Indian Motorcycle Chief Dark Horse 2020, Owner'S Manual

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• Do not move or operate the motorcycle with the steering locked
(if equipped), as the severely restricted steering could result in
loss of control.
• Reduce speed when:
– The road has potholes or is otherwise rough or uneven.
– The road contains sand, dirt, gravel or other loose
substances.
– The road is wet, icy or oily.
– The road contains painted surfaces, manhole covers, metal
grating, railway crossings or other slippery surfaces.
– The weather is windy, rainy or otherwise causing slippery or
rapidly changing conditions.
– Traffic is heavy, congested, not allowing sufficient space
between vehicles or otherwise not flowing smoothly.
– You are being passed in either direction by a large vehicle
that may produce a wind blast in its wake.
• When approaching a curve, choose a speed and lean angle that
allows you to pass through the curve in your own lane without
applying the brakes. Excessive speed, improper lean angle or
braking in a curve can cause loss of control.
• Ground clearance is reduced when the motorcycle leans. Do not
allow components to contact the road surface when leaning the
motorcycle in a curve, as this could cause loss of control.
• Do not tow a trailer. Towing a trailer can make the motorcycle
hard to handle.
• Retract the sidestand fully before riding. If the sidestand is not
fully retracted, it could contact the road surface and cause loss
of control.
• To maximize braking effectiveness, use the front and rear brakes
together. Be aware of the following braking facts and practices:
– The rear brake provides 40% of the motorcycle's stopping
power, at most. Use the front and rear brakes together.
– To avoid skidding, apply the brakes gradually when the road
is wet or rough, or contains loose or other slippery
substances.
– If possible, avoid applying the brakes while making a turn.
Motorcycle tires have less traction during turns, so braking
will increase the possibility of skidding. Bring the motorcycle
to the upright position before applying the brakes.
– With new pads and rotors, allow up to 250 miles (500 km) of
operation in urban driving conditions (not highway cruising)
to allow pads to mate with new rotors. Brakes should be used
frequently. During this time brake performance will be less
effective. Avoid using brakes harshly unless in an
emergency. Brake efficiency will gradually increase during
this seating period.
• Hot engine and exhaust components can cause burns to skin
and can ignite a fire if exposed to flammable materials. Always
park the motorcycle clear of flammable materials and where
people are not likely to contact hot components.
11
SAFETY
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