Safe Riding Practices

Content Source: 2020 Indian Chief, Chieftain, Springfield and Roadmaster Rider’s Manual (9930566 R03) > Safety Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Safe Riding Practices

WARNING

Improper use of a motorcycle can result in serious injury or death to you, your passenger and others. To minimize the risk of injury, read and understand the information contained in this section before operating the motorcycle. This section contains safety information specific to the INDIAN motorcycle, as well as information about general motorcycle safety. Anyone who rides the motorcycle (operators and passengers) must follow these safety precautions.

Motorcycling Has Inherent Risks

You can minimize those risks, but you can't eliminate them completely. Even if you’re an experienced motorcycle operator or passenger, read all of the safety information in this manual before operating the motorcycle.

Take a rider education course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or another qualified instructor. The course will help you develop or refresh your expertise in safe riding habits through instruction and riding. For information on Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider education courses in your area, call 1-800-446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.
Read and understand all information in this rider’s manual.
Observe all maintenance requirements specified in this manual. See the INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Service Manual or an authorized INDIAN MOTORCYCLE dealer.

Design Characteristics Affect How You Should Ride The Motorcycle

The motorcycle is designed for on-road use with one rider (and one passenger if the motorcycle is equipped with a passenger seat). Never exceed the GVWR or the GAWR. Refer to the Specifications section, or the Manufacturing Information/VIN label on the motorcycle frame for model-specific information.
Riding off-road, riding with more than one passenger, or carrying weight exceeding the maximum weight rating can make handling difficult, which could cause loss of control.
During the first 500 miles (800 km) of operation, follow all break-in procedures as outlined on Engine Break-In. Failure to do so can result in serious engine damage.
If your motorcycle is equipped with saddlebags, a windshield or a passenger backrest, be prepared to reduce operating speed to maintain stability.

Follow These General Safe Riding Practices

Before each ride, perform the Pre-Ride Inspections. Failure to do so may result in damage to the motorcycle or an accident.
Until you're thoroughly familiar with the motorcycle and all of its controls, practice riding where there is little or no traffic. Practice riding at a moderate speed on various road surfaces and in different weather conditions.
Know your skills and limits, and ride within them.
Allow only licensed, experienced operators to ride your motorcycle, and then only after they have become familiar with its controls and operation. Make sure all riders read and understand this rider’s manual before riding.
Do not ride when you're fatigued, ill or under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs or any other drugs. Fatigue, illness, alcohol and drugs can cause drowsiness, loss of coordination and loss of balance. They can also affect your awareness and judgment.
If your motorcycle operates abnormally, correct the problem immediately. See the INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Service Manual or an authorized INDIAN MOTORCYCLE dealer.
Ride defensively, as if you are invisible to other motorists, even in broad daylight. A motorist's failure to see or recognize a motorcycle is the leading cause of automobile/motorcycle accidents. Ride where you're clearly visible to other motorists, and observe their behavior carefully.
Be especially cautious at intersections, as these are the most likely places for an accident.
To prevent loss of control, keep your hands on the handlebars and your feet on the footrests.
Be aware that a highway bar is not designed to protect the rider from injury in a collision.
Obey the speed limit and adjust your speed and riding technique based on road, weather and traffic conditions. As you travel faster, the influence of all other conditions increases, which can affect the motorcycle's stability and increase the possibility of losing control.
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.