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.

Take a rider training course.

Read all the owner's manual before riding, adding accessories or servicing.

Wear an approved helmet, clothing and foot gear suited for motorcycle riding. Bright or light colors are best for greater visibility in traffic, especially at night. Avoid loose, flowing garments and scarves.

Never tow a trailer.

Before starting the engine, review the Before Riding → Pre-Ride Checklist.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See your Harley-Davidson service manual for proper torque values.

Aftermarket fasteners may not have the specific property requirements to perform properly.

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.