New rider and new (used) Silverwing owner

Hello all from Greg in Western PA,

Turned 60 last year and finally decided this year on getting my Motorcycle License. I got it a couple of weeks ago and had been looking around for what I would like to ride.
Found a 2006 Silverwing with only 1700 miles on it and it had my name all over it! Bought it yesterday and already put a 100 miles on it. Granted these were a scarry 100 miles and I sure have "MUCH" to learn about riding. I have had 1 problem with it already and I guess I have to take it to the dealer to see what is up. Maybe someone else has already encountered this problem. Sometimes it will just not start unless I rock the scooter backwards with the starter button pressed. Anyway I sure am enjoying it so far. I have some health issues but hope to trailer the Scooter to FLA, for a couple of months this winter.

Greg in PA wrote:

Turned 60 last year and finally decided this year on getting my Motorcycle License. I got it a couple of weeks ago and had been looking around for what I would like to ride. Found a 2006 Silverwing with only 1700 miles on it and it had my name all over it! Bought it yesterday and already put a 100 miles on it. Granted these were a scarry 100 miles and I sure have "MUCH" to learn about riding.

Welcome to the SWing world and forum.

I would suggest taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or Motorcycle safety course. The good news is the riding gets better and better.

Greg in PA wrote:

I have had 1 problem with
it already and I guess I have to take it to the dealer to see what is
up. Maybe someone else has already encountered this problem. Sometimes
it will just not start unless I rock the scooter backwards with the
starter button pressed. Anyway I sure am enjoying it so far. I have
some health issues but hope to trailer the Scooter to FLA, for a couple
of months this winter.

It may be that you are not holding the LEFT brake handle hard enough to start ... if you listen you should hear (as I recall) two small clicks. If you do not pull the LEFT brake handle hard enough the SWing will not start ... I am guessing your rocking is causing you to hold the LEFT brake handle harder.

I did take the Motorcycle Safety course and took the skills test to get my license. However....All my driving was in the relative safety of the local Community College parking lot. The REAL world at REAL speeds is taking some getting used to.
Thanks again and I will try holding break lever tighter when starting.

Hi from across the pond Greg. Squeeze that left brake lever real hard.

Greg,
You made a good decision and will really enjoy it. Don't forget that the Silverwing will not start if the kickstand is down. Also try pressing the starter and then pulling on the left brake. This will tell you how much you need to pull on it to get it to start. You will hear (and feel) the starter kick in when the brake is at he right spot. There have been a number of times I forgot to pull up the kickstand when I was in a rush. Enjoy and safe travels.

Welcome.
I know this is obvious thing, but also make sure that your engine kill switch is in the correct position.

Greg,

Welcome to the site and to your new Silver Wing. I'm sure you will really enjoy it as it is very comfortable and smooth. Like the others have said, make sure you pull in the brake handle, ensure your sidestand is up, and the kill switch is in the correct position. Let us know how you like it the more you ride it.

Best to you on your new adventure. I just love my Silverwing. You have to just practice and build up your skills. Don't take chances as there is a lot for your brain to just learn about the bike. Enjoy

Welcome. Even though I've been riding motorcycles for about ten years, the Silverwing still feels really "new" to me too. Wear your gear, including gloves. No matter how hot it is outside, you'll want to have a firm and predictable grip on those levers.
It gets easier and more fun.