Japanese automaker Honda brought back the Honda Silver Wing touring machine in 2001 not as a motorcycle, but as a scooter. The 2005 edition marked the nameplate’s fifth model year. Two models are available: the regular Silver Wing, and the Silver Wing ABS (the three-letter suffix denotes an addition to its braking system). Honda set the manufacturer’s suggested retail price at $7,949 for the Silver Wing and $8,449 for the Silver Wing ABS.
The engine powering the 2005 Honda Silver Wing is a fuel-injected, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel twin unit, with a displacement of 582 cubic centimeters and four intake valves on each of its two cylinders. The engine produces 50 horsepower at 7,500 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 37 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 RPM. Its bore and stroke and compression ratio are measured at 2.84 x 2.82 inches (72 x 71.5 mm) and 10.2 to 1, respectively. The engine is linked with a V-Matic™ Continuously Variable Transmission for greater fuel economy via access to an unlimited number of effective gear ratios, as well as an electric starter for convenient ignition. Each 2005 Silver Wing has a gas tank that can hold up to 4.2 gallons (15.9 liters), with a 0.9-gallon (3.4-liter) reserve.
With a larger, longer frame than the traditional scooter, the 2005 Honda Silver Wing is optimized for comfort and power. It uses a steel frame for utmost sturdiness, and it has a large vinyl seat with backrest for accommodating two occupants (the driver and a passenger). The suspension is composed of a 1.6-inch (41-mm) telescopic fork and single-sided swing arm with two shock absorbers for promoting a smooth ride. The 2005 Silver Wing uses an all-wheel disc brake system that consists of a 10.1-inch (256-mm) disc at the front; and a smaller, 9.5-inch (240-mm) disc at the back. The Silver Wing ABS gets an additional anti-lock braking system for preventing the wheels – front 14-inch and rear 13-inch aluminum ones – from locking up when braking.
A full-fairing bike – with a complete, frame-covering plastic shell – the 2005 Honda Silver Wing is available in a black or titanium finish. A center stand is in place for parking the bike, and a spoiler is placed at the back for aerodynamics. Digital instrumentation on the 2005 Silver Wing comprises a clock, tachometer, trip odometer, speedometer, and temperature and fuel level warning gauges.
For storage, the 2005 Honda Silver Wing offers under-seat and lockable compartments, a glove box underneath the digital dashboard, and a place to hang a helmet. Also beneath the dashboard is a power outlet for charging a mobile phone. A halogen headlight and a pair of side mirrors are included for enhancing the driver’s visibility.
Each 2005 Honda Silver Wing has a wheelbase of 62.8 inches (1,595.1 mm), and the seat is set at a height of 29.1 inches (739.1 mm). It has a dry weight of 500 lbs. (226.8 kilograms), but when wet the bike weighs up to 551 lbs. (250 kg).
For customers who want to mix pleasure riding with sporty performance, the 2005 Honda Silver Wing is worth a shot. This is mainly due to its considerably powerful and solid performance, great fit and finish, and the choice of getting an enhanced ABS variant.