Appropriate storage
The large 55-liter underseat storage compartment can accommodate two regular helmets but not two full-face helmets. A 6-liter left-front compartment is joined by an additional 1.5-liter right-side compartment. All three are lockable. A cargo hook is mounted in the middle.

Comfort
My passenger found her seat a bit too firm but appreciated the backrest. When you're not riding solo, you have to remember to tweak the dual rear shocks (with a five-position spring preload adjustability); otherwise, your passenger and even your scooter will have a tendency to hop.

So, riders beware: adjust the shocks and ride smoothly if you want to keep your partner happy. Since the rear seat is higher, the passenger is able to enjoy a better view... provided he or she has a good helmet visor.

The multiple storage compartments enhance the convenience factor of the Silver Wing.

Powertrain and performance
The liquid-cooled 582-cc V-twin produces 50 horsepower @ 7,500 rpm. Featuring a fuel injection system, the engine relies on an automatic choke to make cold starts easier. The fully automatic V-Matic transmission sends power to the rear wheel through a dry clutch and belt-drive system. This scooter is able to reach 100 kph in 8 seconds and accelerate beyond 160 kph. What impressed me the most about the spirited engine was the 80-to-120 kph sprints (6 seconds), which make passing maneuvers considerably safer. On the braking front, Honda wisely incorporated an antilock system and the results speak for themselves: 80 to 0 kph over 23.4 meters and 100 to 0 kph over 36 meters. Plus, the Silver Wing remains incredibly stable while doing so. Power is easy to modulate and the required effort is minimal. Let me just add that my average fuel economy was 5.6 L/100 km. Given the 16-liter fuel tank, this translates into a range of nearly 300 kilometers.

On the road
Cruising at a steady speed on the highway is easy. The machine is very stable, wind noise is minimal and the engine is fairly quiet. On byroads, this big scooter loves to swallow one corner after another. Even under heavy rain, I felt quite safe. In city traffic, the Silver Wing is a decent performer, but again, never forget to take its weight into account when parking.

A great tourer
Designed for the open road, the Honda Silver Wing does not disappoint. You have to pay attention to the passenger's comfort by adjusting the preload of the dual rear shocks, but overall, this is a pretty solid mount. Although a bit pricey at $10,289, the Silver Wing is totally worth it when you consider the price of motorcycles than can compete with this big scooter.


Performance
Braking
Handling
Style


Passenger comfort




None


Photo Credit : Amyot Bachand