An advertising pitch for the 2008 Honda Silver Wing ABS scooter could almost mirror the original Miller Lite beer slogan: less bulky, rides great.
Honda’s top-line scooter is nimble enough to maneuver sharply through tight spaces, but powerful enough to handle a long-distance journey.
Best of all, it sips gas. In two weeks of riding in a variety of conditions, the Silver Wing averaged 50.2 miles per gallon.
For $8,599, you get two-up capability with 55 liters of lockable underseat storage that can accommodate a full helmet and a jacket — or a small bag for a weekend getaway.
“A lot of people are using their scooters to go grocery shopping because the Silver Wing has enough storage compartment underneath the seat for two grocery bags,” said John Lumadue, owner, Used Bike Emporium, Baltimore.
But what makes this scooter desirable is the lack of a clutch and gears.
“What’s neat about this scooter is you don’t have to worry about operating a clutch…there is no clutch. It’s just like your car. You start it up, you give it gas, and it moves,” he said.
The Silver Wing employs Honda’s V-Matic belt-drive system, a continuously variable transmission by which the rider simply twists the right wrist to go.
Many riders like the idea of stepping through the scooter to settle onto the seat, instead of having to hoist a leg over. And because the 582-cc fuel-injected engine and the transmission are positioned toward the rear and under the seat, riders get a comfortable and balanced seating position.
“The low center of gravity when you sit on that unit makes you feel so comfortable. If you were to get on a motorcycle you would start leaning and think you were going to fall over,” he said. “These scooters don’t give you that effect. It’s like sitting on La-Z-Boy recliner.”
Scooters come in a variety of sizes to scratch any riding itch. The Silver Wing, along with Suzuki’s Burgman, Yamaha’s Majesty and Piaggio’s three-wheeled MP3, are among the biggest.
Gary Manning, salesman, Pete’s Cycle Company, Baltimore said the Silver Wing is ideal for every type of rider. “Everybody likes scooters…older men, young guys, and people who want to go for distance touring.”
Less bulky, rides great — sounds like a slogan for a refreshing trip.
Editors note: This report contains information reported by and published in The San Diego Tribune/Scripps Howard News Service
2008 HONDA FSC600A SILVER WING
- Stats: 2008 Honda FSC600A Silver Wing
- Engine: 582 cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel twin
- Transmission: automatic V-Matic belt drive
- Fuel capacity: 4.2 gallons, including 0.9 gallon reserve
- MSRP: $8,599 ($8,099 without ABS)
