Before operating your new Buell, it is your responsibility to read and follow operating and maintenance instructions in this manual. Follow these basic rules for your personal safety.
Know and respect the rules of the road. See Safety First → Rules of the Road: Buell Models. Read and observe the RIDING TIPS booklet that comes with this Owner's Manual. You should also read and know the contents of the MOTORCYCLE HANDBOOK for your state.
Before starting engine, check for proper operation of brake, clutch, shifter and throttle controls. Inspect fuel and oil supply.
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 Buell approved parts and accessories. Use of certain "race only" or other manufacturer's performance parts will void your new motorcycle warranty. See a Buell dealer for details.
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)
WARNINGUse care when refueling. Pressurized air in fuel tank can force gasoline to escape through filler tube. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury. (00029a)
CAUTIONCooling fans operate automatically, even when the ignition switch is off. Keep hands away from fan blades. Contact with a rotating fan blade can result in minor or moderate injury. (00093a)
WARNINGEngine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. (00004f)
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)
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)
See Operation → Break-in Riding Rules. A new motorcycle must be operated according to the break-in procedure.
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.
NOTE
We recommend that you obtain information and formal training in the correct motorcycle riding technique. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® offers beginning and experienced 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)
Know your limits as a rider. Do not exceed the legal speed limit or drive too fast for existing conditions. Always reduce speed when poor driving conditions exist and/or you feel the driving situation is uncomfortable. High speed increases the influence of any other condition affecting stability and increases the possibility of loss of control.
If you are a novice rider, do not carry a passenger until you have experienced at least two riding seasons, your motorcycle will handle different when carrying a passenger.
Pay strict attention to road surfaces and wind conditions. Your motorcycle may be subject to the following upsetting forces:
- Wind blasts from passing trucks.
- Holes in the pavement.
- Strips of tar used to seal cracked 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.
NOTE
New riders should gain experience under various conditions while riding 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 oncoming motorcyclist. Riding with headlamp high beam switch on during daylight hours will increase your chances of visibility.
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.
Do not allow others under any circumstances to operate your motorcycle unless you know they are experienced, licensed riders and are 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.
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.
See MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION section. Maintain your motorcycle in proper operating condition in accordance with the Maintenance Intervals chart in this Owner's Manual. Particularly important to motorcycle stability is proper tire inflation pressure, tread condition and proper inspection of wheel bearings and steering head bearings.
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 Buell 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. (00113a)
Be sure all equipment required by federal, state or local law is installed and in good operating condition.
WARNINGUse Buell replacement fasteners. Aftermarket fasteners can adversely affect performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00116a)
See a Buell service manual for proper torque values.
Aftermarket fasteners may not have the specific property requirements to perform properly.
WARNINGDo not tow a disabled motorcycle. Towing can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00017a)
WARNINGMatch tires, tubes, air valves and caps to the correct wheel rim. Contact a Buell dealer. Mismatching can result in damage to the tire bead, allow tire slippage on the rim or cause tire failure, which could result in death or serious injury. (00162a)
WARNINGBe sure tires are properly inflated, balanced and have adequate tread. Inspect your tires regularly and see a Buell dealer for replacements. Riding with excessively worn, unbalanced or under-inflated tires can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00114a)
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.
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, located on the frame steering head.
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)
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)
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)
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)
WARNINGObserve warnings on labels of brake and battery fluids and cleaning compounds. Failure to follow warnings could result in death or serious injury. (00131a)
WARNINGConsult a Buell 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. (00115a)