Warning! Motorcycles are different from other vehicles. Motorcycles are based on different principles, in particular, their brakes work differently, parking is done differently. Inexperienced or incorrect operation of the motorcycle can result in loss of control, serious injury or death.
Be sure to complete a motorcycle driving course.
Before operating your motorcycle, carefully read the owner's manual, including information about accessories and service.
Wear a helmet, safety glasses and a protective suit.
Never attach a cable to a trailer when using it as a tow.
Before operating your new motorcycle, carefully read and follow all operating and maintenance instructions contained in this manual. In addition, these basic rules must be followed to ensure your personal safety.
Learn by heart and understand the rules of the road (see chapter Traffic Laws). Carefully read and follow the rules contained in the DRIVING TIPS booklet included with this owner's manual. Read the MOTORCYCLIST'S HANDBOOK published in your country and carefully familiarize yourself with its contents.
Before starting the engine, check the reliability of the brakes, clutch, gear shift, throttle, and correct fuel and oil supply.
Warning! Do not use front forks or other parts made by other manufacturers, including non-factory parts (homemade). This may adversely affect the performance and handling of the motorcycle. If parts manufactured at the Harley-Davidson factory are removed or modified, the performance and handling of the motorcycle could be adversely affected and could result in serious injury or death.
Use only parts and accessories approved for use by Harley-Davidson. Using parts from other manufacturers will void your warranty on your new motorcycle. For more information, contact your dealer.
Warning! If you need to refuel or service your motorcycle, be sure to stop the engine first. Do not smoke in places where gasoline is located; in such places it is forbidden to create sparks (electrical or otherwise), make fires, etc. - any actions that may create an open fire are prohibited. Gasoline is extremely flammable and explodes, causing serious injury or death.
Warning! If the engine is hot, do not remove the radiator cap. The cooling system is under pressure, and if the cap is removed, steam or hot coolant may escape, which can cause severe burns. Do not begin servicing the cooling system until the engine has cooled down.
When turning right or left, always look for pedestrians, other vehicles, or animals.
Do not leave parking lots and parking places without signaling about it. Before taking a seat in traffic, make sure that the path in front of you is clear. Keep to the right when driving in traffic.
Make sure that your motorcycle's license plate is installed in the legally required position and is clearly visible at all times. Keep your license plate clean.
Do not exceed the speed limit set for the type of road you are on. Be sure to take into account the condition of the road surface, depending on weather and other conditions - it can be dry, wet, covered with ice or an oil film.
When driving, be sure to take into account the presence of gravel scattered along the road or the presence of individual piles of gravel.
Weather and road conditions determine the speed you and other drivers driving vehicles around you must adhere to.
Warning! Motorcycle stand if it is in the full front (down position), is fixed as soon as the weight of the motorcycle begins to act on it. If the stand is in a different position (not completely in front (down position)), when the weight of the motorcycle begins to bear on it, the motorcycle may fall and cause serious injury. A motorcycle crash can even lead to death.
Warning! Make sure the stand is completely retracted before riding the motorcycle. If the stand is not fully retracted, it may come into contact with the road surface and cause loss of control of the motorcycle, which could result in serious injury or death.
For a new motorcycle, a special driving procedure must be used during the engine break-in phase. See OPERATION section, Rules for driving new motorcycles during the engine break-in phase: VRSC motorcycle models
Driving a motorcycle must not only be done at moderate speeds and on open roads, but you must also thoroughly know the driving techniques and characteristics of the motorcycle under all operating conditions.
Note. We recommend that you undergo training and driving training in accordance with the training program on the correct methods of driving a motorcycle. In the USA, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (Motorcycle Safety Foundation®) offers training programs for both beginners and experienced drivers.
Warning! Drive at a speed appropriate to the road surface and driving conditions. Never exceed the posted speed limit. If you exceed the speed limit, you may lose control, which could result in serious injury or death.
Do not exceed the official speed limit or ride your motorcycle at a speed that is too high for the current conditions. In poor driving conditions, always reduce your speed. At high speeds, the influence of all other conditions on the stability of the motorcycle increases, and the likelihood of loss of control increases.
Pay great attention to the condition of the road surface and wind speed. Any two-wheeled vehicle is subject to rollover forces caused by wind loads from passing trucks, potholes, uneven road surfaces, driver control errors, etc. If this occurs, reduce your speed and drive the motorcycle in a relaxed manner while being aware of your surroundings. situation. Do not brake sharply or lift the motorcycle by the handlebars. This may cause the motorcycle to become unstable.
Make sure that the load's center of gravity is as close to the motorcycle as possible and will displace the motorcycle's center of gravity as little as possible.
Distribute the load evenly on both sides of the motorcycle, do not place heavy objects far behind the motorcycle rider, or hang the load on the handlebars or front forks. Do not exceed the maximum load capacity stated in the motorcycle specification for each saddlebag.
Note. Inexperienced riders must first learn to ride a motorcycle in a variety of conditions at moderate speeds.
Drive your motorcycle safely. Remember that in the event of an accident (Road accident) A motorcycle does not provide the same degree of protection as a car. One of the most common accidents occurs when the driver of another vehicle does not see or does not notice a motorcyclist in time and turns towards him. Operate the motorcycle only with the headlight on.
Be sure to wear a certified helmet, protective suit, and boots specifically designed for driving a motorcycle. When driving on the highway, white or other light colors are the most noticeable, especially at night. Do not wear loose clothing that flutters in the wind, as well as scarves or mufflers.
Warning! Avoid contact with exhaust fumes and wear a protective suit that completely covers your legs when driving. Exhaust pipes and mufflers become very hot when the engine is running; they remain hot for a long time even after the engine is turned off. Failure to wear protective clothing may result in burns or other serious injury.
When transporting passengers, you are responsible for instructing them on how to behave in various situations that may arise while driving. (Refer to the Riding Tips booklet included with your Harley-Davidson motorcycle).
Under no circumstances should you allow others to operate your motorcycle unless you are confident that they are experienced, licensed drivers and are fully familiar with the operation of your model of motorcycle.
Protect your motorcycle from thieves. After parking the motorcycle, lock the steering head and remove the ignition key from the switch. Turn on the alarm (if it is installed).
Safe motorcycle riding requires a quick response to an emergency combined with a safe motorcycle driving style. Do not drive a motorcycle if you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs - this is dangerous both for you personally and for others.
If a motorcycle is equipped with a sound system, the sound level must be set so that it does not distract the driver's attention before the motorcycle is driven.
The motorcycle must only be operated under the permitted operating conditions described in Table 29.
Of particular importance for the stability of the motorcycle are: tire pressure, the condition of the tire surface, and the correct adjustment of the wheel bearings and steering head.
Warning! Do not start the motorcycle engine if the forks are blocked. If the forks are locked, the motorcycle's wheels cannot rotate, and starting the engine in this condition could result in serious injury or death.
Warning! Perform preventive maintenance and service regularly (see table). If servicing is not performed regularly, operating safety may be impaired which could result in serious injury or death.
Warning! Do not operate the motorcycle if its steering is faulty, poorly adjusted, or its parts are worn or poorly tightened, or if you suspect this is the case. See your Harley-Davidson dealer for repairs. Poorly tightened, worn or faulty steering parts can reduce the stability of the motorcycle and negatively affect its handling; This could result in serious injury or death.
Warning! Inspect and test your shock absorbers and front fork regularly. Replace leaking, faulty or worn parts that may reduce the stability of the motorcycle and adversely affect its handling; This could result in serious injury or death.
Warning! Use replacement fasteners manufactured by Harley-Davidson. Third-party fasteners may degrade motorcycle performance; This could result in serious injury or death.
Refer to the Harley-Davidson Service Manual for torque values for fasteners.
Fasteners from other manufacturers may not meet your specific requirements.
Warning! Make sure that the tire pressure is correct, that they are balanced and that their surface is in good condition. Check tire pressure regularly and see your Harley-Davidson dealer if replacement is necessary. When driving a motorcycle with heavily worn, unbalanced tires (or if the pressure in them is not enough), its stability may decrease and controllability may deteriorate; This could result in serious injury or death.
in Warning! If a tire is punctured or has mechanical damage, it must be replaced. In some cases, if there are minor punctures in the area of the tire in contact with the road surface, it can be repaired at a Harley-Davidson dealer service center where it will be removed. During the first 24 hours after tire repair, driving speed MUST NOT exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). If the tire is repaired, you should NEVER drive faster than 80 mph (130 km/h). Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury or death.
Warning! Do not exceed motorcycle load rating GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or the rated permissible load on a motorcycle wheel axle GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). If these rated weights are exceeded, the motorcycle's stability and handling may be impaired. This, in turn, can result in severe injury or death.
GVWR is the sum of the weight of the motorcycle (with accessories) with the maximum total weight of the driver, passenger and transported cargo, which still ensures traffic safety.
GAWR is the maximum weight that can be carried on the axle of each motorcycle wheel.
GVWR and GAWR are shown on the information plate; this plate is located on the motorcycle frame below the pipe.
Warning! Do not tow a broken motorcycle. Towing can adversely affect the stability and handling of the motorcycle. This, in turn, can result in severe injury or death.
Warning! Do not tow a trailer with a motorcycle. When towing a trailer, the load on the tires may be excessive and the brake performance, stability and controllability of the motorcycle will deteriorate. This could result in serious injury or death.
Warning! If DOT 4 brake fluid gets into your eyes, it may cause eye irritation. Avoid getting hydraulic brake fluid in your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes with plenty of water and consult a doctor. If swallowed, DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid may cause gastrointestinal distress. If you swallow brake fluid, consult a doctor. Work with hydraulic brake fluid should only be carried out in well-ventilated areas. KEEP HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
Warning! Batteries, poles and battery terminals (and their accessories) contain lead and lead compounds and other chemicals known to the State of California to cause carcinogens and birth defects. After working with them, be sure to wash your hands.
Warning! If you have any questions or problems with your motorcycle, consult your Harley-Davidson dealer. If this is ignored, the problem may later lead to the need for expensive repairs, or to an accident, serious injury or death.
Ensure that all equipment required by federal and local regulations is installed and in working order.
Warning! If the ABS light stays on, it means the ABS is not working. The standard braking system is functional, but the wheels may lock (become motionless). For ABS repair, take it to your Harley-Davidson dealer for service. If even one wheel is locked, the motorcycle may lose control, which could result in serious injury or death.
Warning! ABS cannot prevent the rear wheel from locking due to engine braking being applied. ABS should not be used when cornering or on uneven or loose roads. If even one wheel is locked, the motorcycle may lose control, which could result in serious injury or death.