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Post by jwalz1 on Aug 17, 2012 9:43:50 GMT -5
I think a big part of your decision would be use and height. Have never read anything bad about a Silverwing, and it has power to spare. But if you want mostly around town with some light touring ability and you are shorter than 5'10" then the Downtown is great. Light, low, easy to handle, good build quality and mileage.
If you are taller and want some extended touring duty, you'd probably be better off with the Swing.
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Post by cpete1 on Aug 17, 2012 17:17:56 GMT -5
5'10" is NOT SHORT when you are 5'4". LOL
Thanks again
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Post by prodigit on Aug 18, 2012 0:23:02 GMT -5
It is when you're 6'4"!
Thanks for the recommendation! I almost wanted to buy a downtown, now I know the silverwing would have fitted me better!
Personally I believe for local travel, 1 person, best gas mileage, a 100cc-150cc is the best buy!
Then get another scoot for highway travel, like a burgman!
In fact, it makes sense to buy an expensive burgman to travel the long distances in style and luxury, while traveling economically in your day to day business and short trips on a chinese scoot!
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Post by cpete1 on Aug 21, 2012 19:24:47 GMT -5
They are making great strides in mileage with the new EFI systems. BMW has a 650 dual sport that was clocked at 71 mpg on the highway and 63 in the dirt. Prodigit, I've been working on cars, bikes, tractors and even a radio controlled helicopter for a while. Starting to want "less" stuff, if ya know what i mean. Got 2 bikes now and looking to go to one. The burgman sucks gas bad ,by the way, as low as 38 mpg.
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Post by jwalz1 on Aug 22, 2012 12:23:11 GMT -5
Just a couple updates if anyone is interested. Had the first service done at the dealer to keep my warranty intact. A couple oil changes and a once over of everything. My dealer charged me 100. 750 miles on the bike, the first oil change was supposed to be at 600 but went a little over.
What I posted earlier about the ability of the machine to do highway speeds I must add one disclaimer. I was riding in today and held it steady at 65, 70, and tried a little 75 for a while. While the bike will hold those speeds steady with no problem one does have to use more effort to hold the throttle. Sixty five, just a slight twist, but 70 and 75 needs more twist obviously, but with the progressive rate spring in the throttle, it takes more effort to hold it there so a long trip at a steady 75 might induce a hand cramp.
Had a blast driving it to and from the dealer which is a 45 minute ride each way along the Mississippi river parkway. A winding road through some posh neighborhoods with some big mansions and slow speeds, and some open roads with a 55 mile limit. Gorgeous day for a ride and the bike was just humming. It is probably fully broken in now and running very well.
Filled up before heading to the dealer, best mileage yet, a hair over 75 mpg. My worst so far has been 68 mpg, and that was heavy throttle in that heat wave where temps were high 90's to 100. Actually all my tanks have been heavy throtttle. It is fun to wind it out from a stop. The first curious person approached me at the pump today and wanted to know a little about it. He is an older gentleman who wants something easier to get on and off than his hog and has a buddy with a 650 Burgman. We had a nice chat, but he wants long haul touring so something bigger is probably better.
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Post by cpete1 on Aug 23, 2012 18:46:03 GMT -5
Jwalz, do you feel comfortable rolling at 70 or does it feel like you're at the edge of its performance. Your comment about the throttle caught my attention.
Chris
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Post by jwalz1 on Aug 24, 2012 8:32:13 GMT -5
Totally comfortable. Nothing skittish about the ride and power to spare. But I am 150 pounds so YRMV.
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