HONDA SILVERWING (FSC600)
This Silverwing was also the first real maxi-scooter introduced in the USA, with Suzuki’s Burgman scooter arriving a year later. Suzuki gets a lot of credit in the maxi-scooter scene as they were the first seller overseas, but Honda deserves kudos as well since they were the first to test the North American waters.
The Silverwing remains on sale in the USA as of 2013, while in Canada this scooter hasn’t been offered since 2009. Overseas Honda has developed a few other versions of this scooter, but none have made it to Canada or the USA.
Motor
As you may suspect, the Silverwing is also Honda’s fastest scooter ever, with a 0-60 mph time of 8 seconds and a top speed of 105mph (170km/hr). To get there, Honda designed their impressive 582cc parallel twin cylinder ‘DACT’ engine. This compact workhorse puts out 38.2 HP @ 7500 RPM and enjoys an array of fancy
The CVT found the Silverwing is also impressive in that it has 3 difference acceleration modes that it uses depending on how far the throttle is pressed. These modes eliminate wheelspin off the line and they improve fuel economy when power isn’t needed.
The downside to an engine this large is the serious fuel economy hit compared to smaller scooters. Honda’s 250cc scooters commonly achieve 60-65 mpg but the Silverwing can only attain a meagre (by scooter standards) 40-50 mpg. There are a few cars who can equal this milage, so Silverwing isn’t the best choice for someone looking to save gas money on their commute. A smaller 250cc or 400c scooter will do quite a bit better. Normally buyers of maxi-scooters aren’t buying for the same reasons as people often buy smaller scooters, so the Silverwing is likely purchased more for touring capabilities, than for fuel savings.
Design and Amenities
On the open road the Silverwing does quite well. It has great brakes with discs front and rear, ABS (standard as of 2011, optional before that) and CBS (essentially linked brakes so the left lever pulls both calipers).
The Silverwing also has an impressive 55L (15 gallon) storage area under the seat that is capable of swallowing two full face helmets. Additionally, Honda has provided dual lockable cubby holes in the dash for holding your wallet, insurance slips and Fisherman’s Friend lozenges.
One of the most important considerations for a maxi-scooter is rider comfort and the Silverwing does quite well in this regard. The seat is very comfortable for the driver and reasonably comfy for a passenger. The passenger seat doesn’t equal that of a Goldwing but it’s reasonable. The rear seat backrest is adjustable for the passenger and works well for its size. Once you are rolling, the Silverwing is generally viewed as a very stable and agile bike. At higher speeds, the FSC600 offers decent wind protection and a more comforting ride that most smaller scooters offer. This scooter also includes both a centerstand and a side stand.
It’s easy to see why the Silverwing has been so successful as a maxi-scooter. It’s been sold over a decade now with barely any changes. The styling is still fresh and it has withstood the test of time a bit better than its Suzuki competitors which have now been redesigned.
The Silverwing has/had several obvious competitors: Aprilia’s Atlantic 500, Suzuki’s Burgman 650, Kymco’s Xciting 500, Yamaha’s TMAX and Piaggio’s X9 500. All of these scooters share many of the same accolades (powerful, great storage, comfortable). Compared to this group, the Silverwing has the second largest motor which means great power but also lower fuel milage than most others. The price (around $9000) is also higher than average.
Due to its high price and healthy appetite for fuel, the Silverwing isn’t the most practical choice in this group, but it tends to be a popular choice amongst enthusiasts. The build quality, engine power, brakes and ride are all excellent so it’s a great all around performance-touring scooter. Budget minded buyers might want to look at the lower cost Piaggio’s X9 and Kymco’s Xciting 500, while fuel concerned individuals should look at all three 500cc competitors and a few smaller scooters still like Yamaha’s 400cc Majesty, Kymco’s Downtown 300i and Honda’s new 279cc Forza.
Please consider adding an owner review of your Silverwing. It greatly benefits other readers and improves this site.
OWNER REVIEWS - Browse the Honda Silverwing Owner Reviews
* Comfortable
* Technologically advanced engine
* Serious storage
* Tachometer
* Solid brakes
Cons:
* Milage
* Heavy
* Stiff rear suspension without passenger
Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about your scoot.
CheapCycleParts - Lowest cost OEM parts to fix up your Silverwing.
Honda USA 2011 Silverwing ABS Brochure (2 page pdf)
Silverwing Review - Great article! Have a read.
Silverwing Forum - A Forum for Silverwing Owners. Good site!
Silverwing600 - Another great Silverwing Forum
Silverwing.org - Nice small community of Silverwing owners with lots of good info.
ScooterMaxi.com - Nice site on all maxi scooters
Key Specs:
* Engine Type: 582cc liquid-cooled four-stroke parallel-twin
* Engine Power: 38.2hp @7500 RPM, 37ft/lbs torque @ 5500 RPM
* Bore and Stroke: 72mm x 71.5mm
* Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
* Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
* Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit, four-hole injectors
* Ignition: Computer-controlled fully transistorized with electronic advance
* Transmission: Automatic V-Matic belt drive
* Front Suspension: 41mm hydraulic fork; 4.7 inches travel
* Rear Suspension: Swingarm with dual hydraulic shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability; 4.5 inches travel
* Front Brake: Single 276mm disc with CBS three-piston caliper
* Rear Brake: Single 240mm disc with CBS system twin-piston caliper; Optional ABS
* Front Tire 120/80-14
* Rear Tire 150/70-13
* Wheelbase 62.8“
* Seat Height: 29.7”
* Weight: 540 lbs wet
* Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gallons (16 litres)
Colors:
2002:
2003:
2004:
2005: Black (non ABS), Titanium (non ABS), Black/Silver (ABS model), Titanium/Silver (ABS model)
2006: Metallic Blue
2007: Dark Metallic Silver
2008: Heavy Grey Metallic
2009: Candy Wine Berry Red
2010: Candy Dark Red (USA Only)
2011: Black (USA Only)
2012: Black (USA Only)
2013: Black (USA Only)