HONDA SILVER WING 600 (2001 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £130 |
| Power: | 48 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (29.1 in / 740 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (481 lbs / 218 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesIf you don’t reckon scooters are your thing, the Honda FJS600 Silver Wing could come as a bit of a shock. Loads of power, excellent performance and handling, great brakes… Not only is it competent, it’s versatile and huge fun, too. The price is a bit steep but the Honda FJS600 Silver Wing is a great motorcycle that can certainly raise a dyed-in-the-wool biker’s eyebrow…
Watch the Honda Silver Wing take on the Aprilia Mana, the Suzuki SV650 Sport, and the Pigaggio MP3 400
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Honda FJS600 Silver Wing is a heavy motorcycle but it’s nimble enough in town. Hit top speeds on the motorway and it’ll weave a little, though: unnerving but not treacherous. As for twisties: the Honda FJS600 Silver Wing is huge fun, offering great grip, top (linked) brakes and remarkable lean angles. Lots of pillion space, too.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityWith a fuel injected, 582cc parallel twin knocking out nearly 50bhp, we could easily be talking 'proper' motorcycle here. But the Honda FJS600 Silver Wing offers a powerful, smooth alternative with plenty of poke for town riding but also, surprisingly, loads of welly for long motorway treks too. The fuel injection’s slick and delivery’s seamless but fuel economy can suffer if you really cane a Honda FJS600 Silver Wing.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe Honda FJS600 Silver Wing is beautifully put together and well designed, making it not just useful but also a real joy to ride. It’s got everything you need but a whole lot of other stuff you really want, as well. The quality and attention to detail are without question, which may explain the motorcycle's somewhat inflated price.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe motorcycle’s main sticking point is its price but the Honda FJS600 Silver Wing is really is a very good quality motorcycle with truly surprising performance. It’s cheaper than Suzuki’s Burgman 650 but considerably lighter and has the advantage of Honda reliability. And while the Silver Wing’s pricier than Yamaha’s XP500 T-Max, it’s got a bit more power. A close-run thing. Find a Honda FJS600 SilverWing for sale.
Equipment
The Honda FJS600 Silver Wing has a beautiful, modern dash houses analogue rev counter and speedo, then there’s a digital bit with fuel gauge, clock and other gizmos. The seat’s vast and plush, there’s loads of leg room and the screen/fairing works a treat. The Honda FJS600 Silver Wing also has two glove compartments and a cavernous section under the seat mean loads of storage space. Aftermarket extras abound.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 582cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 8v parallel twin, automatic |
| Frame type | Tubular steel |
| Fuel capacity | 16 litres |
| Seat height | 740mm |
| Bike weight | 218kg |
| Front suspension | None |
| Rear suspension | Preload |
| Front brake | 256mm disc |
| Rear brake | 240mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/80 x 14 |
| Rear tyre size | 150/70 x 13 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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| Average fuel consumption | 45 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £84 |
| Annual service cost | £130 |
| New price | £6,999 |
| Used price | £2,000 |
| Insurance group |
10 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 48 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 37 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 112 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 15 secs |
| Tank range | 160 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2001: Honda FJS600 Silver Wing launched.
2003: ABS option introduced on Honda FJS600 Silver Wing.
2011: Honda FJS600A Silver Wing [£6,505]
Other versions
None
Owners' reviews for the HONDA SILVER WING 600 (2001 - on)
13 owners have reviewed their HONDA SILVER WING 600 (2001 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA SILVER WING 600 (2001 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £130 |
Year: 2003
Annual servicing cost: £25
I have owned 3 of them. Riding for 50 years on all different motorcycles. Once you get one its like eating potato chips you cannot stop. The only reason for not rating it as a 5 is plastic clips could have been better and more access to perform maintenance.
I challenge anyone to find a better over all bike to ride. Just ahead of its time. With stock seats Ive easily done a 250 mile day.
The engine delivery keeps up with my riding friends 30K bikes. You have to get used to low speed when the transmission goes to neutral at 15 mph so tricky in parking lots.
This is a tank of Scooters. No matter how old or how many miles it has. Just takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
A lot of replacement parts on the market, new OEM and used. so very easy to replace anything you need. Never needed to replace anything except a few plastic panels.
I love the big storage. I recommend the charging port on the left hand side. Heated hand grips is the only thing I miss. Limited alternator output for heated vests and gloves so watch adding to many lighting options.
Buying experience: All 3 I have bought privately.
Year: 2010
Annual servicing cost: £90
Would be 5 star but bouncy forks and slightly disappointing mpg let it down. The riding position is vast and comfortable with lots of leg room to stretch out. The manual shows that the back rest is adjustable but it appears that isn't the case for my bike. The seat is a little wobbly when it's up but I can finally fit my Arai in the underseat storage. Fuel consumption is a little disappointing. How come the Forza 750 can do 70 mpg and the Silverwing can only manage 55?
Brakes are good, surprising for just a single disc. It could do with a little more initial bite when at the beginning of braking. Perhaps a pad upgrade may help or perhaps it might not. It is a bit of a whale so maybe makes no difference.
Could easily do with a bit more power. Really doesn't feel any faster than my 300 Kymco and Yamaha Majesty 400. Perhaps the speed is a little deceptive as it is smooth. The exhaust is whisper quiet.
It's very well put together. It hides it's age incredibly well for being 12 years old. There is some corrosion starting to show on both the fork legs and the rear shock chrome covers and the wheels which seems to be fairly common. So far 100% reliable. Big scooters always worry me if they get a flat battery so I have added a c-tek battery connection.
Bought mine fully serviced but will home service and change the belt in another 5000 miles. It does have long service intervals which is nice.
Very good equipment levels. Mine came with the Honda heated grips and the Honda/Givi top box. It would have been nice to have an onboard trip computer that shows mpg. I have added a screen deflector as it buffets above 50mph right on top of my arai ( 5ft 10")
Buying experience: Bought privately and it was a nice experience. The bike was just as described. There really are some turds out there so take your time and the right bike will find you. Not all the turds are cheap though. Some people never responded or acted like they really didn't want to sell. Paid £2,200 for mine which was quite a fair price.
Year: 2001
Annual servicing cost: £200
Awesome,practical,fun tough,reliable, fast enough,likes smooth roads,does,nt like bumpy roads
Likes smooth roads,does nt like bumpy roads,linked brakes good,though twin front disc,s would be preferable on such a heavy bike, espessially for higher speed emergency stops,s,ok though for the intended use
Enough power,fun to ride,some more mid range would be nice,for those rare occasions
Faultlessly reliable,corrosion on wheels,from living outside for 15 years,so is,nt surprising
Only consumables,so far at 33,000 miles,valve shims yet to be adjusted,see how it goes,feels,n so on,awesome I am mechanically sympathetic,n like to take care of bikes,belongings awesome really,I am mechanically sensitive,so I hope I know
Comfort, practicality,load carrying,weather protection,performance,,ease of all round use, surprisingly easy in town,for such a large scooter,wider screen than standard,a good idea,Michelin good all round tyres,might try pirelli,s sometime
Buying experience: Privately,£1000,advertised n payed,awesome value only a couple marks on it faultlessly reliable,n so on,thanks to careful previous owners,n honda
Year: 2001
Annual servicing cost: £200
Comfortable,easy to get on/off(esp for my disability)reliable,tough,practical,lots of load capacity, ergonomic,fast enough,long service intervals(only oil changes,filters,brake pads,tyres,in over 30,000 miles),only problem,suspension, an X adv forks n shock would be nice ,for the bumpy roads,awesome value,so thanks Mr Honda
Could do with more midrange
Comfort,carry capacity,reliability
Buying experience: Privately,£1000,3 years ago,20,000 miles on clock,faultless,awesome value,quality
Version: Abs
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £200
As a commuter it makes no more sense than a GS or Blade (too fat for town work) but as a cross country toy or two up tourer it is an incredible machine. I've still got the big trailie (1200cc) and sports tourer (1000cc), but the scooter does more miles per year than the other two combined. You've really got to try a big maxi scooter. But not in town, that's a waste.
Two up me and her are on the weight limit and scampering about the hills had the rear shocks bottoming out. A pair of Hagons have sorted that. Brakes are good once you realise you need to use the back as well. The handling along a backroad is most entertaining, although you won't be chasing sports bikes.
Great engine and the CVT keeps it in the right zone. Fitting lighter Dr Pulley sliders improve matters further adding more 'scamper' to the mix.
Think VFR 750 quality and reliability but much easier to service.
Easy home servicing so that £200 covers oil, filters, brake fluid, coolant, plugs and a tyre. Brake pads and front tyre seem to last for ever, a rear tyre goes every 4K. Fuel consumption is the same as any other big bike, about 50 to 55 mpg.
Everything you need except hazard lights, although the i/android generation might get bored having nothing to do except ride.
Buying experience: Mine is a 2006 model bought used with 12k miles, from a dealer. Cost £2.5k 4 years ago.
Year: 2009
Annual servicing cost: £100
Extremely easy to ride with automatic gearing, plenty of legroom which gives the option of moving your leg position to ease stiffness. Vast amounts of storage space. For example, when I went to the Isle of Man last year, my 4 man tent, roll up and clothing items fitted under the seat. The rest of my luggage fitted into the large top box and a few items packed in vacuum bags attached to the pillion seat. My previous bike was a Honda CBF1000 which had plenty of performance. The change to the Silverwing 600 was viewed with caution, but in reality, the useable performance is not a lot different. The top speed is obviously not as high as the CBF, but the Silverwing will cruise all day at above permitted motorway speeds, and has enough acceleration to facilitate safe overtaking. The acceleration from standstill is amazing as no gear changes are needed. If I could change anything on it, more petrol capacity would be good. I changed the standard screen for a Givi screen which eliminated buffeting, and I altered the riders buttstop to a backrest which was quite simple to do and cost pennies to achieve. This gives even more rider seat room. I have added heated handgrips for winter riding. Apart from a few cosmetic additions, I cannot fault thisvlovelybmachine.
Shock absorbers feel harsher than a conventional motorcycle, but quite acceptable.
Engine very responsive and smooth. Rapid acceleration, and reasonable mpg.
The finish is excellent. No corrosion yet (this is a ten year old bike.) It has not broken down, but during the covid lockdown the battery went flat due to not having electricity in my garage, so no trickle charge facility. This was soon charged up again in my home. I had to fit a new front brake light switch for the MOT. Apart from this, no problems.
Self servicing.
Plenty of room.
Buying experience: Bought the Silverwing from a dealer in Norfolk, online, and he arranged delivery to Bristol. I looked at a Bergman, but they were too expensive. Saw this Silverwing online having only 2200 miles on the clock at less than half the price of the Burgman which had done similar mileage, but was a few years newer. I thought this was a good deal which achieved my objective. The Silverwing cost £3750 two years ago. I sold my CBF 1000 and another older BT1100 on eBay and this covered the cost of the Silverwing. Job done.
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £100
Supremely capable, do it all maxi-scooter. It's comfortable, fantastic carrying capacity, easy to ride, decent enough mpg, dead easy to service and reliable. I use mine for commuting daily, shopping, days out and longer (300 mile plus) trips. If you have dodgy knees and can no longer cope with a 'normal' bike then a maxi scoot like the Silverwing does the job. The only possible downside really is the image but as an older bloke I no longer give a rats about that!
I marked it down slightly on ride quality but I am being picky. On rough roads it can get a bit bouncy and if you take it over 80mph (which you can easily), it get a bit vague especially in cross winds. Never dangerous but you need a bit more concentration which, IMHO, is no bad thing. I am big bloke and 17+ stones so the rear shocks at at their limit really. I have read that you can get fork upgrades and Hagons will do new shocks for us, ahem, 'larger' riders but I won't bother unless it gets too noticeable.
Its a great engine coupled with a cracking drive train. This is my first maxi scooter and I was a bit dubious. However, reports on the forums of reliability and smoothness coupled with Honda reputation sold it for me. I love the effortless twist and go aspect of the engine. It's very smooth and just does what it should. Colleagues have referred to it as a 'hairdryer' and they may be right! The belt drive, variable transmission is simple, reliable and 'stepless' from zero to over 100mph.
I've done 4500 miles on mine in all weathers. I'm a bit anal about maintenance so as soon as I got it back from the dealer, I had all the plastic off (which is a pain admittedly), coated everything in ACF50 and cracked every electrical connector I could get to and greased them. I also fitted a home made front mudflap to protect the radiator and fitted some Oxford heated grips. The bike has started without fail every time I've used it - mostly every day for a 40 odd mile commute. The fan does come on a bit often in warm weather but the temp gauge never goes up. The panels can be a bit rattly and vibey at times.
I do my own servicing which is a doddle on this bike. There are very well supported forums and Youtube videos that cover all the essentials. I change my oil more frequently primarily because it can be done in 10 minutes and it only require 2 litres. I buy oil in bulk. There are comments regularly made about the bike being a bit thirsty. I can't say I feel the same. I keep meticulous records and I have a low of 54mpg (in winter) and a high of 64 mpg (in summer). I ride fairly conservatively but not slowly and the bike usually does long enough runs to get properly warmed up. It would be nice to have a slightly larger fuel tank but I get 160 miles before the fuel gauge flashes and it will make it to 200 miles before filling (I know because I've done it twice).
I love the convenience this bike offers. The underseat storage coupled with my Givi Maxia top box means I can carry all my stuff regardless of what I'm doing. Office papers, laptop, iPad, camera, tripod, crash helmet, rain suit - it all goes in. I even carried a full size sack of spuds bungied to the passenger seat. The storage pockets add that little extra and includes a 12v charger for my phone. I've added heated grips and I also picked up some wind deflectors which increase the weather protection. I'm going to make my own hand guards to give some protection from wind chill when it gets really cold. One tip is to get some wind mirror extenders (about a tenner off Fleabay) as the standard mirrors appear designed for the narrow shouldered. I can't offer any comments on tyres other than the standard Bridgestone Hoops seem okay at the moment.
Buying experience: I bought from a dealer that I'd used before. I can't complain about the buying process which was handled well but the costs of servicing are ludicrously high. I don't know if this is a Honda thing or down to the dealership but I was quoted £150 for the first service which consists of an oil/filter change and basically a once over. I did it myself and will wear the risk of any issues arising but it is very off putting.
Version: ABS
Year: 2013
Only have 57 miles on it but like it so far!
Currently owning a PCX150, I expected more of an increase in ride quality in the larger, heavier Silver Wing.
Seems to be well-built, like a Honda should be. Owned it less than a week, though.
Glad it has ABS. See the need for a larger windshield and a rack.
Buying experience: Just bought a leftover new 2013 ABS model last weekend for a little less than 3900 GBP (5995 USD). I consider that a steal.
Version: ABS
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £150
Very comfortable to ride but drinks a bit, all in all, overall a good buy. The last model to go on sale, costing £7000, is a bit too much money. I would definitely buy another but not at £7 new.
The bike is a decent all round bike, can carry huge amounts with an additional top box, good weather protection and providing the wind is not too strong, good for long motorway cruising stay at 70 all day long. Need a break after an hour and a half, have done two hours on it in one go but it is a bit tiring due to vibration.
Excellent power despite being a "tub of lard". Twist and go really does accelerate well for a heavy bike. Its not a sports bike, but it can shift if you need to get a move on. Brakes are ok, but a second disc would have helped inspire more confidence in braking. I like the hand brake very useful on this bike. Never need to use the ABS, buts that because I ride defensively, don't even know if it still works?? I like the engine braking that occurs when you ease off the throttle, in fact if you ride carefully and anticipate, you can slow down enough not to always need the brakes. This can save some brake pad wear in the long run.
Had the Regulator burn out twice, but this was caused by a loose wire shorting out both times. Stainless exhaust has rust??? don't know how. Battery went flat for no reason, turns out the under seat storage latch light was left on overnight, took the bulb out, sorted. Engine would not start after a seriously heavy rainfall, the handlebar kill switch was flooded with water. Once it was dry, sprayed the switch with water repellants but in theory it could happen again.
Normally only need to pay for petrol, but here it is a bit thirsty, £15 every 2 weeks fill up, and that's only for average commute of 135 miles a week.
Don't need no accessories really , but I have a Satnav arrangement using the 1inch ball and stem. Best features of the bike Charging point in the left luggage compartment, massive under-seat storage.
Buying experience: Bought from Honda dealer new for £5700 back in 2006
On a '64 plate. Yes I know it's a 13 year old design (doesn't feel it). Yes I know it's £7k (0% over 3 years). Yes I know it's not cutting edge fuel efficient (still high 50s/gallon). Yes I know there are better maxi scooters out now (not £2k to £3k better though). And I know we haven't got the restyled model here like on the European mainland (exactly the same underneath). But despite all that it's still what I was looking for, more so than anything else available. The Integra isn't really a scooter and loses out over the Silverwing on practicalities, otherwise I'd have gone for that instead. 7 weeks of ownership and 600 miles of commuting and I really like riding it. It does everything and it's the vehicle I find myself taking most often (I've got 4 at my disposal) so that says a lot. I'm really glad I bought it and I'd recommend one as a utility vehicle over anything else.
I was at a Honda dealer for a test ride day and after doing a Pan and Crosstourer I was waiting for a guy to come back with a Dullsville when the sales guy said why don't you have a go on the Silver Wing. After a couple of expletives and a chuckle I thought, why not I've got 15 mins to kill. two hours later I had arranged a part x on a used one and picked it up 2 days later. Absolutely fantastic is the way to describe the wing. Fast around town, holds its own on the Motorway all day super comfort, loads of storage. On a recent weekend camping trip the lot went under the seat inc. tent, bag, stove and clothes. I've upgraded the screen and fitted heated grips to give that bit of extra weather protection and comfort. Fuel economy isn't brilliant at 45mpg but I do tend to cane it a bit ! I think it's overpriced new but used ones seem reasonable. All said and done this is a fantastic bike/scooter that fits in with my needs brilliantly.
I've owned my 03 silverwing for a month now and I love it. Dunno why i waited so long to get one. It's silver, has 31,000 on the clock with fsh and I paid £1700 for it in a private sale. It's such a brilliant bike I don't know why more aren't ridden in the uk. Can the whole of Europe really be wrong? I for one dought it. The design of the bike is very modern, which I like, the front and rear light clusters could easily have been removed from Hondas latest sports bike as well as the dash. There's some really nice features aswell like the LCD dash, 12 volt power socket, parking brake and under seat light aswell as the huge storage space. The bike runs and rides perfectly, very balanced with lots of usable power and so smooth. It really handles well and is easy to ride. It inspires confidence. The linked brakes work very well too. Only usually needing a soft squeeze to hault even from speed. You really don't realise your riding a scooter. It's extremely comfortable too even for a passenger. The bike purrs around town and is up to 30mph in a few seconds. Out on the open road it's not lacking either and happily cruises between 80 - 85mph and doesn't take long to get there either. Mpg's averaging around 45mpg. I'm so glad I made the jump to the maxi scooter. Now I understand why all the Europeans ride them. I use to ride middle weight roadsters but the Silverwing with all it's extra features, practicalities and performance ensures I won't be rushing back to a standard motorcycle anytime soon, if ever. I use to think why would anyone want a big scooter, but now i would haft seriously consider why anyone would want a normal bike for everyday use. I commute 50 miles a day and have not ridden anything to date that suits me better. You get so much more with a silverwing and I'm sure if more people tried it they'd be converted too. An all round brilliant bike.
I am 6'3" and I travel a lot- I thought I would try a Silver Wing for long trips and around London. I found one with less than 2000 miles for £2500. It is great- it is quick, solid, well made and very comfortable. Plenty of luggage space, all very well thought out. For it's size and weight, it is very well behaved in town although it's length can be a problem in very slow traffic but it's powerful enough to pull away from most things, particularly the moped maniacs, at the lights. Great handling makes it good fun on the roads and you can sit at 80mph on the motorway for ever. Only complaints would be tank size which seems to start flashing at 100 miles and I've never dared do more than 130 miles (which seems to be 13 litres- I cant believe that the tank is 16 litres, and I'm not risking it) and the high screen is not quite high enough for me, so wind noise can be quite high. All in all- very happy
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Side view
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Rear view
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Front view
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Side view
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Side view
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Riding
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Riding
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Riding
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Riding
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Exhaust
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Rear view
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Front view
Honda FJS600 Silver Wing motorcycle review - Rear view
