Controls & Features
I gnition Switch
The ignition switch is used for starting and stopping the engine (page 61) and to lock the steering for theft prevention (page 73). Insert the key and turn it to the right for the ON and ACC (accessory) positions. Push down on the key and turn it to the left to the LOCK (steering lock) position.
Controls & Features
Engine Stop Switch
RIGHT HANDLEBAR
The engine stop switch is used to stop the engine in an emergency. To operate, turn the switch to the OFF position. The switch must be in the RUN position to start the engine, and it should normally remain in the RUN position even when the engine is OFF.
If your motorcycle is stopped with the ignition switch ON and the engine stop switch OFF, the headlight and taillight will remain on, resulting in battery discharge.
Instruments & Controls 31
Controls & Features
Start/Reverse Button
The start/reverse button is used for starting the engine. Pushing the button in starts the engine. See Starting the Engine, page 62.
When the start/reverse button is pushed, the starter motor will crank the engine; the headlight will automatically go out, but the taillight will stay on.
The starter motor will not operate if the engine stop switch is in the OFF position when the start/reverse button is pushed.
The start/reverse button is also used for reverse riding. See Reverse Riding, page 66.
Reverse (RVS) Switch
The reverse switch is used to shift into reverse gear so you may back up your motorcycle. For instructions, see Reverse Riding, page 66.
Cruise Control Switches
Three switches are used to activate, adjust, and de-activate the cruise control system: a cruise control master switch, a SET/DECEL switch, and a RESUME/ACCEL switch. For operating instructions, see Riding with Cruise Control, page 77.
32 Instruments & Controls
Controls & Features
Headlight Dimmer Switch
The headlight dimmer switch is used to change between the high and low headlight beams. To operate, push the button to HI for high beam, LO for low beam.
LEFT HANDLEBAR
headlight dimmer switch audio control switches turn signal switch horn button
HI LO
Turn Signal Switch
The turn signal switch is used to signal a turn. To operate, move the switch all the way to the left or right and release it.
The appropriate turn signal lights will start blinking. The lights will automatically stop when you complete the turn. (You can manually cancel the lights by pushing the switch in.)
To signal a lane change, move the switch all the way to the left or right and release it. The turn signal lights will automatically stop in 7 seconds or after riding 110 yards (120 m).
Instruments & Controls 33
Controls & Features
Horn Button
The horn is used to alert other motorists. To operate, push the button.
Audio Control Switches
The audio controls mounted on the left handlebar and above the fuel fill compartment are used to operate the radio. For specific features and operation instructions, see Audio Systems, page 81 .
Hazard Warning System Switch
The hazard warning system switch is used to activate the hazard lights on your motorcycle if you need to stop near heavy traffic or if your motorcycle is disabled.
To operate, turn the ignition key to the ON or ACC position, and push the hazard warning system switch. The front and rear turn signals will blink simultaneously until you push the switch again.
LEFT SIDE
34 Instruments & Controls
Controls & Features
Headlight Beam Adjustment Knob
The adjustment knob is used to raise or lower the height of the headlight beam. You may need to adjust the headlight if you change to a lighter or heavier load than you normally carry on your motorcycle.
If you carry a heavier or lighter than normal load, you may need to adjust your headlight beam so you can better see the road ahead and don’t blind oncoming drivers. Obey local laws and regulations concerning headlight adjustment.
To operate, start the engine. To lower the beam, turn the headlight beam adjustment knob counterclockwise. To raise the beam, turn the knob clockwise.
Rear Spring Pre-load Adjustment Switch
The rear spring pre-load adjustment switch is used to adjust the rear suspension to suit your load and riding conditions. For instructions on when and how to adjust the rear suspension, see Suspension Adjustments, page 144.
Ventilation Controls
The windshield ventilation louver and the side ventilation louvers are used to direct the flow of fresh air. For instructions, see page 57.
Windshield Height Adjustment
The windshield height adjustment levers are used to raise or lower your windshield to suit your riding preference. For instructions, see page 56.
Instruments & Controls 35
36 Instruments & Controls
Before Riding
Before each ride, you need to make sure you and your Honda are both ready to ride. To help get you prepared, this section discusses how to evaluate your riding readiness, what items you should check on your motorcycle, and adjustments to make for your comfort, convenience, or safety. This section also includes important information about loading.
For information about adjusting the suspension on your Honda, see page 143.
- Are You Ready to Ride? ........ 38
- Protective Apparel ........ 38
- Rider Training ........ 40
- Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride? ........ 41
- Pre-ride Inspection ........ 41
- Load Limits & Guidelines ........ 43
- Loading ........ 43
- Load Limits ........ 44
- Loading Guidelines ........ 44
- Cargo Compartment ........ 45
- Travel Trunk & Saddlebags ........ 45
- Remote Transmitter ........ 49
- Fairing Pockets ........ 53
- Trunk Side Pockets ........ 54
- Comfort & Convenience Adjustment ........ 55
- Windshield Height Adjustment ........ 56
- Side Ventilation Louvers ........ 57
- Windshield Ventilation Louver ........ 57
- Accessories ........ 58
- Accessory (ACC) Terminal ........ 58
Before Riding 37
Are You Ready to Ride?
Before you ride your motorcycle for the first time, we urge you to: • Read this owner’s manual. • Make sure you understand all the safety messages. • Know how to operate all the controls.
Before each ride, be sure: • You feel well and are in good physical and mental condition. • You are wearing an approved motorcycle helmet (with chin strap tightened securely), eye protection, and other protective clothing. • You don’t have any alcohol or drugs in your system.
Make sure your passenger is ready to ride, too, and is wearing proper gear including a helmet.
If you must carry an extra helmet while riding, use a commercially-available elastic cord, strap, or net to secure the helmet to the seat.
Protective Apparel
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you always wear an approved motorcycle helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket whenever you ride.
Although complete protection is not possible, wearing proper gear can reduce the chance of injury when you ride.
Following are suggestions to help you choose the proper gear.
38 Before Riding
Are You Ready to Ride?
Helmets and Eye Protection
Your helmet is your most important piece of riding gear because it offers the best protection against head injuries. A helmet should fit your head comfortably and securely. A bright-colored helmet and reflective strips can make you more noticeable in traffic.
An open-face helmet offers some protection, but a full-face helmet offers more. Regardless of the style, look for a DOT (Department of Transportation) sticker in any helmet you buy (USA only). Always wear a face shield or goggles to protect your eyes and help your vision.
WARNING
Not wearing a helmet increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash.
Be sure you and your passenger always wear a helmet, eye protection, and other protective apparel when you ride.
Additional Riding Gear
In addition to a helmet and eye protection, we also recommend:
- Sturdy boots with non-slip soles to help protect your feet and ankles.
- Leather gloves to help protect your hands.
- A motorcycle riding suit or jacket for comfort as well as protection.
Bright-colored and reflective clothing can help make you more noticeable in traffic. Avoid loose clothes that could get caught on any part of your motorcycle.
Before Riding 39
Are You Ready to Ride?
Rider Training
Developing your riding skills is an on-going process. Even if you have ridden other motorcycles, take time to become familiar with how this motorcycle works and handles. Practice riding the motorcycle in a safe area to build your skills. Do not ride in traffic until you get accustomed to the motorcycle’s controls, and feel comfortable with its size and weight.
We urge all riders to take a certified course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). New riders should start with the basic course, and even experienced riders will find the advanced course beneficial. For information about the MSF training course nearest you, call the national toll-free number: (800) 446-9227.
Other riding tips can be found in the Riding Tips booklet that came with your motorcycle (USA only).
40 Before Riding
Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride?
Before each ride, it’s important to inspect your motorcycle and make sure any problem you find is corrected. A pre-ride inspection is a must, not only for safety, but because having a breakdown, or even a flat tire, can be a major inconvenience.
⚠ WARNING
Improperly maintaining this motorcycle or failing to correct a problem before riding can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always perform a pre-ride inspection before every ride and correct any problems.
Pre-ride Inspection
Check the following items before you get on the motorcycle:
Before Riding 41
Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride?
If you are carrying a passenger or cargo, also check the following:
Load Limits Make sure you do not exceed the load limits (page 44).
Cargo Check that all cargo is secure.
Adjustments Adjust the rear suspension (page 143) according to your load.
Check these items after you get on the motorcycle:
Throttle Rotate the throttle to check it moves smoothly without binding.
Brakes Pull the brake lever and press on the brake pedal to check that they operate normally.
Indicators Turn the ignition on and check for normal operation of the indicators (page 15).
Gauges Check the fuel level and other gauges (page 15).
If you haven’t ridden the motorcycle in over a week, you should also check other items, such as the oil level and other fluids. See Periodic Maintenance (page 107). Periodic maintenance should also be done at least once a month, no matter how often you ride.
Remember, be sure to take care of any problem you find, or have your Honda dealer correct it before you ride.
42 Before Riding
Load Limits & Guidelines
Your motorcycle has been designed to carry you and one passenger. When you carry a passenger, you may feel some difference during acceleration and braking. But so long as you keep your motorcycle well-maintained, with good tires and brakes, you can safely carry loads within the given limits and guidelines.
However, exceeding the weight limit or carrying an unbalanced load can seriously impair your motorcycle’s handling, braking, and stability. Non-Honda accessories, improper modifications, and poor maintenance can also reduce your safety margin.
Loading
How much weight you put on your motorcycle, and how you load it, are important to your safety. Anytime you ride with a passenger or cargo, you should be aware of the following information.
WARNING Overloading or improper loading can cause a crash and you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this manual.
Before Riding 43
Load Limits & Guidelines
Load Limits
Following are the load limits for your motorcycle:
maximum weight capacity: = 417 lbs (189 kg) includes the weight of the rider, = 425 lbs (193 kg) passenger, all cargo, and all accessories. (Canada only)
maximum cargo weight: = 71 lbs (32 kg) includes following maximum compartment weights: travel trunk = 20.0 lbs (9.0 kg) each saddlebag = 20.0 lbs (9.0 kg) each fairing pocket = 4.5 lbs (2.0 kg) each trunk side pocket = 1.0 lbs (0.5 kg)
The weight of added accessories will reduce the maximum cargo weight you can carry.
Loading Guidelines
Improperly loading your motorcycle can affect its stability and handling. Even if your motorcycle is properly loaded, you should ride at reduced speeds and never exceed 80 mph (130 km/h) when carrying cargo.
Follow these guidelines whenever you carry a passenger or cargo: • Check that both tires are properly inflated (page 152). • If you change your normal load, you may need to adjust the rear suspension (page 143). • To prevent loose items from creating a hazard, make sure that all cargo is tied down securely before you ride. • Place cargo weight as low and close to the center of your motorcycle as possible. • Balance cargo weight evenly on both sides. • Make sure all cargo compartments are securely closed. • Check the headlight beam adjustment if you change your normal load. • Do not attach large or heavy items (such as a sleeping bag or tent) to the handlebar, forks, or fender.
44 Before Riding