Total Motorcycle Community Forums

After 4 riding seasons I traded in my 2007 Honda Silverwing ABS and bought a new 2011 Triumph America. I haven't spent much time reading this particular forum, but I thought I would add my perspective to the discussion. The Silverwing is an amazing two-wheeled vehicle. It has reasonably good acceleration, can transport two-up at Interstate speeds without a problem, offers pretty good MPG (48-55 depending on how I rode it) and has a host of features that added to its value including ABS; locking, generous underseat storage; a fairing that offers moderately good weather protection; excellent instrumentation; the convenience of a CVT transmission so no clutch, no shifting; low cost of insurance; upright, chair-like seating; and probably many more than I can think of right now. On the negative side, it sounds like a sewing machine rather than a motorcycle; has small wheels which handle rough roads poorly; have reduced rider control due to the lack of ability to control gears; but most importantly, it just is not a motorcycle. Most of my long riding life I have preferred cruisers, but have strayed into the sport tourer class for a while. I bought the Silverwing after my double knee replacement made it hard to swing a leg over a motorcycle seat, and for four years and 15,000 miles it was a great ride. But something in me never really accepted, in my own self image, riding a scooter rather than a motorcycle. I missed the sound, feel, and control of riding a real motorcycle. But in essence, it really came down to my self image and identiy as a rider. In so many ways the scooter had advantages over my current motorcycle, but I have never regretted trading in the scooter. I wave to scooters, and certainly would consider one again if I was unable to physically handle a motorcycle. But I am rider, a motorcyclist, and as long as I can I hope to stay with this type of two wheeler. Best wishes to all of you on your scooters, but try riding a bike at your peril, since once you do you may not be happy to go back to your scooter.

i too got tired of my scooter. every time you had to do something you had to take a panel off So, i got me a harley, now when i ride in a group i still got the smallest bike. But, i really like my sportster 1200.