WELCOME We thank you for your purchase, your new motorcycle is designed and manufactured to be among the finest in the American V-twin industry. We have prepared a simple and understandable guide for your motorcycle's care and operation and recommend that you follow the instructions carefully for maximum performance, vehicle safety, and enhanced personal motorcycling pleasure.
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NOTES, WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS The NOTES, WARNINGS, and CAUTIONS throughout this manual should be read completely and fully understood before you begin your first experience on your new motorcycle. Your safety and the safety of your passenger are the most important thing to consider when riding this motorcycle. Remember that you must do your part to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome..................................3 Notes, Cautions, and Warnings..........................4 “You and Your Motorcycle” - Riding Tips from the Motorcycle Safety Council ............7 Forward................................7 Introduction ..............................7 The Rider – What to wear When You Ride ....................8 You and Your Legal Responsibilities......................9 Know Your Motorcycle..........................10 The Highway, Byway, Street and Alley .......................13 Handling Special Situations.........................15 Equipment Failures............................17...
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Break-in Procedures ..............................45 First 50 Miles ...............................45 Next 500 Miles .............................45 First 1,000 Miles ............................45 Next 1,000 Miles ............................45 2,500 + Miles ...............................45 Operation ..................................46 Shifting Gears ..............................46 Downshifting ..............................46 Shifting While Turning ..........................46 Braking and Stopping ...............................47 Stopping the Engine ..............................47 Fuel Requirements ..............................48 Service &...
You and Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips FORWARD The publication “You and Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips” has been reprinted in it is entirety and included as a complete chapter in this owners manual with the express written permission of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). This chapter or materials in this chapter may not be reproduced, for resale or otherwise, without the express written permission of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
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What to Wear When You Ride Proper gear is essential to safe riding. Wearing the right clothing always makes the sport more enjoyable, and more comfortable, too. Helmet Around the block or around the world, it makes sense to leave home with a helmet on your head. IT’S ONE OF THE BEST ITEMS OF PROTECTION YOU CAN USE.
Gloves Always wear gloves. Even on a hot day. The car in front of you may throw up a stone that hits your fingers. Ouch! Also, bare hands are not designed to withstand abrasion or accidental contact with a hot motorcycle part. Boots Over-the-ankle boots, please.
KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE To be a safe rider, get to know your motorcycle extremely well. It’s very different from a car and makes more demands on the operator. The motorcycle goes and turns and stops smoothly according to your degree of skill and knowledge.
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Always apply both the front and the rear brakes at the same time. If necessary, apply them hard, but not so hard that you lock up either wheel. A locked wheel, as well as causing the bike to skid, results in downright inefficient braking. The time to take your left foot off the peg and put it on the ground is just as the bike comes to a complete stop.
Maintenance There’s not much to maintain on a day-to-day basis on most modern motorcycles, but do what you can do, including your pre-ride checks. Your bike has a regular service schedule listed in the owner’s manual. Unless you are an accomplished mechanic, we recommend that these services are done by an authorized dealer.
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HIGHWAY, BYWAY, STREET AND ALLEY This is what it all comes down to: you and the road. There are millions and millions of miles of roads in this country, from one-lane dirt to 12-lane highway. When you ride, the surface conditions, traffic, and weather can be changing. You have to be constantly aware of a lot of things.
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Look ahead. Look to the side. Look in your mirrors. Look over your shoulders. Keep looking! Anticipate the oncoming, left-turning driver, the reckless fool coming up behind you, the car poking its nose out of the driveway, the guy beside and a little behind you who’s moving across the lane divider.
Use your own headlight and those of other traffic to keep an eye on the road surface. It is more difficult at night to see the patch of sand or something that fell out of a pickup. The distance between you and the vehicle in front becomes even more important at night. Give yourself room to react. Wear a clear face shield without scratches.
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those tires to have traction. At higher speeds, when traction is good and the rear wheel skids when braking hard, do not release the rear brake. If your back end is skidding sideways because the tire is on a slick spot and simply spinning, ease off on the throttle. A spinning wheel provides no more control than a locked wheel.
Wind Strong winds can create problems for a motorcyclist. A constant 25-mph wind from the side can make for less-than- happy riding. Gusty wind is the worst. You might have to lean a bit into the wind to maintain your position. Keep the motorcycle on the side of the lane that the wind is coming from.
GROUP RIDING & PASSENGERS As we said earlier, motorcycling is a sociable sport, so chances are very good you’ll soon be riding with friends on their motorcycles, and have others who want to be passengers. As with any sport, it’s nice if the participants all have a general idea of what to do. Riding in a Group It is useful if, before taking off on a group ride, you get two or three hand signals organized amongst the participants: “let’s stop;...
LOADING THE MOTORCYCLE Whether it is a carton of milk from the convenience store, or camping gear for a three-week trip, you will end up carrying more than people on your motorcycle. All loads should be tied to the machine. Do not balance a bag of groceries between your legs for a short ride home. Strap it to the back seat with bungee cords or an elasticized cargo net.
Motorcycle Skill Test Practice Guide Introduction This chapter describes several exercises that you can practice by yourself or with a friend. The exercises will help you develop the skills you need to pass the motorcycle skill test and receive your license. *The proper execution of these exercises will also help prepare you for various traffic situations.
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What to Bring Bring six small objects that you can use as markers. Milk cartons or plastic bottles with a little water or sand in the bottom work well. Do not leave them at the practice area when you leave. If you cannot find any small objects, bring some chalk to draw markers on the pavement.
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2. Sit straight on seat and do not turn handlebars, look straight ahead. NOTE: if the rear wheel inadvertently locks, keep steering the motorcycle straight. 3. Close the throttle before braking. Squeeze the front brake with all four fingers. Avoid pulling back on the throttle when applying pressure to the front brake.
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3. Slow more before the turn. Look where you want to go. Apply more pressure on the inside handlebar to lean more. Exercise 5 - Normal Turns Practicing this exercise will help you further refine your turning skills. Directions Start, facing marker 1 at a distance sufficient enough to increase speed to 15-20 mph. At point “A,” reduce speed, using both brakes.
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3. Keep eyes up and look through the turn, keep just enough momentum after braking to carry you through the turn. 4. Slow adequately with both brakes before turning. Exercise 6B - Sharp Turns From a Stop Practicing this exercise properly will help you make sharp turns from a stop such as exiting a parking lot or turning into a narrow street.
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Directions Ride to the outside of line “A,” upshifting to second gear. As you reach marker 1, turn in the curved path indicated by markers 2, 3, and 4. Once you enter the curved path, gradually apply both brakes and downshift. Do not release the clutch.
FAMILIARIZATION – MAJOR COMPONENTS KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE Make sure you are familiar with your motorcycle before riding it on the street. Find out where everything is, particularly the turn signals, horn, headlight switch, gasoline supply valve and engine stop switch. Make sure you can find and operate them without having to look at them.
FRAME DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION The frame is one of the most important components on a motorcycle. The frame must be designed strong enough and built rigid enough to: • Manage the power and torque created by the power train and maintain its alignment during the full range of acceleration/deceleration.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM The suspension system (both front and rear) is the fundamental ingredient in determining the handling capability of a motorcycle. The suspension system is responsible for keeping the wheels on the ground and absorbing the shock as the motorcycle passes over uneven surfaces in the road. Both the front suspension (telescoping front forks) and the rear suspension (rear swing arm and shock absorbers) operate by compressing and extending as the motorcycle passes over a bump, absorbing the shock of the bump to keep the motorcycle stable.
POWERTRAIN The powertrain of your motorcycle consists of four components: • V-Twin, air-cooled, four-stroke Engine • Belt or Chain driven Primary Drive • 5-speed or 6-Speed transmission • Belt or Chain driven Final Drive The engine is powered by two large cylinders and combustion chambers that are capable of developing incredible power for a V-Twin four-stroke engine.
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Various size gears in the transmission provide a wide range of rear wheel speeds, while permitting the engine to operate within its range of normal operating speeds. Smaller gears provide more torque while larger gears provide more speed. This pairing of different size gears is called "gear ratio” (refer to “model specifications” for actual ratios). The power from the engine to the transmission is engaged and disengaged by the clutch.
BRAKING SYSTEM The brake system is a hydraulic disc type. The front brakes are controlled by the driver’s right-side hand lever and the rear brake is controlled by the driver’s right-side foot pedal. The front and rear braking systems run independent of one another and each has its own master cylinder and fluid reservoir.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Your motorcycle was designed and built according to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Modification of the motorcycle's electrical system will result in termination of your motorcycle's warranty. WARNING REMOVING OR ALTERING FACTORY INSTALLED STANDARD PARTS MAY AFFECT PERFORMANCE AND CAUSE INJURY.
NOTE: The carburetor is a precise metering device and should only be serviced by a qualified technician. See your Authorized Dealer or Service Center for assistance. CONTROLS AND OPERATIONS IGNITION - LIGHT KEY SWITCH The ignition switch is located below seat, left-hand side of motorcycle and has two operative positions as wired from the factory.
DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER Various indicator lights are provided on the instrument control panel centered on the motorcycle’s handlebars: • The neutral gear indicator light means that the vehicle's transmission is in the neutral position. • The Red Line / Shift Indicator is a function of the Tachometer and indicates the maximum suggested shift point for the engine.
SPEEDOMETER The speedometer provides a continuous digital reading of the motorcycle's forward speed. The odometer indicates total miles traveled by the motorcycle since leaving the factory. WARNING NEVER TRAVEL AT A SPEED FASTER THAN THE LEGAL SPEED LIMIT. EXCESSIVE SPEED IS NOT ONLY ILLEGAL, BUT IS UNSAFE AND COULD CAUSE POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL AND SERIOUS INJURY.
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9. Once the speedometer is reading correct release the function switch. The new calibration will be saved if no adjustments are made for 7-10 seconds Function Switch The function switch is used for calibration and to read out the odometer mileage. Pressing and holding the function switch while the gauge is running will display the odometer mileage as follows: “odo”...
TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS Your motorcycle is equipped with front and rear, left and right side, D.O.T.–approved, self-canceling turn signals. These turn signals are operated by turn signal switches located on the handlebar controls. The left side turn signal switch operates both the front and rear left side turn signal lights. The right side turn signal switch operates both the front and rear right side turn signal lights.
HEADLAMP HI/LO SWITCH The headlight switch is located on the left handlebar and controls the headlight high and low beams. The high beam indicator light on the instrument panel remains lit when the high beam is activated. To activate the low beam, make sure you press the hi/lo switch in the downward position.
If the engine fails to start the first time, repeat this procedure. The starter will deactivate when the switch is released. Check that the green light is on. ENGINE STOP SWITCH The engine OFF/ RUN switch is located on the right handlebar. Placing the switch in the RUN position allows the engine to start and run.
THROTTLE CONTROL GRIP The throttle control grip is on the right handlebar control. Turn the engine throttle control grip counterclockwise (towards the driver) to increase engine speed. Turn the engine throttle control grip clockwise (away from driver) to reduce engine speed. FUEL SUPPLY VALVE The fuel supply valve is a high performance, high flow petcock located under the fuel tank on the left side of the engine.
FUEL ENRICHENER CONTROLS For S&S Motors the fuel enrichener lever is located on the air cleaner backing plate, which is located underneath the right side of the fuel tank. For TP motors the fuel enrichener knob is located just above the coil. Pull up/out on the fuel enrichener lever to place it in the ON position for cold engine starts.
BRAKE LIGHT The motorcycle's brake light is not usually as noticeable as the brake lights on a car, particularly if the taillight is also on (it goes on with the headlight). You can help others notice you by tapping the brake pedal to flash the brake light before slowing down.
GEAR SHIFT LEVER The gear shift lever is located on the left side where it may be conveniently operated by the left foot. Moving the foot lever all the way down (full stroke) shifts the transmission into the next lower gear. Moving the foot lever all the way up (full stroke) shifts the transmission into the next higher gear.
Using rear viewing mirrors is an excellent habit to develop. Always check the positioning of your mirrors before starting off on a ride. Always use the "Over the Shoulder" check method to check blind spots not visible through mirrors. Checking your mirrors is not enough. Motorcycles have blind spots just as other vehicles do. When changing lanes, make sure to turn your head and look over your shoulder at traffic behind you.
STARTING YOUR MOTORCYCLE The following starting procedures are general guidelines for starting your motorcycle. COLD STARTING Cold starts occur when the engine has not been running for a significant period of time and the engine temperature is approximately the same as the ambient (outside) temperature. Follow the instructions below to start a cold engine: 1.
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Engine Break-in Period Qualified factory technicians prepare your motorcycle to be ridden upon delivery. Besides initiating the critical engine break-in period, a check of proper systems operations has been performed and any observed deficiencies corrected. However, to prolong the life of the engine and other components, it is required that you complete the critical engine break-in period and follow the break-in guidelines below.
OPERATION SHIFTING GEARS There is more to shifting gears than simply getting the motorcycle to accelerate smoothly. Accidents can occur if the gears are used incorrectly when you downshift, turn or start on hills. With the motorcycle standing (engine off), proceed as follows to get underway: 1.
BRAKING AND STOPPING Proper braking technique is a critical skill when riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles have two braking systems and both of them are needed to stop effectively. The front brake is the more powerful of the two. It provides about three- quarters of your stopping power.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS It is recommended that only premium unleaded fuel be used in your motorcycle. Use a good quality premium unleaded gasoline (at least 91 octane). Octane rating is required to be posted at the fuel dispenser (“pump”). The following guidelines should be followed for all fueling stops. 1.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE You have purchased a high performance, heavyweight V-Twin motorcycle. Like any other high performance vehicle, your motorcycle requires more frequent care, attention, adjustment, service, and maintenance than a typical passenger vehicle. With a passenger vehicle, you can usually wait until something goes wrong and then fix it. When something goes wrong with the motorcycle, it may cause an accident.
TRANSMISSION OIL CHECK Inspect the transmission oil level at the interval listed in the Maintenance Checklists. If the bike has just been run, allow it to cool down, then check the transmission oil. When checking the transmission oil level, do not allow any dirt or foreign matter to enter the case opening.
10. Remove the oil drain pan from underneath the transmission and properly dispose of the oil. 11. Ride the motorcycle until the transmission oil reaches normal operating temperature, and then shut the engine off. 12. Check the transmission oil level as described in this section and readjust the level, if necessary. ENGINE OIL CHECK Inspect the engine oil every time you get ready to ride your motorcycle using the following procedures: 1.
NOTE: BEFORE REMOVING THE OIL TANK CAP, THOROUGHLY CLEAN OFF AL/ DIRT AND OIL AROUND IT. 3. Place a drain pan beside the bike, then remove the oil tank drain plug, if so equipped, or disconnect drain hose. Use funnel and drain the oil into the pan. 4.
Front Brakes The brake fluid level in the front brake reservoir may be checked by parking the motorcycle on the kickstand and turning the handlebars to the left until the brake fluid reservoir is level. Follow the instructions below for filling the brake fluid: 1.
Tire Inflation Pressure Original equipment tires should be maintained at the following pressures (measured when the tire is cold, not immediately following road use): Solo Front: 32 p.s.i. Rear: 35 p.s.i. Solo plus one passenger* Front: 32 p.s.i. Rear: 40 p.s.i. *on properly equipped models Tire Condition In addition to tire inflation pressure, the general condition of your motorcycle’s tires is very important to continuously...
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SPARK PLUGS / IGNITION SYSTEM Spark plugs should be inspected and the gap measured (and adjusted if required) at every recommended inspection and maintenance interval. Spark plugs should be replaced at a minimum of every 12,000 miles (more frequently for optimal performance.) When replacing your motorcycle’s spark plugs: •...
BATTERY The battery is located underneath the seat of your motorcycle. The care given to a battery, rather than the time and miles of service is most important in determining its life. The maintenance-free, sealed battery, does not require the addition of distilled water. If there is a problem with your battery, contact the battery manufacturer for assistance.
WARRANTY AND REGULATIONS INFORMATION YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS The California Air Resources Board and American Hotrod Manufacturing, LLC are pleased to explain the emission control system warranty on your motorcycle. In California new motor vehicles must be designed, built, and equipped to meet the State's stringent anti-smog standards.
AMERICAN HOTROD MANUFACTURING, LLC LIMITED WARRANTY ON EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM American Hotrod Manufacturing, LLC warrants that each motorcycle it manufactures includes as standard equipment a headlight, taillight and stoplight and is street legal: A. is designed, built and equipped so as to conform at the time of initial retail purchase with all applicable regulations of the Untied States Environmental Protection Agency, and the California Air Resources Board;...
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c. Any motorcycle on which the odometer mileage has been changed so that actual mileage cannot be readily determined. 3. LIMITED LIABILITY The liability of American Hotrod Manufacturing, LLC under this Emission Control System Warranty is limited solely to the remedying of defects in material or workmanship by an authorized dealer at its place of business during customary business hours.
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NOISE CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY The following Warranty applies to the noise control system and is in addition to the LIMITED WARRANTY, and EMMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY. American Hotrod Manufacturing, LLC warrants to the first owner and each subsequent owner that this motorcycle is designed and built so as to conform at the time of sale with applicable regulations of the U.S.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Hotrod Manufacturing, LLC. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
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ESA is administrated by Xynamix of Peoria, AZ and underwritten by Marathon Insurance Company. Warranty Restrictions: 1. Vengeance motorcycles are sold to you as-is cosmetically. Customers are required to visually inspect the finish of their motorcycle at the time of purchase. Road-hazard damage, environmental damage (sun fading, rust, oxidation etc.), scratches, wear and tear, chrome bluing or other visual defects are not warranted.
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COVERED COMPONENTS Your motorcycle is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship as described below. A defect is defined as the failure of an original part, or of a replacement part of the same quality, to work or wear as it was designed, in normal use, when properly operated and maintained.
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PARTS AND LABOR NOT COVERED Only the Covered Components detailed above are warranted. Among items not covered are the following: • Battery; cables; primary and final drive belts; brake friction material; bulbs, exhaust system; • Exhaust and muffler cosmetics. There is no warranty on exhaust pipes and mufflers with regard to any discoloration.
ENGINE SERVICE INTERVALS AND SPECIFICATIONS WARNING RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVAL MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS ARE CRITICAL TO OPERATOR SAFETY AND A PROPERLY PERFORMING MOTORCYCLE. ASSURE THAT THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMING THESE SERVICES IS PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED, EXPERIENCED AND QUALIFIED TO PROPERLY PERFORM THESE PROCEDURES. THE FIRST RECOMMENDED COMPLETE, PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE MUST BE PERFORMED AT 500 MILES.
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500-MILE MAINTENANCE NOTE: The 500-mile maintenance service is MANDATORY and must be performed by an authorized American Hotrod Motorcycles Dealer or Service Center. Failure to submit this service record within 21 days of the service will limit your warranty to 90 days from the original date of purchase.
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2,500-MILE MAINTENANCE NOTE: Proof of the 2,500-mile maintenance service is required to keep your warranty in effect EHICLE DENTIFICATION UMBER Change engine oil and oil filter and clean tappet screen. Inspect transmission lubricant level and condition. Inspect air cleaner and service as required. Check and adjust primary belt as needed.
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5,000-MILE MAINTENANCE NOTE: Retain a copy of this service for your records, or should you need future warranty service. EHICLE DENTIFICATION UMBER ٱ Change engine oil and oil filter and clean tappet screen. ٱ Inspect transmission lubricant level and condition. ٱ...
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7,500-MILE MAINTENANCE NOTE: Retain a copy of this service for your records, or should you need future warranty service. EHICLE DENTIFICATION UMBER ٱ Change engine oil and oil filter and clean tappet screen. ٱ Inspect transmission lubricant level and condition. ٱ...
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10,000-MILE MAINTENANCE NOTE: Retain a copy of this service for your records, or should you need future warranty service. EHICLE DENTIFICATION UMBER ٱ Change engine oil and oil filter and clean tappet screen. ٱ Inspect transmission lubricant level and condition. ٱ...
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