Fuel
Always use a good quality unleaded gasoline. Octane ratings are usually found on the pump. Refer to Table 2-2.
Warning: Avoid spills. Slowly remove filler cap. Do not fill above bottom of filler neck insert, leaving air space for fuel expansion. Secure filler cap after refueling. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury.
Warning: Use care when refueling. Pressurized air in fuel tank can force gasoline to escape through filler tube. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury.
Modern service station pumps dispense a high flow of gasoline into a motorcycle fuel tank making air entrapment and pressurization a possibility.
Table 2-2. Minimum Octane Ratings
| Specification | Rating |
| Pump Octane (R+M)/2 | 87 (91 RON) |
Gasoline blends
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are designed to get the best performance and efficiency using unleaded gasoline. Most gasoline is blended with alcohol and/or ether to create oxygenated blends. The type and amount of alcohol or ether added to the fuel is important.
Notice: Do not use gasoline that contains methanol. Doing so can result in fuel system component failure, engine damage and/or equipment malfunction.
- Gasoline/METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE) blends are a mixture of gasoline and as much as 15 percent MTBE. Gasoline/MTBE blends use in your motorcycle is approved.
- ETHANOL fuel is a mixture of ethanol (grain alcohol) and unleaded gasoline and can have an impact on fuel mileage. Fuels with an ethanol content of up to 10 percent may be used in your motorcycle without affecting vehicle performance. U.S. EPA regulations currently indicate that fuels with 15 percent ethanol (E15) are restricted from use in motorcycles at the time of this publication. Some motorcycles are calibrated to operate with higher ethanol concentrations to meet the fuel standards in certain countries.
- REFORMULATED OR OXYGENATED GASOLINES (RFG) describes gasoline blends that are specifically
- designed to burn cleaner than other types of gasoline. This results in fewer tailpipe emissions. They are also formulated to evaporate less when filling the tank. Reformulated gasolines use additives to oxygenate the gas. Your motorcycle will run normally using this type of fuel. Harley-Davidson recommends using it whenever possible as an aid to cleaner air in our environment.
- Do not use racing fuel or fuel containing methanol. Use of these fuels will damage the fuel system.
- Using fuel additives other than those approved for use by Harley-Davidson may damage the engine, fuel system and other components.
- Some gasoline blends might adversely affect starting, performance or fuel efficiency. If any of these problems are experienced, try a different brand of gasoline or gasoline with a higher octane blend.
Engine lubrication
Caution: Prolonged or repeated contact with used motor oil may be harmful to skin and could cause skin cancer. Promptly wash affected areas with soap and water.
Caution: If engine oil is swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Contact a physician immediately. In case of contact with eyes, immediately flush with water. Contact a physician if irritation persists.
Notice: Do not switch lubricant brands indiscriminately because some lubricants interact chemically when mixed. Use of inferior lubricants can damage the engine.
Engine oil is a major factor in the performance and service life of the engine. Always use the proper grade of oil for the lowest temperature expected before the next scheduled oil change. Refer to Table 2-3.
This motorcycle was originally equipped with GENUINE HARLEY-DAVIDSON H-D 360 MOTORCYCLE OIL 20W50. H-D 360 is the preferred oil under normal operating conditions. If operation under extreme cold or heat are expected, refer to Table 2-3 for alternative choices.
If necessary and H-D 360 is not available, add oil certified for diesel engines. Acceptable designations include: CH-4, CI-4 and CJ-4. The preferred viscosities, in descending order are: 20W50, 15W40 and 10W40.
At the first opportunity, see an authorized dealer to change back to 100 percent Harley-Davidson oil.
Table 2-3. Recommended Engine Oils
| TYPE | VISCOSITY | RATING | LOWEST AMBIENT TEMPERATURE | COLD WEATHER STARTS BELOW 10°C (50°F) |
| Screamin' Eagle SYN3 Full Synthetic Motorcycle Lubricant | SAE 20W50 | HD 360 | Above -1°C (30°F) | Excellent |
| Genuine Harley-Davidson H-D 360 Motorcycle Oil | SAE 20W50 | HD 360 | Above 4°C (40°F) | Good |
| Genuine Harley-Davidson H-D 360 Motorcycle Oil | SAE 10W40 | HD 360 | Below 4°C (40°F) | Excellent |
Winter lubrication
Change engine oil often in colder climates. If motorcycle is frequently used for trips less than 24 km (15 mi), in ambient temperatures below 16°C (60°F), reduce oil change intervals to 2400 km (1500 mi).
Note: The further below freezing the temperature drops, the shorter the oil change interval should be.
Water vapor is a normal by-product of combustion in any engine. During cold weather operation, some water vapor condenses to liquid form on the cool metal surfaces inside the engine. In freezing weather this water will become slush or ice. Over time, accumulated slush or ice may block the oil lines and cause engine damage.
If the engine is run frequently and allowed to thoroughly warm up, most of this water will become vapor again and will be blown out through the crankcase breather.
If the engine is not run frequently and not allowed to thoroughly warm up, this water will accumulate, mix with the engine oil and form a sludge that is harmful to the engine.