list of potential purchases. Well it’s certainly a lot more practical than a Harley! Certainly practical enough for me to consider approaching Honda’s press department next year to see what sort of deal I can get on an ex-demonstrator. |