WARNINGMotorcycles 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.
- Take a rider training course.
- Read owner's manual before riding, adding accessories or servicing.
- Wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing.
- Never tow a trailer.
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
WARNINGConsult 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)
- Make sure all equipment required by federal, state and local law is installed and in good operating condition.
- Know and respect the rules of the road. Read the safety information that is provided by your state or regional traffic authority.
- In the United States, read the RIDING TIPS booklet that is provided with this owner's manual. Read the MOTORCYCLE HANDBOOK which is made available by your state or regional traffic authority.
- Protect your motorcycle against theft. Lock the front fork. Remove the key when parking your motorcycle.
WARNINGDo 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.
- Before starting the engine, review the Before Riding → Pre-Ride Checklist.
WARNINGStriking 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)
WARNINGTravel 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)
- Do not exceed the legal speed limit or drive too fast for existing conditions. Always reduce speed when poor driving conditions exist. High speed increases the influence of any other condition affecting stability and increases the possibility of loss of control.
- Pay strict attention to road surfaces and wind conditions and keep both hands on the handlebar grips at all times when riding the motorcycle. Any two wheeled vehicle may be subject to upsetting forces such as wind blasts from passing trucks, holes in the pavement, rough road surfaces, rider control error, etc. These forces may influence the handling characteristics of your motorcycle. If this happens, reduce speed and guide the motorcycle with a relaxed grip to a controlled condition. Do not brake abruptly or force the handlebar. This may aggravate an unstable condition.
- New riders should gain experience under various conditions while riding at moderate speeds.
- Operate your motorcycle defensively. In an accident, a motorcycle does not afford the same protection as an automobile.
- It is the rider's responsibility to instruct passengers on proper riding procedures.
- Do not allow other individuals to operate the motorcycle unless they are experienced, licensed riders and are thoroughly familiar with the operation of the motorcycle.
WARNINGIf 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
WARNINGDo not operate vehicle with forks locked. Locking the forks restricts the vehicle's turning ability, which could result in death or serious injury. (00035a)
WARNINGRegularly 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)
WARNINGDo 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)
WARNINGDo not open storage compartments while riding. Distractions while riding can lead to loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00082a)
WARNINGWhen 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
WARNINGDo 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)
- GVWR is the sum of the weight of the motorcycle, accessories and the maximum weight of the rider, passenger and cargo that can be safely carried.
- The GVWR is shown on the information label, located on the frame steering head or the frame downtube.
- GAWR is the maximum amount of weight that can be safely carried on each end of the motorcycle.
- For GVWR and GAWR, front and rear. See Specifications → Specifications.
- Keep cargo weight concentrated close to the motorcycle and as low as possible.
- 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 specified load in each saddlebag (if equipped).
- Luggage racks (if equipped) are designed for lightweight items. Do not overload racks.
- Make sure cargo is secure. Make sure the cargo will not shift while riding and check the cargo periodically. Accessories that change the operator's riding position may increase reaction time and affect handling of the motorcycle.
- Large surfaces such as fairings, windshields, backrests and luggage racks (if equipped) can adversely affect on stability and handling.
Tires
WARNINGBe 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)
WARNINGReplace 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)
Towing and Trailering
WARNINGDo 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)
WARNINGDo not tow a disabled motorcycle. Towing can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00017a)
Never tow a trailer.
Fuel and Exhaust
WARNINGStop 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)
WARNINGAvoid 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)
- Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine off.
- Remove the fuel filler cap slowly.
- Do not fill fuel tank above the bottom of the filler neck insert. Leave air space to allow for fuel expansion.
- If fuel tank was completely drained, add at least 1 gal (3.79 L) of gas.
WARNINGAvoid 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)
WARNINGDo 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)
WARNINGEngine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. (00004f)
Brakes
WARNINGBrakes 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)
WARNINGApply 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)
WARNINGContact 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
WARNINGDOT 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)
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
WARNINGBatteries, 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)
WARNINGBatteries 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)
Hazardous Materials
CAUTIONProlonged 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
WARNINGPerform 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)
- A new motorcycle must be operated according to the special break-in procedure. See Before Riding → Break-in Riding Rules.
- Proper care and maintenance, including tire pressure, tire condition, tread depth and proper adjustment to steering head bearings are important to stability and safe operation of the motorcycle. See Service Intervals and Records → Service Records.
Parts and Accessories
WARNINGHarley-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)
- Use only Harley-Davidson approved parts and accessories. Use of certain other manufacturer's performance parts will void your new motorcycle warranty. See your Harley-Davidson dealer for details.
WARNINGUse Harley-Davidson replacement fasteners. Aftermarket fasteners can adversely affect performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00013a)
- See your Harley-Davidson service manual for proper torque values.
- Aftermarket fasteners may not have the specific property requirements to perform properly.
WARNINGSee 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)
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company cannot test and make specific recommendations concerning every accessory or combination of accessories sold. Therefore, the rider must be responsible for safe operation of the motorcycle when installing accessories or carrying additional weight.
- Additional electrical equipment may overload the electrical system possibly resulting in electrical system and/or component failure.