So, I was at a meeting downtown Vancouver today, which meant I wasn't too far from Carter Honda on the way back. I stopped to see the new Veradero (which I noticed on Honda's web when researching for load-carrying capacity of the Silverwing). They had the new Veradero outside ... fantastic bike ... sort of a newer Trans Alp, but with a 1000cc engine (putting my insurance costs way up there, along with a V-Strom 1000, whereas I can get a V-Strom in a 650 instead). But my attention was caught by a Silverwing parked between 2 Majesties. The Majesties are tradeins (one grey, one red, some of you can tell me what year they are based on the color, I'm sure). Both had racks for mounting top-cases and no top-cases. Strange.
But the interesting thing is the Silverwing. I sat on it, and a Majesty, and was surprised at how much more room there is on the Honda. My knees don't hit the handlebars when turning sharp (I have a 38" inseam), there's more room, plus the seat is cushier.
The rear springs should be stiffer, because the engine, transmission, exhaust, etc. is supported by the frame and springs rather than mounted to the rear wheel as on traditional scooters.
This means that the springs have to carry more weight without riders, thus adding 2-up shouldn't bottom like the Majesty. Plus there are about 8 pre-load settings.
I didn't have my helmet along, so I'm hoping for good weather this week to head back with my wife along for a 2-up road-test.
These are new bikes that list at $10,300 Canadian. But they are new 2006 models, so they are selling them at $7000 each with full waranty (they have 3 of them).
My Majesty (with > 18,000 kms) will soon need a new belt, brakes and oil change.
If I could get the new Silverwing for $3k over the 2005 Majesty in trade it would be very tempting ... but first, a test-ride.
Has anyone else compared the Majesty to the Silverwing?