WARNING
Motorcycles are different from other vehicles. They operate, steer, handle and brake differently. Unskilled or improper use could result in loss of control, death or serious injury.
(00556d)
WARNING
Operating a motorcycle requires physical stamina, sensory abilities, motor coordination, and mental alertness. It is the responsibility of the operator to perform a self-assessment to determine their ability to safely operate a motorcycle. Avoid operating a motorcycle:
Failure to avoid these, or other conditions that impair your judgment or ability to operate a motorcycle can lead to an accident which could result in death or serious injury. (16804a)
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Are for On-Road Use Only
This motorcycle is not equipped with a spark arrester. This motorcycle is designed to be used only on the road. Operation or off-road usage in some areas may be illegal. Obey local laws and regulations.
General
WARNING
Consult a Harley-Davidson dealer regarding any questions or problems that occur in the operation of your motorcycle. Failure to do so can aggravate an initial problem, cause costly repairs, cause an accident and could result in death or serious injury. (00020a)
WARNING
Do not add sidecar to this motorcycle. Operating motorcycle with sidecar can cause loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00590d)
Operation
Before operating your new motorcycle, it is your responsibility to read and follow the operating and maintenance instructions in this manual and follow these rules for your personal safety.
WARNING
Striking an object, such as a curb or pothole can cause internal tire damage. If an object is struck, have the tire inspected immediately inside and out by a Harley-Davidson dealer. A damaged tire can fail while riding and adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00058b)
WARNING
Travel at speeds appropriate for road and conditions and never travel faster than posted speed limit. Excessive speed can cause loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00008a)
WARNING
If Equipped: Front and/or rear guards are not intended to provide protection from bodily injury in a collision with another vehicle or any other object. (00022d)
Steering and Handling
WARNING
Do not operate vehicle with forks locked. Locking the forks restricts the vehicle's turning ability, which could result in death or serious injury. (00035a)
WARNING
Regularly inspect shock absorbers and front forks. Replace leaking, damaged or worn parts that can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00012a)
WARNING
Do not operate motorcycle with loose, worn or damaged steering or suspension systems. Contact a Harley-Davidson dealer for repairs. Loose, worn or damaged steering or suspension components can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00011a)
WARNING
Do not open storage compartments while riding. Distractions while riding can lead to loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00082a)
WARNING
When riding on wet roads, brake efficiency and traction are greatly reduced. Failure to use care when braking, accelerating or turning on wet roads can cause loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00041a)
Accessories and Cargo
WARNING
Do not exceed the motorcycle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Exceeding these weight ratings can lead to component failure and adversely affect stability, handling and performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00016f)
WARNING
Improper loading of cargo or installation of accessories can affect motorcycle stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury.
  • Keep cargo weight concentrated close to the motorcycle and as low as possible to minimize the change in the motorcycle's center of gravity.
  • Distribute weight evenly on both sides of the vehicle.
  • Do not load bulky items too far behind the rider or add weight to the handlebars or front forks.
  • Do not exceed maximum load capacity stated on the label for bags, luggage, and racks, if equipped. Combined load of luggage rack and Tour-Pak must not exceed load capacity on the label within the Tour-Pak.
  • Do not exceed the maximum load capacity stated within the media compartment, when indicated and if equipped.
  • Check that cargo is secure. The cargo cannot shift while riding. Periodically recheck load.
  • Close and lock luggage before riding or leaving the vehicle unattended.
  • Accessories that change the operator's riding position may increase reaction time and affect handling of the motorcycle.
  • Items with large surface areas, such as fairings, windshields, backrests and luggage racks (if equipped) can adversely affect stability and handling.
(14717c)
Tires
WARNING
Be sure tires are properly inflated, balanced, undamaged, and have adequate tread. Inspect your tires regularly and see a Harley-Davidson dealer for replacements. Riding with excessively worn, unbalanced, improperly inflated, overloaded or damaged tires can lead to tire failure and adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00014b)
WARNING
Replace punctured or damaged tires. In some cases, small punctures in the tread area may be repaired from within the removed tire by a Harley-Davidson dealer. Speed should NOT exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) for the first 24 hours after repair, and the repaired tire should NEVER be used over 129 km/h (80 mph). Failure to follow this warning could lead to tire failure and result in death or serious injury. (00015b)
WARNING
Do not use liquid tire balancers or sealants in aluminum wheels. Using liquid tire balancers or sealants can cause rapid corrosion of the rim surface, which could cause tire deflation. Tire deflation can cause loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00631b)
Towing and Trailering
WARNING
Do not pull a trailer with a motorcycle. Pulling a trailer can cause tire overload, damage and failure, reduced braking performance, and adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00018c)
WARNING
Do not tow a disabled motorcycle. Towing can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00017a)
Fuel and Exhaust
WARNING
Stop the engine when refueling or servicing the fuel system. Do not smoke or allow open flame or sparks near gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury. (00002a)
WARNING
Avoid spills. Slowly open fuel 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. (00028b)
WARNING
Avoid contact with exhaust system and wear protective clothing that completely covers legs while riding. Exhaust pipes and mufflers get very hot when engine is running and remain too hot to touch, even after engine is turned off. Failure to wear protective clothing could result in burns or other serious injury. (00009a)
WARNING
Do not run motorcycle in a closed garage or confined area. Inhaling motorcycle exhaust, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas, could result in death or serious injury. (00005a)
WARNING
Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. (00004f)
Brakes
WARNING
Brakes are a critical safety component. Contact a Harley-Davidson dealer for brake repair or replacement. Improperly serviced brakes can adversely affect brake performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00054a)
WARNING
Apply front and rear brakes evenly. Favoring one brake accelerates wear and reduces braking efficiency. Operation with excessively worn brakes can lead to brake failure, which could result in death or serious injury. (00135a)
WARNING
DOT 4 brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere over time, changing the properties of the fluid. Check brake fluid moisture content at every service interval or annually (whichever comes first). Flush and replace the brake fluid every two years, or sooner if moisture content is 3% or greater. Failure to flush and replace fluid can adversely affect braking, which could result in death or serious injury. (06304b)
WARNING
Contact with DOT 4 brake fluid can have serious health effects. Failure to wear proper skin and eye protection could result in death or serious injury.
  • If inhaled: Keep calm, remove to fresh air, seek medical attention.
  • If on skin: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. If irritation develops, seek medical attention.
  • If in eyes: Wash affected eyes for at least 15 minutes under running water with eye lids held open. If irritation develops, seek medical attention.
  • If swallowed: Rinse mouth and then drink plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting. Contact Poison Control. Immediate medical attention required.
  • See Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for more details available at sds.harley-davidson.com
(00240e)
To ensure the brake system is performing to design, check the moisture content of the brake fluid at every service interval or at least annually using a DOT 4 brake fluid moisture tester (part number HD-48497-A or equivalent) following the instructions included with the tool. Flush DOT 4 fluid every 2 years or sooner if the brake system fluid test shows moisture content is 3% or greater.
Harley-Davidson recommends using Harley-Davidson Platinum Label DOT 4 Brake Fluid because of its superior moisture and corrosion inhibiting properties.
Battery
WARNING
Batteries, battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, and other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. (00019e)
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which could cause severe burns to eyes and skin. Wear a protective face shield, rubberized gloves and protective clothing when working with batteries. KEEP BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN. (00063a)
NOTICE
It is possible to overload the vehicle's charging system by adding too many electrical accessories. If the combined electrical accessories operating at any one time consume more electrical current than the vehicle's charging system can produce, the electrical consumption can discharge the battery and cause damage to the vehicle's electrical system. (00211d)
WARNING
CONTAINS BUTTON OR COIN CELL BATTERY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Ingestion can result in death or serious injury. Choking, chemical burns and perforation of soft tissue may result. Severe burns can occur within 2 hours of ingestion or placement in any part of the body. Seek medical attention immediately. (13105b)
Hazardous Materials
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. (00358b)
Maintenance
WARNING
Perform the service and maintenance operations as indicated in the regular service interval table. Lack of regular maintenance at the recommended intervals can affect the safe operation of your motorcycle, which could result in death or serious injury. (00010a)
NOTICE
When lifting a motorcycle using a jack, be sure jack contacts both lower frame tubes where down tubes and lower frame tubes converge. Never lift by jacking on cross-members, oil pan, mounting brackets, components or housings. Failure to comply can cause serious damage resulting in the need to perform major repair work. (00586d)
Parts and Accessories
WARNING
Harley-Davidson parts and accessories are designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Using non-Harley-Davidson parts or accessories can adversely affect performance, stability or handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00001b)
WARNING
Use Harley-Davidson replacement fasteners. Aftermarket fasteners can adversely affect performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00013a)
WARNING
See ACCESSORIES AND CARGO section within the SAFETY FIRST section in your owner's manual. Improper cargo loading or accessory installation can cause component failure and adversely affect stability, handling and performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00021c)