The points given below are applicable for everyday motorcycle use and should be carefully observed for safe and effective vehicle operation.
For safety, eye protection and a helmet are strongly recommended.
You should be aware of and verify the applicable safety regulations in force prior to riding your motorcycle.
Gloves and suitable footwear should also be used for added protection in case of a mishap.
A motorcycle does not provide the impact protection of an automobile, so defensive riding in addition to wearing protective apparel is extremely important. Do not let protective apparel give you a false sense of security.
When riding always keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the footpegs. Removing your hands from the handlebars or feet from the footpegs while riding can be hazardous. If you remove even one hand or foot, you can reduce your ability to control the motorcycle.
Before changing lanes, look over your shoulder to make sure the way is clear. Do not rely solely on the rear view mirror; you may misjudge a vehicle’s distance and speed, or you may not see it at all.
In general your actions should be smooth as sudden acceleration, braking or turning may cause loss of control, especially when riding in wet conditions or on loose roadway surfaces, when the ability to maneuver will be reduced.
When going up steep slopes, shift to a lower gear so that there is plenty of power to spare rather than overloading the engine.
When applying the brakes, use both the front and rear brakes. Applying only one brake for sudden braking may cause the motorcycle to skid and lose control.
When going down long slopes, control vehicle speed by closing the throttle. Use the front and rear brakes for auxiliary braking.
In wet conditions, rely more on the throttle to control vehicle speed and less on the front and rear brakes.
The throttle should also be used judiciously to avoid skidding the rear wheel from too rapid acceleration or deceleration.
Riding at the proper rate of speed and avoiding unnecessarily fast acceleration are important not only for safety and low fuel consumption but also for long vehicle life and quieter operation.
On rough roads, exercise caution, slow down, and grip the fuel tank with knees for better stability.
When quick acceleration is necessary as in passing, shift to a lower gear to obtain the necessary power.
Do not downshift at too high an r/min (rpm) to avoid damage from overrevving to the engine.
Avoiding unnecessary weaving is important to the safety of both the rider and other motorists.
Safe operation
Daily ChecksOxygen Sensor Removal (Equipped Models)
Remove:
Fuel Tank (see Fuel Tank Removal in the Fuel System
(DFI) chapter)
Right Lower Fairing (see Lower Fairing Removal in the
Frame chapter)
Disconnect the oxygen sensor lead connector [A].
NOTICE
Do not pull strongly, twist, or bend the oxygen sensor
lead. This may cause the wi ...
Radiator Inspection
Remove the radiator (see Radiator and Radiator Fan Removal).
Check the radiator core.
If there are obstructions to air flow, remove them.
If the corrugated fins [A] are deformed, carefully
straighten them.
If the air passages of the radiator core are blocked more
than 20% by unremovable ...
Wheel Rotation Sensor Rotor Inspection
Remove:
Wheels (see Front/Rear Wheel Removal in the
Wheels/Tires chapter)
Brake Disc Mounting Bolts [A]
Sensor Rotor [B]
Front Wheel [C]
Rear Wheel [D]
Visually inspect the wheel rotation sensor rotor.
If the rotor is deformed or damaged (chipped teeth [A]),
replace the ...