Advice on Silverwing rpms/winding out

I am seriously considering a Silverwing due to the fact that I'm getting older (60 +), it looks extremely comfortable on my back and feet; but I am concerned about cruising (60 mph) speeds and rpms. If I am not mistaken, I read that at 60 mph, it does about 5000+ rpms...I'm concerned about high engine sound, and would like some feedback on this...I have a 200cc bike as well and bought it based on reviews that said it could go 55 no problem, which it does, but the engine is screaming and winding way too high for me at that speed. On the other hand I was looking at an 800+cc bike that rpms at 60 were about 3000, nice , relaxed quiet easy engine feel. I'm not sure if being a scooter and automatic makes it a nice quiet, non high winding out engine at 60mph..I hope this is clear(??).. I like everything I've read and seen about the silverwing, any opinions on this?

I don't think you'll be disappointed with a SWing. I have an 08 which I've had for just over 4 years and really like it. No problems riding it at Interstate speeds. It actually sounds good on the highway.

SW revs about 5k at 60 MPH. Its a twin cylinder so vibration much better than a single cylinder engine.
Its not loud or a problem at this speed. Great scooter. Faster than it should be.

Under seat storage is nice, add atop case even better. 55 MPG all day long.

Honda NC750 revs very low speeds. Real motorcycle. 5-6 speed but also make a DTC auto model. It also has a storage under what looks like the gas tank.

What else are you looking into?

Everything I've read about the SW is what I'm looking for, was considering some others (harley 883--Honda 750) but comfort/mpg is a very big thing at this point in my life; this will be a lifer bike whatever I choose. I never ride on the interstate, always backroads 50-60mph max but I do want to go on some trips. I don't want it to be like my old Honda cb400--moving at 60 mph, let off the throttle quickly and you lurch forward because it's winding out so high in the last gear. Thanks for your input BTW...

Why not take one out for a ride? I would look for an 08 or newer it ABS. Mine rides at 60 all day long, and it is quiet except for the wind noise. The wind noise can be handled with a good helmet, or ear plugs.

Thank you all very much again, I didn't want to show up at the seller's house unless I am pretty sure it's what I want, but now I am..thanks again, I will post when I make my decision...

Can I just add a cautionary word, when/if you go for a test ride.

Engine braking from any speed is smooth & progressive all the way down to approximately 15mph, at which point the centrifugal clutch disengages, so consiquently no more engine braking below that point.

It's not a 'biggie' but if you're not expecting it, it can be a little disconcerting (was for me anyway).
Other than that, get out there & have fun bud

I 2nd all the above, get on and ride don't fret the RPM's it was designed that way, again the last under 2000 RPM say coming up to a stop sign is " interesting " the first few times and BOTH those handlebar levers are brakes. Have fun and be safe.

lagarto wrote:

I am seriously considering a Silverwing due to the fact that I'm getting older (60 +), it looks extremely comfortable on my back and feet; but I am concerned about cruising (60 mph) speeds and rpms. If I am not mistaken, I read that at 60 mph, it does about 5000+ rpms...I'm concerned about high engine sound, and would like some feedback on this...I have a 200cc bike as well and bought it based on reviews that said it could go 55 no problem, which it does, but the engine is screaming and winding way too high for me at that speed. On the other hand I was looking at an 800+cc bike that rpms at 60 were about 3000, nice , relaxed quiet easy engine feel. I'm not sure if being a scooter and automatic makes it a nice quiet, non high winding out engine at 60mph..I hope this is clear(??).. I like everything I've read and seen about the silverwing, any opinions on this?

Lagarto, Having maintained a number of Silverwing'a over the years, I can tell you that these are the best large scooters ever. Do not be concerned with the RPM's, This Engine is designed for these RPM's.

Several of the scooters I have maintained over the years have over a 100,000 miles on them and they run like new.


Reliability is paramount, Comfort is utmost, I suggest an air seat cushion. A Givi windshield will cure the stock shield buffeting. Soon you will look forward to going on the Interstate and cruising at 80 indicated in smooth comfort.

Happy motoring Lloyd 193.

Many, including myself, have done interstate tours on our SWings, including freeways, two--lanes and backroads.  The engine is designed for this work and is not straining at those engine speeds.  Assuming proper maintenance and preventative care, SWing motors are highly durable and reliable and can go tens of thousands of miles without any major issues...I believe there are some folks on this website whose machines have gone past 100K without major issues.  I personally put about 25K on my last SWing until I decided I wanted a conventional motorcycle again and sold it.  I later wised up and sold the motorcycle and bought another SWing.  For the record, I am 63.

Incidentally, the warning provided above bears repeating...riding a SWing is a bit different from riding a conventional motorcycle because of the automatic trans and clutch, particularly with regard to low speed maneuvering.  It's not difficult to learn and rapidly becomes second nature, but it IS different.

Good luck with your search!

My wife and I have enjoyed Interstate and back roads on our 2012 Swing, I have put over 20,000 un problematic miles before converting it to a trike. Even with the extra weight, it still does very well. I believe if your Swing had been taken care of, you will have miles of smiles.

Mine pulls about 4500rpm at an indicated 60mph. This seems to be the sweet spot for the engine, smooth, relaxed and good mpg.
As mentioned above the engine is designed to do this and will do so for many miles.
Also note the comments above about slowing down. Its useful to use the back brake like to control slow speed maneuvers just like you would with a clutch.

You just cannot go wrong with a Silverwing. Year model is not that important as long as it has not got half a million miles on it. Smooth...quiet....powerful....and COMFORTABLE.

Today I bought a 2007 Silverwing with 6000 miles on it..I absolutely love it, it's exactly what I had hoped for--better even!--all the advice I received regarding rpms, comfort, etc was true , thank you all!

Great enjoy your new toy. SW is a good bike. Many happy miles.

lagarto, I have an 08 SWing for about 5 years now and just love it. I used to ride with a group who had "real" motorcycles. When I pulled up for the for the first time I got some sideways glances. After we hit the highway I didn't get any more sideways glances because it kept up with them. I actually had to get off the throttle a couple of times to keep from catching up with them.

In addition to all the other Swing features, you should find a HIGH degree of more "control-ability" from the lack of having to pay attention to shifting because of the easy twist and go CVT. I have been able to get myself out of some slow speed situations because I was able to safely "twist-and-go" myself out of slow speed turns. This, for me with an aging body and mind, has been a really important safety factor, resulting in my ability to extend more riding years on two wheels. And the three-wheeler Swingers on this site have maintained their joys of riding this machine.

Enjoy that "new" Swing. I see you have experienced the same happy riding revelations that most of have gotten from changing to this great ride.

I did at first wonder why 5k at 60mph would be a problem, then I remembered how common big twins are over the pond. Here in the UK, big twins are the exception, and inline 4s or modern jap twins are the norm. Most of my previous bikes had done between 6k and 10k at 60-70mph. My current little 1996 Ninja 250 baby sportsbike cruises at 9-10k rpm at 70mph! Eeeek!

Glad you're happy with your new Swing. If you fancy lowering those revs a tad, yet getting a nice bit of extra go at low speeds (useful when riding with a pillion), I'd recommend the Dr Pulley sliders. I've got 22g ones, about the lightest commonly available, which give excellent acceleration off the line, but still drops the rpm at cruising speeds. For example, mine cruises at 5,600rpm at 70mph if I recall correctly.