5 days in, First Impressions & Mildly Irrelevant Observations

1a. Its faster that I thought any auto could be
1b. Its not really a scooter as such

2. Its a big beast. Width is not such a huge issue, but length is. I reckon wheelbase is as long as any big bike like my old GS.

3. Its not as nifty in tight traffic as I expected. Or perhaps the GS was too nifty for its size. I reckon at my London commute squeeze (think marylebone road at 6pm for those who know what I mean) contest, GS12 vs SW they are on par.

3b. SW wins on the commute because I can ride with my good shoes & trousers on thus gaining abt 5mins each way as I don't need to change into "the courier gear" anymore.

4. I can have a coffee while riding. PC officer had a rather dimmer view on this one this morning.

5. I reckon it does abt 45mpg in town (british ones) - only a tad better than my BMW GS12 which was long term avg of 40ish. Actually consumption I am quite dissappointed (not that it matters too much) as I expected it closer to a 125 Piaggio than to a 1200 bike.

6. In cornering terms - again comparing with the GS - its many levels below par. Just short of calling it awful actually. Or perhaps I am again very spoilt as the GS had superb corner stability - better than any sportbike on real roads. This matter is pending as I reckon the 3.5k mile Hoop tyres it came on are visibly not great. Its due a front Michelin Pilot sport on Monday.

7. Suspension (I am 194cm 100kg = 6'4 and 15stone + in old money): I am running the rears springs at 3. Its quite soft for serious fun I reckon and can certainly take some improvement. I will be calling Hagon to check (I think they are a UK company) if they can sort it. Saying that, the current settings are at least very comfortable. Cornering aside it rides much better than any scooter I ve tried before.

8. I really like the looks of it. In dark blue especially it looks the business. Took my (heavily pregnant) wife for a spin around the block last night and she loved it too.

9. Love the space for stuff... It beats the beemers top box hands down. I cannot see the need to get a top box at all. Well, perhaps for touring in the Alps next year!

10. Quality. Oh how I ve missed Honda. Even on this cheap machine (well in comparison to say a Goldwing or Pan) their finish, fittings, nuts&bolts etc are excellent. Many levels above the GS.

11. Small bits: My trunk light does not work. Not sure if it is standard fitment to all SW, but I can see it, but no switch.

12. Headlight is excellent for a scooter - as good as a big bike's & better than GS.

13. Brakes: Again: excellent - much better than anything (incl Tmax that I ve tried 2 wks ago before buying)

so, all in all the major gripe is corner stability. Actually, its stable when in the corner, just a bit wobbly on the way to leaning. I blame front tyre. We ll see.

11, Trunk light could be because previous owner removed or disconnected it. There is/was a tendency to flatten the battery if the seat is left open or ajar.

Glad you like it. Other than cornering. I think my Burgman was better in corners than the wing, but small trade off for all the plus's.

theop:
Great summary of first impressions. Glad you are pleased.

1 - I took out my trunk light so it wouldn't stay on and draw down the battery.

2 - Changing the front suspension to a progressive spring such as HyperPro will dramatically improve the handling in corners. Bernardo is a great source of information concerning the various mods you can do to enhance the performance.

3 - Have fun and be safe.
DCC

It's funny (strange) that you replaced a BMW with the Swing. I did too, a year and a half ago.

Last winter I discovered that the BMW cover for a K1100lt fit the Swing (with a 46l Givi topbox fitted) perfectly.

If you bought the Swing used, the prior owner probably remove the bulb from the trunk light (common mod, as the seat latch is notorious for not always working and draining the battery).

theop wrote:

4. I can have a coffee while riding. PC officer had a rather dimmer view on this one this morning.

Why??

Because you did not have any for them??

theop wrote:

5. I reckon it does abt 45mpg in town (british ones) - only a tad better than my BMW GS12 which was long term avg of 40ish. Actually consumption I am quite dissappointed (not that it matters too much) as I expected it closer to a 125 Piaggio than to a 1200 bike.

The Dynojet Power Commander improves the MPG.

theop wrote:

6. In cornering terms - again comparing with the GS - its many levels
below par. Just short of calling it awful actually. Or perhaps I am
again very spoilt as the GS had superb corner stability - better than
any sportbike on real roads. This matter is pending as I reckon the
3.5k mile Hoop tyres it came on are visibly not great. Its due a front
Michelin Pilot sport on Monday.

I agree the Hyperpro Progressive front springs greatly improved the turning handling.

honda_silver wrote:

theop wrote:

4. I can have a coffee while riding. PC officer had a rather dimmer view on this one this morning.

Why??

Because you did not have any for them??

Can I assume you have never encountered the British Bobby?

Humourless.

Law quoting robots of the state.

Other than that, all round good eggs, (unless your on two wheels).

Most of the plod in this country are so far from the police of old they don't resemble real police any more.

They hide in their cars when there is trouble. Race around with blues and twos, (usually around shift clocking off time). Are ineffective and are not given enough powers to actually police.

I feel better getting that off my chest.

Waspie wrote:

Can I assume you have never encountered the British Bobby?

I meet British Bobbies ... but was never stopped or propositioned by one .

What rule would he have broken drinking coffee??

Quote
I can have a coffee while riding. PC officer had a rather dimmer view on this one this morning.






"Allo, Allo,Allo, wots goin on ere then guv? slept in a bit late, Hmmm"
(pulls out his nightstick) " What 'll it be, Hmmm, one lump or two? Sir!"

honda_silver wrote:

Waspie wrote:

Can I assume you have never encountered the British Bobby?

I meet British Bobbies ... but was never stopped or propositioned by one .

What rule would he have broken drinking coffee??

two hands on the handle bars always or you risk riding "without due care and attention".... apparently. Wasn't done yday, just told off...

Sounds like you need a good cup-holder...

theop wrote:

two hands on the handle bars always or you risk riding "without due care and attention".... apparently. Wasn't done yday, just told off...

Does the same rule apply for cagers??