Before operating your new motorcycle it is your responsibility to read and follow the operating and maintenance instructions in this manual, and follow these basic rules for your personal safety.
- Know and respect the rules of the road (see RULES OF THE ROAD section). Carefully read and observe the rules contained in the RIDING TIPS booklet accompanying this Owner's Manual. Read and familiarize yourself with the contents of the MOTORCYCLE HANDBOOK for your state.
- Before starting engine, check for proper operation of brake, clutch, shifter, throttle controls, correct fuel and oil supply.
- 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.
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)
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)
When refueling your motorcycle, the following rules should be observed.
- Refuel in a well ventilated area with the engine turned off.
- Remove fuel filler cap slowly.
- Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks when refueling or servicing the fuel system.
- Always close the fuel supply valve when the engine is not running. This prevents flooding of the carburetor and the surrounding area with gasoline.
- Do not fill fuel tank above the bottom of the filler neck insert.
- Leave air space to allow for fuel expansion.
- A new motorcycle must be operated according to the special break-in procedure. See Operation → Break-in Riding Rules.
- Operate motorcycle only at moderate speed and out of traffic until you have become thoroughly familiar with its operation and handling characteristics under all conditions.
WARNINGDo not store motorcycle with gasoline in tank within the home or garage where open flames, pilot lights, sparks or electric motors are present. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury. (00003a)
WARNINGEngine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. (00004f)
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)
WARNINGThe jiffy stand locks when placed in the full forward (down) position with vehicle weight on it. If the jiffy stand is not in the full forward (down) position with vehicle weight on it, the vehicle can fall over which could result in death or serious injury. (00006a)
WARNINGBe sure jiffy stand is fully retracted before riding. If jiffy stand is not fully retracted, it can contact the road surface causing a loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00007a)
NOTE
We recommend that you obtain information and formal training in the correct motorcycle riding technique. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® offers beginning and advanced rider safety courses. Call (949)727-3227 for information.
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. 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.
- 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 and 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.
NOTE
New riders should gain experience under various conditions while driving at moderate speeds.
- Operate your motorcycle defensively. Remember, a motorcycle does not afford the same protection as an automobile in an accident. One of the most common accident situations occurs when the driver of the other vehicle fails to see or recognize a motorcycle and turns left into the on-coming motorcyclist. Operate only with headlamp on.
- 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.
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)
- When carrying passengers, it is your responsibility to instruct them on proper riding procedures. (See Riding Tips for Motorcyclist included in your Harley-Davidson Owner's Kit.)
- Do not allow other individuals, under any circumstances, to operate your motorcycle unless you know they are experienced, licensed riders and are thoroughly familiar with the operation of your particular motorcycle.
- Protect your motorcycle against theft. After parking your motorcycle, lock the steering head and remove ignition key from switch. Set security alarm if present.
- Safe motorcycle operation requires alert mental judgment combined with a defensive driving attitude. Do not allow fatigue, alcohol or drugs to endanger your safety or that of others.
- Vehicles equipped with a sound system should have the volume adjusted to a nondistracting level before operating vehicle.
- Maintain your motorcycle in proper operating condition in accordance with Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2006 Sportster Models. Particularly important to motorcycle stability is proper tire inflation pressure, tread condition, and proper adjustment of wheel bearings and steering head bearings.
- See a Harley-Davidson service manual for proper torque values.
- Aftermarket fasteners may not have the specific property requirements to perform properly.
- 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.
- GAWR is the maximum amount of weight that can be safely carried on each axle.
- The GVWR and GAWR are shown on the information plate which is located on the frame down tube.
- Be sure all equipment required by federal, state and local law is installed and in good operating condition.
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)
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)
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)
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)
WARNINGUse Harley-Davidson replacement fasteners. Aftermarket fasteners can adversely affect performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00013a)
NOTICE
883cc and 1200cc Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a plugged carburetor overflow fitting. The fuel supply valve on the vehicle should be turned off when the vehicle is not operating. Failure to do so may result in fuel drainage into the engine, dilution of the engine oil and engine damage. (00146b)
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)
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)
WARNINGDo not tow a disabled motorcycle. Towing can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00017a)
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)
CAUTIONDirect contact of DOT 5 brake fluid with eyes can cause eye irritation, swelling, and redness. Avoid eye contact. In case of eye contact flush with large amounts of water and get medical attention. Swallowing large amounts of DOT 5 brake fluid can cause digestive discomfort. If swallowed, obtain medical attention. Use in well ventilated area. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. (00144b)
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)
WARNINGWheel weights on wheels without spokes contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. (00356d)
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)
NOTICE
California vehicles, equipped with Evaporative Emission controls, have a plugged carburetor overflow fitting. The fuel supply valve on the vehicle should be turned off when the vehicle is not operating. Failure to do so may result in fuel drainage into the engine, dilution of the engine oil and engine damage. (00145a)