Newbie In Maine

Greetings from Maine! I'm a new SW rider. A young 64 , tried a few times over the years to get my motorcycle license but just couldn't get the hang of working the clutch. Finally found a class that allowed me to take the required course on a Honda PCX 150. Rode a season (they're kind of short up here) on that one and  then moved up to a Forza 300 ABS. My goal was always to work my way up to a Silver Wing and was hoping I might eventually find a black one. To my surprise, I managed to track one down in a warehouse in California, a brand new - still in the crate - 2013 600 ABS. Needless to say I grabbed it! Had it shipped to Maine and assembled by my local dealer. So, long story short, I made the big leap from my 300 to the heavier, bigger 600 sooner than expected. I'm a little guy, 5' 3" and about 167, so some things are a challenge, like pushing it! Thankfully I can flat foot it with my thick soled riding boots. Still can't, after following countless videos and advice, manage to get it up on the center stand. Really don't like the stock wind screen, top falls right in my line of sight and I find looking through it distracting, so ordered a GIVI Airflow. Hopefully I can use it either in the lowest position or without the top section all together to solve that issue. Much more comfortable with a short one, like the Forza. I'm also going to replace the stock IRC tires with Pirelli Diablo's as they seem highly recommended for good grip on cornering. Have to admit that I was somewhat intimidated at first but am slowly but surely getting more confident!

Welcome aboard! Lucky dog finding a new one! Best I could do was 07 with 26,000 miles. Still a Swing so I know its a quality ride.

Welcome from o-HI-o, you found a great site and and new scoot to boot

Welcome Mark to the best SWing site on the net. Lots of people here reading and willing to help.

Hey, Mark, I am just up the road from you, on the I 95 , onto the airline #9 and you'd be in New Brunswick. That's a fine looking machine you got there.
Like yourself, I share the same specs, besides the bike; 5'3" and 155 lbs. I did find it a bit tall and top heavy, but with time and my second one, I am more comfortable with it.
As for heaving it up on the centerstand: practise makes perfect.
Here it goes: level ground, left hand on the bars, leave brakes alone, right hand on the grab bar. Make sure your handbrake is off. Step on the centerstand footpad. When its left foot touches the ground, push the bike gently away from you till you feel the right foot make contact. That's your cue to step right on it and bring your weight to bear. Your brakes are off, the bike just rolls backwards and the next thing you know it is on the centerstand.
If the right foot doesn't make contact it could become a dangerous situation; you are off balance and cannot get the bike up. I leave my sidestand down for safety sake, in case I slip or what. Your thick-soled riding boots give good protection and grip. Never use bedroom slippers or sneakers to do this unless you have a small square of metal footrest pad welded on.

Practice makes perfect.

Welcome to the site.

Jay.