Starting & Stopping the Engine
Always follow the proper starting procedure described below.
For your safety, avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area such as a garage. Your motorcycle’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or death.
Your motorcycle can be started with the transmission in gear by pulling in the clutch lever before operating the starter.
Your motorcycle is equipped with a side stand ignition cut-off system. If the side stand is down—the engine cannot be started unless the transmission is in neutral. If the side stand is up—the engine can be started in neutral, or in gear with the clutch lever pulled in. After starting with the side stand down, the engine will stop if the transmission is put in gear before raising the side stand.
Preparation
Before starting, insert the key, turn the ignition switch ON, and confirm the following:
• The transmission is in neutral (neutral indicator light ON).
• The engine stop switch is set to RUN.
• The low oil pressure indicator is ON.
• The PGM-FI indicator is OFF.
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Starting & Stopping the Engine
The low oil pressure indicator should go off a few seconds after the engine starts. If the low oil pressure indicator lights during operation, stop the engine immediately and check the engine oil level.
Starting Procedure
This motorcycle has a fuel-injected engine with an automatic fast idle. Follow the procedure indicated below.
Any Air Temperature • Press the start button with the throttle completely closed.
The engine will not start if the throttle is fully open (because the electronic control module cuts off the fuel supply).
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Starting & Stopping the Engine
Flooded Engine
If the engine fails to start after repeated attempts, it may be flooded with excess fuel. To clear a flooded engine:
- Leave the engine stop switch set to RUN.
- Open the throttle fully.
- Press the start button for 5 seconds.
- Follow the normal starting procedure.
- If the engine starts, then open the throttle slightly if idling is unstable. If the engine does not start, wait 10 seconds, then follow steps 1 — 4 again.
If the engine still won’t start, refer to If Your Engine Quits or Won’t Start, page 183.
Bank Angle Sensor Ignition Cut-off System
Your motorcycle’s banking (lean angle) sensor system is designed to automatically stop the engine and fuel pump if the motorcycle is overturned.
Before restarting the engine, you must turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and then back to ON. The engine will not restart until you perform this procedure.
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Starting & Stopping the Engine
How to Stop the Engine
Normal Engine Stop To stop the engine, shift into neutral and turn the ignition switch OFF.
The engine stop switch should normally remain in the RUN position even when the engine is OFF.
If your motorcycle is stopped with the engine stop switch OFF and the ignition switch ON, the headlight and taillight will remain on, resulting in battery discharge.
Emergency Engine Stop To stop the engine in an emergency, use the engine stop switch. To operate, press the switch to the OFF position.
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Shifting Gears
shifting pattern
Your motorcycle has six forward gears in a one-down, five-up shift pattern which is coordinated with a hydraulically actuated clutch system.
Learning when to shift gears comes with experience. Keep the following tips in mind:
- As a general rule, shift while moving in a straight line.
- Close the throttle and pull the clutch lever in completely before shifting. Improper shifting may damage the engine, transmission, and drive train.
- Learn to recognize the engagement point as you release the clutch lever. It is at this point the transmission of power to the rear wheel resumes.
- Upshift to a higher gear or reduce throttle before engine rpm (speed) gets too high. Learn the relationship between engine sound and the normal shifting points.
- Downshift to a lower gear before you feel the engine laboring (lugging) at low rpm.
(cont'd)
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Shifting Gears
- Avoid downshifting to help slow your motorcycle when engine rpm is near its allowable maximum (near the tachometer red zone). In this situation, the rev limiter in the engine ignition control module may not prevent excessive engine speed which could damage the engine.
- To prevent transmission damage, do not coast or tow the motorcycle for long distances with the engine off.
Recommended Shift Points
Ride in the highest gear that lets the engine run and accelerate smoothly. This will give you good fuel economy and effective emissions control. When changing gears under normal conditions, use these recommended shift points:
Shifting Up:
From 1st to 2nd: 12 mph (20 km/h) From 2nd to 3rd: 19 mph (30 km/h) From 3rd to 4th: 25 mph (40 km/h) From 4th to 5th: 31 mph (50 km/h) From 5th to 6th: 37 mph (60 km/h)
Shifting Down:
From 6th to 5th: 28 mph (45 km/h) From 5th to 4th: 22 mph (35 km/h) From 4th to 3rd: 16 mph (25 km/h)
Pull the clutch lever in when speed drops below 9 mph (15 km/h), when engine roughness is evident, or when engine stalling is imminent; and shift down to 1st gear for acceleration.
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Braking
Your motorcycle is equipped with a Linked Braking System. Operating the front brake lever applies the front brake and a portion of the rear brake. Operating the rear brake pedal applies the rear brake and a portion of the front brake. For full braking effectiveness, use both the lever and pedal simultaneously, as you would with a conventional motorcycle braking system.
Model Not Equipped with ABS: As with a conventional motorcycle braking system, excessively hard application of the brake controls may cause wheel lock, reducing control of the motorcycle.
To slow or stop, apply the brake lever and brake pedal smoothly, while downshifting to match your speed.
Gradually increase braking as you feel the brakes slowing your speed. The increase in engine compression from downshifting will help slow your motorcycle.
To prevent stalling the engine, pull the clutch lever in before coming to a complete stop. For support, put your left foot down first, then your right foot when you are through using the brake pedal.
Applying the brakes too hard may cause the wheels to lock and slide, reducing control of your motorcycle. If this happens, release the brake controls, steer straight ahead until you regain control, then reapply the brakes more gently.
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Braking
When possible, reduce your speed or complete braking before entering a turn. Avoid braking or closing the throttle quickly while turning. Either action may cause one or both wheels to slip and reduce your control of your motorcycle.
Your ability to brake in a turn and to brake hard in an emergency situation are important riding skills. We suggest attending a Motorcycle Safety Foundation experienced rider training course (page 44 ) to retain these skills.
When riding in wet or rainy conditions, or on loose surfaces, the ability to maneuver and stop will be reduced. All of your actions should be smooth under these conditions. Rapid acceleration, braking or turning may cause loss of control. For your safety, exercise extreme caution when braking, accelerating or turning.
When descending a long, steep grade, use engine compression braking by downshifting, with intermittent use of both brakes. Continuous brake application can overheat the brakes and reduce their effectiveness.
Riding with your foot resting on the brake pedal or your hand on the brake lever may actuate the brakelight, giving a false indication to other drivers. It may also overheat the brakes, reducing effectiveness.
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Braking
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
(INTERCEPTOR ABS)
This model is also equipped with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) designed to help prevent wheel lock up during hard braking on uneven or other poor surfaces while running straight. Although the wheel may not lock up—if you are braking too hard in a turn the motorcycle can still lose traction, causing a loss of control.
In some situations, a motorcycle with ABS may require a longer stopping distance to stop on loose or uneven surfaces than an equivalent motorcycle without ABS.
ABS cannot make up for road conditions, bad judgment, or improper operation of the brakes. It is still your responsibility to ride at reasonable speeds for weather, road surface, and traffic conditions, and to leave a margin of safety.
ABS is self-checking and always on.
ABS may be activated by riding over a sharp drop or rise in the road level.
It is important to follow the tire recommendations (page 152). The ABS computer works by comparing wheel speed. Non-recommended tires can affect wheel speed and may confuse the ABS computer.
ABS does not function at low speeds (approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) or below).
ABS does not function if the battery is discharged.
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Braking
ABS Indicator
(INTERCEPTOR ABS) Normally, this indicator comes on when the ignition is turned ON, and goes off after you ride the motorcycle at a speed above 6 mph (10 km/h). If there is an ABS problem, the indicator comes on and remains on. The ABS system does not operate when the ABS indicator is on.
If the ABS indicator comes on while riding, stop the motorcycle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
Turn the ignition ON again. The indicator should come on, and go off after you ride the motorcycle at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h). If it does not go off, ABS is not functioning, but the brakes still work the Linked Braking System and provide normal stopping ability. However, you should have the system checked by Honda dealer as soon as possible.
The ABS indicator may come on if you turn the rear wheel while the motorcycle is upright on the stand. This is normal. Turn the ignition OFF, then turn it ON. The indicator should come on, then go off after you run the motorcycle above 6 mph (10 km/h).
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Parking
- Look for a level parking area. If you can’t park on a paved surface, make sure the ground surface is firm. If you must park on a hill, leave the transmission in gear.
Make sure flammable materials such as dry grass or leaves do not come in contact with the exhaust system when parking your motorcycle. Refer to Catalytic Converter, page 229 .
- Use the side stand to support the motorcycle while parked.
- To lower the side stand, use your foot to guide it down. Remember that lowering the side stand with the transmission in gear will stop the engine, even if the clutch lever is pulled in. That is a function of the side stand ignition cut-off system.
- Check that the side stand is down all the way so that the side stand ignition cut-off system (page 53 ) is activated.
(cont’d)
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Parking
- If you have to park on a soft surface, insert something solid under the center stand for support.
- To lower the center stand, stand on the left side of the motorcycle. Hold the left hand grip with your left hand and, with your right hand, grasp the holder above the passenger footpeg. Press down on the tip of the stand with your right foot and, simultaneously, pull up and back on the hand grip.
- Use the steering lock, which locks the handlebar in place. Turn the handlebar all the way to the left or right. Push in on the ignition key (1) and turn it to LOCK. Remove the key.
FRONT CENTER
(1) ignition key (A) push in (B) turn to LOCK (C) turn to UNLOCK
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Parking
- Use the helmet holder to secure your helmet with your motorcycle:
- Remove the seat (page 90).
- Hang your helmet on the holder hooks (1).
- Install the seat.
(1)
(1) holder hooks
▲ WARNING
Riding with a helmet attached to the holder can interfere with the rear wheel or suspension and could cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Use the helmet holder only while parked. Do not ride with a helmet secured by the holder.
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Parking
Theft-Prevention Tips
● Park your motorcycle in a locked garage whenever possible. If a garage isn’t available, park in a concealed area or in a well-lit area with enough pedestrian traffic to discourage a thief. ● Always take the ignition key with you. ● Always use the steering lock (page 64 ), even if you’re parking for just a minute or two. A thief can easily push an unlocked motorcycle to a waiting truck. ● In addition to the steering lock, use a good quality anti-theft device made specifically to lock a motorcycle to a secure object.
● If you decide to use an anti-theft device, select one of good quality and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. ● The rear fender has a storage compartment to store a U-shaped lock under the seat. After storing, use the rubber band (1) to securely fasten the lock. Some U-shaped locks may not be stored in the compartment due to their size or design.
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Parking
UNDER SEAT
(1) rubber band
• Keep your owner’s manual, current registration, and insurance information with your motorcycle. This will make it easier for the authorities to find you if your motorcycle is stolen and recovered.
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Riding with a Passenger or Cargo
Your motorcycle is a high-performance sport model designed to carry you and one passenger. Whenever you add a passenger or cargo, you must be careful not to exceed the total load limits for this vehicle (Load Limits, page 49). Make sure your cargo is properly secured (Loading Guidelines, page 49).
Also consider adjusting the suspension (page 134) for the extra load.
Be aware that carrying a passenger or heavy cargo can affect acceleration, braking, and handling.
Before riding with a passenger, make sure your passenger is wearing the proper protective apparel (page 42). Also check that your passenger is not wearing any loose apparel that might get caught in the drive chain.
Tell your passenger to hold the grab rail or your waist, lean with you in the turns, and keep their feet on the passenger footpegs at all times, even when the motorcycle is stopped at a traffic light.
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