Crossfire CF140L, Owner'S Manual

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BRAKING TECHNIQUE
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This section will cover basic braking technique for your motorcycle. To slow or stop the motorcycle,
squeeze and hold the clutch lever and apply the front brake lever and rear brake pedal finnly and smoothly.
If your speed is reduced a significant amount, you may need to downshift to a lower gear. Gradually
increase your braking pressure as you feel it is needed. When you come to a stop, put your left foot down
first, then the right foot. Do this so that your brake pedal foot remains on the brake pedal until you come to a
complete stop. To prevent the engine from stalling, always pull and hold the clutch lever when slowing to a
complete stop unless you are in neutral.
For maximum braking, close the throttle and finnly apply both the front and rear brake. On a motorcycle,
the front brake accounts for 70% of the total stopping power of the motorcycle. The rear brake only
accounts for 30%. This is because of the weight transfer that occurs when you apply the brakes. When you
must stop quickly, you must use the front brake together with the rear brake.
Remember that you can apply more brake to the front wheel than you can to the rear wheel before it will
lock up and cause a skid. Finding the proper balance between the amount of front and rear brake pressure
you use will come with experience. Attempting an abrupt stop with only the rear brake will likely cause a
skid.
Applying the brakes too hard or too fast can cause the wheels to lock and cause a skid, reducing your control
of the motorcycle. If this happens, release the brake controls and steer straight ahead until you regain control
of the motorcycle. Once you have control, reapply the brakes with less force.
Generally, reduce your speed and complete your braking before you begin a tum. Avoid braking or closing
the throttle quickly while turning. Either of these actions may cause one or both of the wheels to slip. Any
wheel slip will reduce your control over the motorcycle and could cause a crash.
When riding in wet or rainy conditions, or on loose surfaces such as mud or sand, your ability to maneuver
and stop the motorcycle will be reduced. All of your actions should be done in a smooth and steady manner
under these conditions. Rapid acceleration, braking, or turning can cause you to lose control of the
motorcycle. For your safety, exercise extreme caution when riding under wet, rainy, and/or muddy
conditions.
When descending a long, steep grade, use engine compression braking by downshifting with intennittent use
of both brakes.
PARKING & POST RIDE INSPECTION
Lower the side stand, to support your motorcycle. Press and hold the red stop switch on the left side of the
handle bar until your engine stops. If you arc through riding for the day, tum the fuel valve to the "OFF"
position. Always park the motorcycle on a flat level surface. If you will be storing the motorcycle for a long
period of time, tum the fuel valve to the "OFF" position while tbe engine is still running. Open and close the
throttle repeatedly until the engine stops running on its own. Do this to use up any foel that still remains in
the carburetor. This will help you avoid carburetor problems that can occur when your motorcycle is stored
for long periods of time with gasoline left in the carburetor.
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BASIC MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
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RIMS & SPOKES
Maintenance of spokc tension and wheel trueness (roundness) is critical to safe motorcycle operation.
During the first I OOmiles of riding, spokes will loosen faster due to the initial seating of the parts.
Excessively loose spokes will cause the motorcycle to become unstable at high speed and could cause you to
lose control. Loose spokes can also cause rim and spoke damage (not covered in the warranty).
lt is not necessary to remove the wheels for regular maintenance. However, infonnation on wheel removal
is available from C rossfire Motorcycles.
TIRE AIR PRESSURE
WHEEL INSPECTION (FRONT & REAR)
1. Inspect the wheel rimsO and spokes G) for damage.
Feel all of the spokes with your fingers to make sure none
are loose.
2. Tighten any loose spokes with a small adjustable wrench
or spoke wrench from the spoke nut
e
3. Elevate each wheel off the ground, one at a time, and
spin the wheel slowly. Look for a wobble in the wheel. If
a wobble is evident, the wheel is not "true". See your
C rossfire Motorcycles dealer or local motorcycle shop for
inspection.
Properly inflated tires will provide you with the best combination of handling, tread life, and riding comfort.
Generally speaking, underinflated tires will wear unevenly and adversely affect handling. Underinflated tires
are also more likely to fail from being overheated and can cause wheel damage on rocky terrain.
Overinflated tires will cause the motorcycle to ride harshly, are prone to failure from surface hazards and
wear unevenly.
Make sure the valve stem caps are secure, if needed, install a new cap. Always check air pressure when your
tires are cold. If you check the air pressure when the tires are wann, you will get higher readings. If you let
air out of waim tires to match the recommended cold tire pressure, the tires will be underinflated. The
correct cold tire pressures are listed below. If you replace the tire, inflate the tire to the following tire
pressure amount marked below.
TIRE PRESSURE
foff-roadl
Front Tire
Rear Tire
15·18Psi (104-124 kPa)
15-18Psi (104-124 kPa)
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USING TIRES THAT ARE EXCESSIVELY WORN OR
IMPROPERLY INFLATED CAN CAUSE A CRASH IN
WHICH YOU CAN BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR
KILLED. FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS
OWNER'S MANUAL REGARDING TIRE INFLATION
ANO MAINTENANCE.